If you don’t have a lot of time or money on your hands, freshening up your space takes some creative thought. Here are some easy ways to transform your living space and make it the cozy, bright place everyone wants to come home to.

1. Simple Swaps in the Kitchen

Refreshing your kitchen can be as easy as switching out handle pulls and switch plate covers. These are easy and inexpensive fixes that will make the whole place feel a little newer. Use brushed metal for a classic look, or go with something bold for an unexpected touch of color.

Try replacing your tired kitchen towels and oven mitts with a brand new set. These can provide bright accents to your kitchen.

2. Brighten Your Bath

One easy way to update your bathroom is by adding more mirrors. Mirrors give a bathroom a more luxurious feel as well as reflecting light and making the room feel larger. Replace your shower curtain and bath mat while you’re at it.

3. Look Outdoors

Your interior spaces aren’t the only ones that could use an update. “Redoing” your outdoor spaces can be as easy as the inside. For example, instead of messy mulch, use natural pine cones to line your flower beds. You can also build easy outdoor storage by painting wooden crates and coating them with a waterproof sealant.

4. Love Your Living Room

Visit your local thrift store for living room inspiration. Reclaim a coffee table by refinishing it, and add a coffee table book or a sturdy pottery bowl for interest. It’s easy to find discounted coffee table books at most large bookstores. Find quirky photo frames at the craft store or at the dollar store, and add a new set of family photos to your living room.

Add a layer of texture by changing your cushions and throws. If you have a crafter in your family, you could feature their work for a homey touch. New cushions and throws make the whole living room feel new. If you can, get your upholstery cleaned: that will make your old furniture look and feel like new.

To totally transform your living room, think about adding a new set of glass doors. Whether they face the yard or the patio, they will bring much needed sunshine into your space. You may choose to buy curtains for your new doors, or you may leave them as is.

5. Bedroom Ideas

Shop your house before you buy anything. Go through stored items and look around your house (and outside) for items you can repurpose. You can refinish accent furniture or add new drawer pulls just as in the kitchen.

If you’re crafty, try customizing your own comforter or quilt. Old sheets can be sewn together to make a duvet cover. Updating your bedspread and pillows can change the entire character of your room. Use warm colors and cozy fabrics for a restful look, or go with light neutrals to make your room look larger. Either way, try to tidy up all the clutter.

6. For the Kids

An easy way to refresh a child’s bedroom is to pull the color theme together. Try adding a few inexpensive quilts in complementary colors and use those colors around the room. Another fun way to update a kid’s room is by printing out funny or sweet quotes or customized monograms. Frame these inexpensively and hang them around the room. Repurpose shelving from around the house for books and toys. Make sure the shelving is properly anchored to the wall for kids’ safety.

Our six easy tips can bring your home from tired and drab to new again without breaking the bank. Enjoy your “new” home and be creative with your updates!