Inheriting a house can be both a blessing and a challenge. Those outdated fixtures, worn floors, and faded walls might seem overwhelming, especially when your wallet isn’t exactly overflowing.
But don’t worry! With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform that inherited property into a modern, personalized space without emptying your bank account.
Here are 20 budget-friendly ways to breathe new life into your inherited home.
1. Paint Outdated Walls
Those mustard-yellow walls from the 70s can disappear in a weekend. Choose modern, neutral colors that brighten rooms and make spaces feel larger.
The best part? A few gallons of quality paint typically costs under $200, making this one of the most affordable high-impact changes you can make.
2. Refinish Hardwood Floors
Underneath those worn carpets might be a hidden treasure: original hardwood floors! Rather than replacing them, consider a DIY refinishing project.
With a rented sander, some stain, and polyurethane, you can bring those vintage floors back to life for a fraction of replacement costs. Many homeowners discover this project costs about 80% less than installing new flooring.
3. Update Light Fixtures
Swapping out those brass chandeliers and outdated fluorescent kitchen boxes can instantly modernize any room. You’d be amazed how much character a thoughtfully chosen pendant light or modern ceiling fixture adds!
Check out thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or clearance sections for affordable options. Even spray-painting existing fixtures can work wonders when the budget is extra tight.
4. Swap Cabinet Hardware
Would you believe those kitchen cabinets can look entirely different just by changing the knobs and pulls? It’s like jewelry for your cabinetry!
Hardware stores offer countless affordable options, from sleek modern handles to vintage-inspired knobs. For a kitchen with 20-30 handles, this project typically costs $50-$150 but makes a surprisingly dramatic difference in the overall appearance.
5. Install Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
Grandma’s kitchen might need a facelift, but traditional tile work isn’t cheap. Enter peel-and-stick backsplash tiles – the budget renovator’s secret weapon! These affordable, DIY-friendly options come in countless designs that mimic ceramic, subway tile, and even natural stone.
Most homeowners complete this transformation in a single afternoon, instantly modernizing dated kitchens without the mess of mortar or grout.
6. Use Removable Wallpaper
Gone are the days when wallpaper meant permanent commitment and eventual renovation headaches. Today’s peel-and-stick options offer bold patterns and textures without the long-term commitment.
Perfect for accent walls or small spaces like powder rooms, removable wallpaper provides high-impact design for minimal investment. When you’re ready for a change, simply peel it off without damaging the wall underneath!
7. Reface Kitchen Cabinets
That vintage kitchen doesn’t need a complete gut job! Cabinet boxes are often still sturdy even when doors look tired and dated.
Consider refacing – replacing just the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while painting the existing framework. This approach typically saves 50-70% compared to full cabinet replacement while giving you that fresh, custom kitchen look.
8. Convert Unused Rooms
Remember Aunt Edna’s sewing room that nobody uses? With some creative thinking, underutilized spaces can become the most valuable rooms in your home.
Formal dining rooms transform into home offices, spare bedrooms become fitness studios, and awkward nooks turn into reading corners. These conversions often require minimal structural changes – just some paint, appropriate furniture, and imagination!
9. Add Open Shelving
Upper cabinets can make kitchens feel cramped and dated. For an airy, modern look without major renovation, consider removing a few cabinet doors or replacing entire units with open shelving.
Inexpensive brackets and wood planks from hardware stores create custom-looking shelves for displaying dishes and glassware. This small change dramatically alters the kitchen’s visual weight while encouraging you to declutter.
10. Upgrade Faucets
You’d be surprised how much those 80s brass faucets date your bathrooms and kitchen! Replacing them with modern fixtures creates instant impact without calling the plumber. Most faucet replacements are straightforward DIY projects requiring basic tools.
Even budget-friendly options now come in sleek designs with features like pull-down sprayers or touchless operation, giving your inherited home a touch of luxury.
11. Change Out Outlet Covers
Small details make big differences! Those yellowed plastic outlet covers and switch plates are practically invisible until you replace them. Swap basic covers for modern designs in materials like brushed nickel, matte black, or decorative patterns.
At just a few dollars each, this might be the most affordable upgrade on our list, yet it creates a surprisingly cohesive, thoughtful look throughout the home.
12. Clean and Seal Old Tile
Vintage bathroom tile doesn’t always need replacement! Those pink, blue, or avocado tiles from decades past often clean up beautifully with the right approach.
Deep cleaning grout lines and applying fresh sealer can revitalize tired tile surfaces for under $50. Embrace the retro charm by complementing with modern accessories in coordinating colors rather than fighting against the original character.
13. Repurpose Vintage Furniture
Hidden among inherited furniture might be mid-century gems or solid wood pieces worth thousands in today’s market! Before donating everything, assess each piece’s potential. A coat of paint transforms dated wood dressers into statement pieces.
Reupholstering just the seats of dining chairs costs far less than new furniture. Vintage pieces add character modern homes often lack, creating unique spaces that tell your family’s story.
14. Install Budget-Friendly Window Treatments
Heavy drapes or yellowed mini-blinds instantly age a room. Fortunately, window treatments offer major impact without major expense!
Consider no-sew Roman shades made from fabric and tension rods, or inexpensive bamboo blinds that add texture. Even standard curtain panels hung extra-wide and high create designer-look windows that completely transform rooms for under $100 per window.
15. Use Area Rugs to Hide Flaws
Got damaged hardwood or outdated carpet you can’t afford to replace yet? Area rugs provide strategic camouflage while adding style and comfort.
Place them in high-traffic zones or to define seating areas. Budget retailers offer surprisingly attractive options starting around $100 for room-sized pieces. The right rug can distract from flooring issues while you save for permanent solutions.
16. Add Curb Appeal with Plants
First impressions matter! Even with limited funds, you can dramatically improve your inherited home’s exterior with strategic landscaping. Flowering plants in colorful pots frame entryways beautifully.
Consider perennials for long-term value or fast-growing shrubs to hide foundation issues. Even simple yard cleanup and fresh mulch can transform a neglected property into the neighborhood standout.
17. Repaint the Front Door
A vibrant front door creates instant personality and welcomes visitors with style! This weekend project requires minimal supplies but delivers maximum impact.
Bold colors like navy, red, or teal make classic statements, while softer hues create calming first impressions. Don’t forget new hardware – a modern handle set completes the transformation for under $150 total.
18. Modernize Door Knobs
Walk through any inherited home and you’ll likely find mismatched, outdated doorknobs throughout. Creating cohesion with new hardware instantly elevates the entire space.
Choose modern finishes like matte black, brushed nickel, or aged bronze for a unified look. Most interior doorknobs cost $15-30 each and can be installed with just a screwdriver, making this an accessible weekend project with impressive results.
19. Declutter and Stage Rooms
Sometimes the best renovation isn’t about adding – it’s about subtracting! Inherited homes often come with decades of accumulated possessions that overwhelm spaces. Methodically sort items room by room, keeping only what serves your lifestyle.
Rearrange furniture to improve flow and highlight architectural features. This zero-cost approach often creates the most dramatic before-and-after transformations.
20. Embrace a Cohesive Color Scheme
Many inherited homes suffer from decades of disconnected color choices across rooms. Creating a thoughtful color story throughout the house instantly modernizes the space.
Select 3-5 complementary colors to use consistently in paint, accessories, and textiles. This approach costs nothing beyond your planned purchases but creates a designer-curated feel. The home will feel intentional rather than piecemealed together.