How to reform spending a little - 21 ideas to transform your home (2023)

As the saying goes, don't mess around, get better. We are all for affordable home improvements that can enhance your home and maximize the use of your living space. Whether you're updating the bathroom shower, adding a skylight to the bedroom, or sprucing up the original Victorian tiles in the hallway, we've got cheap renovation ideas to make your dream come true.

But, where to start to reform spending little? Here's just a sampling of our 21 best home improvements under £1,000 to inspire your renovation projects.

Renovation Ideas on a Budget

1. Open or throw away the old front door

To make a lasting impression, start at the front door, because the rightideas at your door(opens in a new tab)adds instant irritation from the brakes. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to transform an existing door. Not only does it liven up the door, but it gives a new look to the entire exterior of your home.

But if your front door has had its day, invest in a new one to make a great first impression, or install a new knocker or handle using ourhow to put the door handle(opens in a new tab)Guide. You can even create your own.

Cost:Exterior paint can cost as little as £20, with a new front door costing between £300 and £1,000.

2. Put up a fancy stair runner

Stairs are often the first thing visitors see when they enter your home. So why not update those shabby steps with a stylish stair runner? It's also a great place to enjoy a bit of color. Make a big impression by choosing a striped or colored runner. Or go elegant with a neutral fabric or a thick, lightweight pile.

Cost:For just a few hundred pounds, you can turn a hilltop hallway into the powerful introduction your home deserves. One of our readers did an amazing DIY job with IKEA rugs! See the results here:See how this old-fashioned staircase has been given a chic makeover with £1.50 IKEA rugs(opens in a new tab)

3. Paint the floorboards

It's the one DIY and decorating project that can transform any room quickly (or perhaps overnight to allow the paint to dry completely). A new coastal paint job can give a bedroom, hallway or similarliving room idea(opens in a new tab)a new decorating scheme. Whether you're looking to add color or update white, lacquered planks are transformative yet extremely affordable.

Cost:Many of today's most popular colors do not require an additional primer, allowing you to paint the planks for as little as £25-50 depending on the area of ​​the floor.

4. Reinstall a fireplace

A fireplace is a wonderful focal point for any room. But unfortunately, they weren't as popular in the 1970s and 1980s, leading many owners to retire them. So if you have a fireplace without a chimney, why not reintroduce one? It certainly beats TV as a focal point and can bring back all that character you've been missing at home.

While a grand piano may not be enough to replace an ornate marble surround, there are many reasonably priced cast iron models available. You can buy a cute combo grid like this one for just £400.

Cost:Installation can vary, but if there is a bare wall with a hole in it, it should cost around £300, while it can cost up to £600 if an unsuitable chimney must be removed first.

5. Take care of your cornice

The original features are a real bonus, but sometimes they need a bit of maintenance to restore them to their original glory. Decorative cornices are often lost under decades of paint – removing them can really bring out the historic details.

Cost:Although you can buy decoating products yourself, you will need safety glasses and a lot of patience. Bring in the professionals and you can rebuild a 10ft x 10ft room quickly for less than £1,000. Call Cornice Cleaning, who can do the job for you.

6. Create custom bookshelves

You can never have enough storage space, so make the most of every inch with custom shelving. Outsidesmart niche designs(opens in a new tab)For Tricky Corners: Making the most of awkward alcoves is the perfect way to utilize every corner for smart storage.

Cost:It makes sense to have the shelves tailored to your content and create your own super-efficient library system. If it's useful, you can keep costs to a minimum. Alternatively, these niche shelves can be built, installed and painted by The London Alcove Company for £945.

7. Install a skylight

If you have a dark loft orlittle idea(opens in a new tab), Turnkey skylights are a relatively inexpensive architectural solution. Adding one or two will brighten up any dreary room and instantly transform it.

Cost:Velux skylights cost around £500 for the fixed solution without opening and should cost around £250/£350 for an experienced contractor.

8. Add a garden room

Add the extra boost of room to your property without the need for an expensive roomExpansion idea for small houses.(opens in a new tab). Maximize limited living space on a budget for onegarden room design idea(opens in a new tab). Whether it's a dedicated backyard space or a converted shed, a bonus room allows for a home office, gym, or summer cabin escape from home.

Cost:professionalgarden cost(opens in a new tab)It can be very expensive, so if you're on a budget, go for the vacation home or lose the idea. Laying a quality foundation comes at a cost, but with the right skills you can keep the price down by doing it yourself.

To power your garden, you'll need to pay a qualified electrician, with costs ranging from £300 to £500. But if you dig the power cable trench ahead of time to your specifications, the price stays low.

9. Upholster an old sofa

Update a vintage sofa or daybed with a new modern fabric slipcover. Or breathe new life into a sentimental piece of furniture with a stylish new upholstery.

Cost: A typical sofa requires around 8m of fabric, so go for a design for around £40 per m for a cost of £320. If you're unsure about your upholstery, a reputable upholstery service will offer services from £500.

10. Create an instant lawn

Green up your outdoor space with ultra-realistic artificial grass.Artificial grass, everything you need to know(opens in a new tab)– Instead of mowing, vacuum from time to time. Unlike the original, it won't yellow or dry out in the hot sun, making it a practical and attractive option if that's what you're looking for.grasslose garden(opens in a new tab).

