Unless you have recessed lights that are hard to swap, changing your light fixtures can be something to consider that’s fairly affordable and can change the entire vibe of a room. You can mix and match styles such as installing a classical chandelier in a contemporary room or opt for a contemporary light fixture to spruce up a classical styled room. Floor and table lamps, lanterns and candles are all portable options that can be positioned wherever they’re needed.

You may have to bring in an electrician if you are thinking of switching from one type of light fixture for another (for instance, changing ceiling lamps to track lights) or if you have no prior experience in DIY home improvements. However, even if you hire an electrician, prices are not unreasonable. The average cost of an electrician installing a chandelier ranges between S$120 to S$140 and a ceiling fan costs between S$150-S$160.

If you have too many books for your bookshelf, why not use your books as decorative objects on the coffee table. They’ll be a good conversation starter with your guests and you can display vases, dishes or glass trays on top as well.

READ MORE: Create A Beautiful Display Shelf To Wow Your Guests In 5 Simple Steps

Change up your cushion covers to spruce up the living room. Try this simple trick to make things modern: Mix textures and tones such as by pairing floral prints and solid-colour covers and you’ll instantly get a fresh, new look. To make your couch feel even more comfy, layer with a chunky knitted throw.

READ MORE: 11 Simple Ways To Create A Cosy Living Room For Your Family Gatherings

Don’t be afraid to play with texture when refreshing your home. Make use of the ground as a starting point to layer tactile elements. Start off by defining the room with a rug, and if you’re creating a cosy zone in an open space, go for the biggest rug you can afford.

READ MORE: Tips To Choose And Place The Perfect Rug For Your HDB

Install a row of hooks by the front door and you’ve got a second closet for scarves, jackets, hats and bags that you throw on just before you leave the house. It won’t take up floor space and it’s a great way to display items that can be hung, such as baskets and your children’s art work. To ensure things don’t look messy, choose garments and accessories in similar tones and colours.

If you have dark heavy curtains, swap them for light semi-sheer ones to keep your privacy while allowing more light to enter the space. This will make your space look bigger and brighter as well.

Decorating isn’t just about buying the “right” pieces, it’s also a chance to recreate and experiment with what you have. A light bulb with loops of colourful cord looks contemporary on its own, but add a mason jar or a small copper basket and you’ve got a unique industrial light fixture.

Create a shelf-top bar display with glasses, decanters and cocktail shakers to dress up a plain wall. Caffeine fiends can do the same using espresso cups, milk jugs and their favourite coffee beans.

A vase (or two) of flowers can do wonders to a home. Place them on the coffee table or a high shelf to freshen up the space. To get more life from fresh flowers, choose long-lasting varieties like orchids and peace lilies. Change the water daily to extend their longevity at home. Remember not to place them near fruits or vegetables as that can cause them to wilt even faster!

READ MORE: 5 Simple Tips To Make Your Gorgeous Flowers Last Longer, According To A Celebrity Florist

If your home is made up of a neutral palette, an easy way to freshen up the space is to add a potted plant. Pick double-duty plants that beautify as well as filter the indoor air. Hardy plants like the snakeplant and aloe vera can help to remove air pollutants too.

READ MORE: 10 Air-Purifying House Plants To Help You Breathe Cleaner Air At Home

If you have a high kitchen island or peninsula counter, use it as a casual dining space by adding a few bar stools. It’s an inexpensive but transformative option which will allow more interaction with family and guests. They can also see you in action while you cook up a storm.

Use the wall near your desk to hang inspirational pictures to inspire when you are working from home. These motivational quotes not only look pretty but will help you to get into the right frame of mind when you’re missing your mojo.

Add a dose of colour to a lifeless bathroom by adding a bright painting. If you’re thinking about hanging art above the bath or by the sink just remember that photographs and prints will need to be professionally framed with a sealed back. Pick ceramic and glass objects and avoid woven hangings, the fabric simply won’t fare well in the damp environment.

READ MORE: How To Style A Gorgeous Wall Gallery In Just 5 Simple Steps

If you are looking to change up the look of your kitchen, you can start by doing something as simple as swapping out the hardware on your cabinets. This is a very simple and easy to do DIY project that can help modernise the look of outdated kitchens. This can also be a good idea if you don’t have hardware like knobs or pulls on your kitchen cabinets and you want to create a more unique look.

Prices range from S$3-S$4 for low-end cabinet pulls to upwards of S$20 for high quality, on-trend versions from stores such as Excel Hardware. While it is a relatively affordable home improvement, you should be careful not to underestimate the total cost. While a single drawer pull that costs S$15 may seem reasonable at first, your total cost can end up S$300 to fully outfit a small kitchen with 12 cabinets.

If you don’t have time for a full bathroom renovation, you can consider upgrading your toilet, sink or faucets. It is a fairly affordable renovation and can be typically done in a day. However, the results can be quite drastic, even with something as small as changing an outdated faucet.

You will most likely have to hire someone to install your new toilet or sink, since this requires advanced plumbing knowledge and set-ups. On the other hand, you will be able to swap out smaller fixtures like faucets, toilet paper holders, showerheads and towel racks yourself. The average installation cost for a toilet bowl is $215, a faucet up to $60 and a shower about $60.

READ MORE: Beautiful Design Ideas For Small Bathrooms As Seen In Local Homes

Sometimes adding (or removing) some color can change the entire atmosphere of a room. If you aren’t looking to make any structural or furniture changes, you can consider painting your walls a different color. You have several avenues with this option. For really time-strapped homeowners, a simple accent wall can be enough to change the look of a room.

Some currently trending options are dark shades and bright colors like red. If you have more time, you can consider painting the entire room a new color. Bright, light colors work well for small spaces, whereas larger rooms with a lot of light can get away with bold colors such as deep blues, reds and greens. Re-painting a room is also one of the cheapest home improvements you can do. A litre of paint costs an average of S$22, so you can change the look of a room for under S$100.

A fast and easy way to refresh your kitchen is by repainting your faded tiled back splash. First give it a good scrub then paint over with tile paint. Try Ronseal one coat tile paint, $124 (750 ml), from Home-Fix.

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