Home Upgrades Under $200 That Add Big Style Without the Cost
Let’s be honest—home upgrades can feel overwhelming and expensive. But here’s what most people don’t realize: you don’t need a big budget to make your space feel brand new. I’ve seen tiny changes—like swapping out a faucet or painting a single wall—completely transform a room. And the best part? You can pull off a lot of these upgrades for less than $200.
I put together this list after digging through industry reports, expert recommendations, where real homeowners shared what actually worked for them. These aren’t fluff ideas—they’re practical, high-impact updates that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
If you’re renting, saving up, or just don’t want to spend thousands on renovations, this guide is for you. You’ll find upgrades that boost your home’s look, comfort, and even resale value—without needing a contractor or a loan.
Which room are you thinking about upgrading first—kitchen, bathroom, or living space? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
Fresh Paint & Accent Treatments
1. Interior Paint Refresh & Accent Walls
Paint is still one of the fastest, most affordable ways to give any room a serious lift. Even a single accent wall can redefine a space. I’ve used bold navy in a bedroom and warm beige in a hallway—both under $60 and each made a huge visual difference. For doors or trims, try matte black or crisp white for contrast.
The trick is in the prep: clean the surface, use painter’s tape, and don’t skip primer if you’re covering dark or glossy paint. Finish with a modern neutral or a saturated tone that adds personality without overwhelming the space.
Nearly every expert source ranks paint as the top DIY upgrade. It’s immediate, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require special tools—just a roller, a tray, and a little time.
2. Wallpaper or Peel-and-Stick Feature Wall
If you’re not ready to commit to paint or want a little more texture, peel-and-stick wallpaper or removable tiles are a great option. These work especially well for renters or anyone who wants to try a bold pattern without a long-term commitment.
I used a terrazzo-style wallpaper on one dining room wall and peel tiles in a powder room—both under $100 and done in less than a day. No mess, no damage, and the look is surprisingly luxe.
While some big publications mention wallpaper as part of broader design advice, few emphasize peel-and-stick as a budget-friendly DIY strategy. That’s a gap.
Most budget upgrade lists gloss over peel-and-stick products, yet they’re one of the easiest ways to add depth and texture to a space without spending more than $100.
Hardware & Fixtures Swap
3. Upgrade Cabinet & Door Hardware
Swapping out cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, or door handles is one of those upgrades that looks high-end but takes less than an hour. I’ve updated an entire kitchen’s look with just a $60 set of matte black pulls. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it makes old cabinets look intentional—not outdated.
Go for modern finishes like brushed brass, matte black, or antique bronze. Just make sure you measure the hole spacing of existing hardware before buying replacements—trust me, it’ll save you frustration.
Updating cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to modernize a kitchen or bathroom without doing a full renovation.
4. Swap Light Fixtures, Switch Plates & Bulbs
Lighting sets the tone of a room—and most people don’t realize how easy it is to improve. Replace outdated ceiling lights with a simple flush mount, swap yellow bulbs for daylight-balanced LEDs, or even update switch plates for a cleaner look.
A few years ago, I replaced all my builder-grade switches with matte white screwless covers, and it instantly made the whole space feel more modern. Total cost? Under $50 for the entire apartment.
Bankrate notes that light fixture upgrades consistently improve both home comfort and resale value, especially when paired with energy-efficient lighting.
Lighting has both form and function. The upgrade affects how your home feels and how it’s perceived—especially in kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms where lighting quality really stands out.
Mirrors, Shelves & Decor Touches
5. Add or Replace Mirrors & Shelving
One of the easiest ways to open up a space—especially a hallway, bathroom, or small living room—is to add a large mirror or floating shelves. Mirrors bounce light, make rooms feel larger, and double as functional décor. I’ve hung vintage mirrors above consoles and instantly felt the whole entry brighten up.
Floating shelves, meanwhile, are great for layering books, candles, or framed photos. And if you’re on a tight budget, IKEA or Amazon offer clean-lined options under $50.
Eeven small touches like gallery walls and open shelving can help personalize a home without breaking the bank.
These upgrades create depth and personality. They work well in rentals or small spaces where structural changes aren’t possible—and they photograph beautifully too.
6. Fireplace Makeover or Faux Mantel Upgrade
If you’ve got a dated fireplace—or even just a blank wall—you can turn it into a cozy focal point with paint, peel-and-stick tile, or a DIY mantel beam. I once painted an old orange brick fireplace matte charcoal and added a $60 faux wood beam—no one believed it was DIY.
What’s often missing in typical upgrade lists is the value of cosmetic fireplace updates. You don’t need a full remodel. Even renters can fake the mantel look with creative molding and temporary materials.
Fireplaces are major visual anchors. But most DIY guides overlook them unless there’s a full renovation involved—this is a key content gap worth addressing.
Doors & Entryway Boosts
7. Paint Front or Interior Door + Fresh Hardware
A bold front door in deep green or warm red does more than look good—it creates instant curb appeal. Inside, I’ve done this with a charcoal interior door in a hallway, paired with brushed brass hardware. It felt like a design magazine look, but cost under $100 total.