Cost: carpet law(opens in a new tab)has six great styles to choose from, starting at £9.99 per square metre.

11. Change your countertops

Opt for a smooth countertop like laminate, which is usually the cheapest, with the illusion of finishing off an expensive design. Faux marble is very trendy right now, and faux wood is a classic that won't go out of style, just avoid all shades of orange.

Cost:a special requestkitchen counter idea(opens in a new tab)from Ikea amounts to around £1,000 including installation.

12. Turn on the splash guard

You can quickly transform your kitchen with a smart choice of tiles or an all-in-one glass.kitchen backsplash idea(opens in a new tab). Take a look at the designer tiles on the market, choose your favorite and find an affordable double.

If you want to reduce the amount of work, self-adhesive glass splashbacks are very easy to install. Laura Ashley has a wide range. or you can learnhow to grout tiles(opens in a new tab)even to save installation costs. Oh, and both apply to bathrooms, too!

Cost:You can buy a glass backsplash for just a few hundred dollars or tile a decorative design for the same cost.

13. Renovate or replace interior doors

Give any room an instant upgrade with the addition of a new door. From modern paint colors to refinishing old interior doors to a new set of glass window French doors, a new set of doors can transform a home's design. As this detached house with glass doors shows, aopen room idea(opens in a new tab)without removing walls or making structural changes.

Cost- When painting, the cost of Dulux Satinwood paint can be as low as £16 for 750ml. Replacement doors would cost more, but may be necessary for a complete overhaul of a design. The average cost to install interior French doors is between £300 and £500.

14. Turn on the shower

If your water pressure is low and you don't have a combi boiler, your shower may not be as invigorating. Installing a pump to increase the pressure and a thermostatic shower valve to maintain the temperature improves the temperature without end.

Cost:Supply and installation of a new pump should cost around £250, then £150-250 to install the shower head.

15. Hang flashy new curtains or blinds.

Beautify each room with a newwindow treatment idea(opens in a new tab)- be it curtains, blinds or a modern combination of both. Unlined curtain panels are easier to make than traditional drapes, and since pleats are not needed to increase the amount of fabric needed, you can opt for more luxurious options.

Cost:If you can make your own, factor in the cost of two to three yards of fabric per shade or blind. Or you can opt for a personalized service.Gardinen2Go(opens in a new tab)Constantly check the price or the competition to make sure you're getting a good deal. A 240cm x 180cm blackout curtain will cost less than €100.

16. Sliding window review

The spaces around a typical casement window can add up to a 6m2 hole. Therefore, having the help of an expert to repair your originals will greatly improve its performance and reduce your heating bills.

Cost:A window like this can be restored for £630, including sealing to stop noise, drafts, dirt and noise getting in and heat escaping, new cables and weights and new locks for added security all for one fraction of the price of the price ofreplacement window(opens in a new tab).

17. Hang fancy blinds

Expertstuffing ideas(opens in a new tab)they can make a statement in any room and are especially useful if you're wonderingHow to dress a window(opens in a new tab). They offer privacy and are a great way to filter light. Pair them with light voile curtains or forgo other window treatments altogether.

Cost: Shutterly FabelhaftYou can create blinds in any color you want. Four full-height panels, including an in-house consultation, 10% paint fee and custom installation, would cost around £1,000.

18. Lay out a modern rug

Carpets in high-traffic areas of the home don't have to stick to neutral tones; think icy colors for a modern look. Simply choose a wool blend for floors that are durable, soft underfoot, and stand out.

Cost:The average size of a room in the UK is 16m², so the total would be £480 for carpet which costs £30 per m² plus an additional £200-250 for installation and resurfacing.

19. Restore the original floors

Make a good first impression with a newhallway color scheme(opens in a new tab)B. for new tiles. Encaustic tiles often have a layer of old polish, wax or embedded dirt that detracts from their original charm. You may also have some broken or loose.

But don't panic, because a professional cleaning can help make your floor shine again. These beautifully restored cantera tiles work perfectly in this traditionalgray hallway idea(opens in a new tab).

Cost:For €1,000 you can clean, repair or replace loose or damaged tiles in an average hallway of about 6-8 m² and reseal the floor with a suitable product.London mosaic(opens in a new tab)offers a full range of catering services.

20. Insert wall panels

wall covering ideas(opens in a new tab)of all styles are currently very popular for home remodeling. Wall coverings are just as at home in a modern space as they are in a historic property, hiding a myriad of sins and adding interest to a space without any distinctive features. Pick the right dimensions and it can also be used to rebalance the proportions of an oddly shaped room.

Cost: wall covering companyHe can advise on all aspects of cladding and building a feature wall for around £1,000. However, to keep costs down, take inspiration from our reader who tried it and saved fortunes: Incredible Landlords£50 bedroom wall paneling makeover(opens in a new tab)

21. Place custom rugs to transform floors

If you're looking for the perfect rug but can't find the design of your dreams, don't despair. There are several companies that will help you create a rug or carpet to your exact specifications for less than you expect.

Cost:Rug Couture offers rugs in 360 standard colors and custom custom colors. Expect to pay around £194 per square metre.

What changes will you make in your house?