Whether you live in a house or an apartment, changing your surroundings can make you feel like you just moved in. Here are five mini-makeovers you can complete in a weekend at little to no cost:

 

Paint a Wall

Are your walls the same neutral color as they were when you moved in? Are you too busy or too intimidated to paint a room a vibrant or bold color? Instead of painting an entire room, paint one wall to provide a colorful backdrop to your belongings. Instead of a wall, you can even paint an alcove or some other architectural structure to draw attention to it.

Color inspiration can come from nature, a work of art, a fabric swatch, or even your favorite color. If you still can’t decide on an accent color, consider Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year: classic blue. The Pantone Color System is the universal standard for a wide range of industries, including design, fashion, and architecture to name a few. The color of the year is selected based on trends and color psychology.

You can paint a single wall with minimal experience and cost. A gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet and costs between $15 and $30. If you don’t like the color or move, painting the wall back to neutral is just as simple.

 

Paint Your Cabinets

How do you refresh a room that has tiled walls, like a kitchen or bathroom? Well, those rooms probably have cabinets. If you can’t afford a full kitchen or bathroom makeover, consider painting or staining the cabinetry.

Changing the color of your cabinets may require a bit more elbow grease than painting a wall. Not only do you have to remove the hardware and doors from hinges, but you may also need to prepare the surfaces by sanding or stripping the original paint or stain.

A fresh coat of paint or stain can modernize your kitchen or bathroom and make a small room look brighter and more open. For 200 square feet of cabinetry, you can expect to spend about 20 hours on prep and an additional 15 to 30 hours to complete the project.

 

Use Slipcovers

We all have a favorite comfortable chair or sofa. However, after years of breaking it in, it might be looking a bit threadbare. Give your chairs and sofas a quick update with slipcovers.

Slipcovers make your furniture look like new and are also easy to clean if you have pets or unexpected stains. Depending on the material and the size of the furniture you’re covering, you can buy a slipcover for as little as $20.

 

Buy a Rug

A rug can add color to a room and also masquerade wear and tear on your floor. Rugs come in all shapes, colors, and textures. You can find a simple throw rug for under $20. If you’re feeling opulent and can afford it, a wool or authentic Persian rug will cost a couple of hundred or even thousands of dollars. Regardless, buying a rug is a lot simpler and less expensive than installing new carpet, tile, or hardwood.

 

Rearrange Your Furniture

If your budget is nonexistent, simply rearranging your furniture can literally refresh your outlook. Before you start, come up with a plan. You can use good old-fashioned paper and pencil or use your computer to sketch out your layout to scale. Measuring the room and large furniture will give you a better idea of the new arrangement.

For a living space, decide on a focal point, such as the TV, a fireplace, a window, or a coffee table. Then, place the seating around the focal point. Arrange tables and ottomans near seating. Finally, accessorize with lamps, vases, and other décor.

To rearrange a bedroom, start with the bed first. If you have space, experiment with “floating” the bed in the center of the room or placing it at an angle instead of right against a wall. Then, arrange all other furniture from largest to smallest.

Updating your home doesn’t take a lot of time or money. All you need is a little elbow grease and imagination to freshen your living space.