You can also frame the door with thin wood trim or faux molding for extra character, especially in older apartments or builder-grade homes.
Entry points—whether it’s your front door or a hallway entrance—set the tone. They’re small enough for a quick weekend project but impactful enough to change the whole vibe.
Would you ever paint your front door something bold? Or keep it classic? Let’s hear your take.
Energy & Value-Boosting Upgrades
8. Install Energy-Efficient LEDs & Dimmer-Control Fixtures
Lighting doesn’t just influence mood—it affects your monthly bills, too. Swapping out old incandescent bulbs for LEDs can make a noticeable difference in both brightness and efficiency. I also recommend adding dimmer switches where possible—especially in dining areas or bedrooms—to instantly shift the vibe from functional to cozy.
Even budget light fixtures in sleek black or gold can help bring a dated room into the present.
Lighting updates as one of the most accessible, cost-effective home improvements—and the long-term energy savings are a bonus.
This is an upgrade that hits both design and functionality. It’s especially valuable for homeowners looking to modernize without taking on wiring or renovation work.
9. Add Under-Cabinet or Display LED Strip Lighting
This one’s a game changer—especially in kitchens, bookshelves, or media walls. LED strip lighting is affordable, renter-friendly, and creates that “high-end” look people associate with designer interiors.
I used $25 USB-powered dimmable lights under floating shelves in my kitchen—it completely changed how the space looked at night. Think soft glow, better visibility, and almost zero effort to install.
Decor & Lifestyle Enhancers
10. Bring in Stylish Potted Plants or Green Décor
Indoor plants instantly lift a room’s energy. Even one well-placed snake plant or fiddle leaf fig can add life and polish to a dull corner. I like clustering 3 small planters on a console table or using hanging greenery in bathrooms—it feels curated, not cluttered.
You don’t need to splurge either. Nurseries, farmer’s markets, and even grocery stores offer options under $20.
Better Homes & Gardens lists indoor greenery as a top trick to refresh a space naturally—something most homeowners overlook when thinking “upgrade.”
It’s not just about looks—plants have proven wellness benefits too. And for under $50, this is one of the most versatile décor investments you can make.
11. Install Decorative Moulding or Crown Trim
One underrated upgrade that completely changes a room’s feel? Moulding. Whether it’s crown molding, chair rails, or box trim around doors—it gives flat, characterless walls a sense of architecture.
I’ve used simple trim kits from the hardware store to create a board-and-batten effect in a hallway. Once painted in the same tone as the wall, it looked custom—like a designer touch for a fraction of the price.
HouseLogic includes trim work among its top low-budget improvements with high design return.
Most people associate moulding with expensive renovations. But a few strips of wood and a weekend of painting can totally elevate a space—especially in older homes or blank-walled apartments.
Have you tried any DIY trim work or used plants to upgrade your space? Which of these would make the biggest difference in your home?
Bathroom & Kitchen Micro-Makeovers
12. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash or Tile Upgrade
You don’t need to tear down your kitchen walls to get that high-end backsplash look. Peel-and-stick tiles are a game-changer. They’re easy to install, come in every finish from marble to subway to Moroccan, and cost a fraction of real tile.
A few strips behind your stove or bathroom sink can completely change the feel of the space—no grout, no mess, no contractor. I’ve seen people transform their entire vanity wall with one $40 pack. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen or bathroom look custom without the commitment.
Most people think “backsplash” means renovation. This gives the same visual impact without the cost, tools, or stress.
13. Swap Faucet, Showerhead & Bathroom Accessories
Swapping out old faucets and showerheads doesn’t take a plumber—it just takes 30 minutes and the right wrench. Go for matte black, brushed gold, or chrome, depending on your style. Add matching accessories like towel bars or a sleek soap dispenser, and suddenly your bathroom looks coordinated and modern.
You can usually get all of this—faucet, showerhead, and a few accessories—for under budget. And the difference in how the space feels? Night and day.
Small upgrades in a bathroom often feel the biggest. You use the space daily, and a sleek faucet or rainfall showerhead changes both the form and function instantly.
Bringing It All Together: Value in Every Corner
What’s powerful about these 13 upgrades is how much they add without taking much. A painted wall, a few plants, a new showerhead—each one may seem small, but together they create a space that feels intentional, lived-in, and truly yours.
These aren’t just tricks to make a home look pretty. They improve how you use the space every day—better lighting, more storage, upgraded comfort. And you can do them without breaking $193 USD or waiting for a contractor to call you back.
This is about turning your home into a place that reflects who you are—on your budget, your timeline, and your terms.
What about you?
Which corner of your home could use one of these upgrades right now? Start there—you might be surprised how big a difference one small change can make.
Want more practical ideas like this? Visit Build Like New for more budget-friendly upgrades, DIY guides, and smart home improvement tips.
Disclaimer: The ideas and suggestions shared in this article are for informational purposes only. Costs may vary based on your location, product choices, and installation preferences. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a qualified professional when making changes involving electricity, plumbing, or structural elements. Build Like New is not responsible for any outcomes resulting from DIY implementations.
