When floor space is limited, smart home renovation ideas make rooms feel larger without adding square footage. For example, knocking down walls to combine kitchen, dining and living areas makes a room feel bigger and brighter.
Paint and light fixtures get a lot of attention, but overlooked are small changes like a new backsplash that can add big visual impact. These and other budget-friendly, easy-to-do home renovation ideas add function, value and style to a home. Contact Home Remodeling Lexington KY for more information.
Add Storage Under the Stairs
Take advantage of the space under a staircase by transforming it into storage cabinets and pull-out drawers. This easy home remodeling idea is perfect for storing kitchen pantry items, kids toys, and more without taking up valuable floor space. You can also add built-in shelving for an added touch of style that is sure to impress. Another great home remodeling idea for small homes is to knock down walls between the kitchen, dining room, and living areas to create an open floor plan that is more spacious and inviting. This can make your small house feel much bigger and brighter!
Create Built-In Shelving
Unlike freestanding shelves, built-in shelving is integrated directly into the design of the room. This home remodeling idea can solve storage problems in the kitchen, living area, and other rooms while adding beauty and character to the space.
From floor-to-ceiling installations in a study to small niches flanking a fireplace, built-in bookshelves can be customized to fit the needs of a space and showcase homeowners’ personal style. Custom shelving units can be painted to match the walls for a clean, uncluttered look or highlighted with contrasting colors or materials for added drama. These streamlined shelving options help to maintain open and airy room layouts and are the perfect place to display treasured decor items and collectibles.
Homeowners can add even more style to their built-in shelves by incorporating millwork details like fluting and rosettes. They can also paint the shelf backs a bright shade to allow for easy visibility of books and other decor items. If you want your shelving to add a pop of color or texture, hang wallpaper behind the shelving or use molding as a decorative accent for a more polished look. Homeowners can take their built-in shelving to the next level by using organic materials or whimsical designs, such as a tree branch wall shelf, to create an eye-catching sculptural element that expresses their natural beauty and connection to nature.
Add Storage in the Garage
Adding storage in the garage is an underutilized home remodeling idea that can free up space in the living area. Add built-in shelves and cabinets to create a mudroom, or build track systems that allow you to easily store tools, sports equipment, and even bicycles. Another option is to turn the stairs into pullout drawers where you can stash seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and kids toys. You can also knock down walls to make your kitchen, dining, and living areas feel more open and inviting. These simple changes can transform your cozy home into a haven of comfort and style.
Add Recessed Cabinets and Shelves in the Bathroom
A must-have for bathrooms, recessed medicine cabinets are easy to install and a great space to store first aid supplies and toiletries without taking up valuable floorspace. They’re available in a variety of styles, including framed to match the vanity and frameless mirrored, to suit your design style. Add LED lights and power outlets to create a bright, spacious feel while eliminating the need for extra outlet extenders.
Another way to add more storage is with recessed shelving or niches. These are ideal for storing towels, shower items, or even extra toiletries and linens. They offer a sleek appearance and don’t take up any floorspace, so they can be added to any bathroom size.
When it comes to home improvement, the ceiling is often overlooked, but it can be a great place to add more storage and improve the overall look of a room. Add beadboard or shiplap for a modern farmhouse look, or paint it with an accent color to add a pop of color! You can also add faux wood beams for a rustic feel in any room.
Create an Outdoor Oasis
Turn your backyard into a tranquil retreat with comfortable seating and lush plants. Choose durable, weatherproof textiles for a comfortable, stylish look, and add low-maintenance lighting to illuminate walkways and highlight features. Create a sense of privacy with fencing, lattices, or pergolas. Or, opt for a gravel garden that looks beautiful and is easy to care for, but also deters pests, retains moisture, and drains well.
Even small homes can have awkward nooks and corners that can be repurposed into cozy, practical spaces. For example, this narrow hallway niche was used by Shapeless Studio to store hats and coats, freeing up space for furniture in the main living area.
Kitchens are home to many bulky items, making them a prime spot for clever storage solutions. For instance, in this 2024 Whole Home, designer Kelsey McGregor added a pull-out corner organizer to the cabinet for storing pots and pans without wasting valuable floor space. You can also incorporate a peg system in drawers to free up space for larger items.
For an affordable home remodeling project, add a simple but luxurious outdoor living space that will increase your property value. From fences to pergolas, creating a backyard sanctuary is easy and can be done on any budget with high-quality landscaping designs and smart remodeling ideas. In fact, a backyard oasis can improve a home’s resale value by up to 10%. So, why not give it a try and make your home a truly inviting place to relax and entertain? With these clever storage and design tricks, you can transform any size home into a comfortable and inviting retreat.