5 Tips for Restoring Your Dated Home That Won't Break the Budget, According to Reno Pros

If you’re not sure how to best breathe new life into your dated home and do not wish to spend much money during this process, keep reading.

Here, home experts speak to five top-notch tips and tricks that will help you design a more welcoming space without breaking the bank. Thanks to the power of paint, strategic shopping, refurbishments, and more, you’ll be well on your way to rehabbing your home so that it’s the space of your dreams.

Transform a Room With Paint

A fresh coat (or color) might help to transform your space more than you might initially expect.

“A strategic paint job can change the entire feeling of a room,” Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, the founders of The Brownstone Boys and HomeGoods Featured Finders, say. 

Think beyond just enhancing the walls; there are really no limits as to what you can do with paint.

“Use it to highlight trim, revive cabinets, or create contrast,” Bordelon says, adding that he and Slocum have even painted the floors and ceilings within a room to give it even more of a facelift while working on a budget.

When in doubt, go lighter rather than darker in an older home. Mary Gordon, the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling, explains how lighter neutral tones can help interiors and exteriors feel more inviting.

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Make Intentional Replacements

You may feel as though you need to replace everything in your home to give it a fresh, new feel, but by no means is that the case—nor is it a feasible strategy for most. Instead, make thoughtful choices about items that you can swap out affordably that will greatly transform the state of your space.

“Replacing outdated hardware, swapping in a new light fixture, or even updating your window treatments can make a huge difference,” Slocum says. “It’s all about high-impact, low-effort changes that bring a space up to date without draining your budget.”

For example, he explains, it’s easy to source stylish curtains at HomeGoods for less than $40 a pair.

Gordon agrees that small changes can certainly be impactful and prevent you from having to spend more on larger improvements. She suggests purchasing new pillows or throw blankets to not only liven up furniture but also cover worn areas—a solution that is much less costly than reupholstery.

Refurbish What You Can

Being able to restore something versus replacing it is a win in the Brownstone Boys’ book.

“Some of the best features in older homes just need a little love, not a gut reno,” Bordelon says.

For example, consider peeling back layers of paint to restore original woodwork, locating old tile that has become hidden under newer flooring, and the like.

“These details add soul without adding cost,” he says.

Declutter Your Space

Rather than buying new items to make your dated home look more up-to-date, you might actually just need to take on a good old-fashioned cleanout.

“Don’t underestimate the power of decluttering and editing,” Michael Winn, the founder and president, WINN Design + Build, says. “Sometimes the best renovation is simply removing heavy window treatments or bulky furniture to let the home breathe.”

Gordon agrees and explains how clean, open spaces not only feel larger but also allow a home’s individuality to stand out. A few simple steps she recommends taking include removing anything broken or overly worn, swapping out dying greenery with fresh plants, and adjusting light bulbs so that they’re all a consistent brightness and color temperature, for starters.

As a bonus, you might come across pieces that you can list for sale on an online platform like Facebook Marketplace or bring into a consignment store in exchange for a bit of cash, which may make the cleanout process feel even more rewarding.

Rearrange Your Belongings

Rearranging your furniture and mirrors can also drastically improve the state of a dated home, Gordon notes. Moving your furniture can help to improve a room’s flow as well as call attention to its focal points, she says. With regard to mirrors, it’s all about the right location.

“Positioned strategically opposite a window or light source, a mirror can brighten a space and add a touch of elegance,” Gordon says.