New home improvement ideas

[Stock R]

I've just moved into my new home and I'm looking for some nice improvements I can implement that don't cost a bundle. Anyone have any nifty things I can do that'll improve the look/feel of the house w/o a huge price tag attached to it? (say ~$100 or less each)

So far I've changed some of the cabinet knobs/handles, installed some new light fixtures, put in some dimmer switches, etc.

[toky]

Paint. Put some colour on will work wonder.

[Stock R]

Paint. Put some colour on will work wonder.

I plan on doing that in the near future. Definitely worth while. Right now I'm still trying to settle in and haven't purchased all my furniture, etc. yet so it'd be kind of hard to choose colours since I don't have any schemes in mind.

[Kreez]

Hang some Art.

Go to a High-quality poster store and get some poster prints from an artist you like. Go to a Dollar store or a Michaels Sale and get some inexpensive frames for them.

That will make a big difference.

[toky]

I plan on doing that in the near future. Definitely worth while. Right now I'm still trying to settle in and haven't purchased all my furniture, etc. yet so it'd be kind of hard to choose colours since I don't have any schemes in mind.

By then you will have to move your furniture to paint the room and it is gonna be a hazzard. Now is the best time. You don't have to go dark color, and take my words, don't go dark becuase it is so hard to do a perfect job if you are using dark colour. Pick some light colur and you are safe.

[alkaseltzer01]

Do a nice garden.

Nothing looks sadder than a big fancy house with no landscaping...

[calmman]

When you buy decoration items, look for something that matches and enhances your current and future home settings and "lasts" for many years. You don't want to buy something that you will put it in the storage after a year. Pricing is important but if you really like an item which costs much more than you want to pay, go for it. IMO, a $800 painting (just an example) worths more than 8 $100 paintings. Home decoration is a long process if you don't want to spend a lot of money in one shot.

[Dustbunny]

Settle on your main furniture pieces before you worry about anything else. Once you know the colours and styles you are getting (you may have to wait for delivery) you can concentrate on painting, adding art and such and be sure if will go with what you have bought.

It's once you get the big stuff sorted you can really start going after the things that will make it homey like rugs, curtains, art, lamps and such and that stuff costs so you may want to save some of your money until you do know what you want.

In the meantime, working on the exterior can really help. New light, mailbox, numbers, hanging baskets, making or fixing flowerbeds and such can really update or finish off a place.

Also, make sure you have the basics in place like smoke detectors, fire extinguisher, and some basic tools (snow shovel, rake, lawn mower, screwdrivers, drill, saw, you name it) and a good reference book for repairs. There is really so many things a house needs you may want to be patient and live there a little while before you change much more but go ahead an update or upgrade things you know will make a difference to you like the taps, towel holders, and such if you want.

[3weddings]

If it is a new home....light fixtures and window coverings.

We have been here 13 years and are finally upgrading the hideous builder lights!! lol:lol:

[vistaliving]

+1 on light fixtures.

I love walking into houses with all these upgrades (granite stuff, 50" plasma, hardwood floors, etc) and the ugly builder ball light fixtures still hanging on the ceiling.

[typer100]

Front door lock. Most contractor put a cheap looking handle/lock/deadbolt combo. Just change mine. A nice handle set starts around 100$... Reno-Depot has until today 20% off on any Weiser lock.