How to DIY Your Home to a Great Looking Home on a Budget

By Sabrina Biehl Published May 18, 2015 10:28 am Updated May 31, 2019 07:08 pm

If your home needs a redo, you don’t have to run out to the store, find a long list of professionals, and raid your bank account. Today you can do almost anything you want on your own, even with limited experience, and cash.

Cut a rug

A good rug can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially if you have a large space to cover. This ingenious DIY shows you how to easily and inexpensively make your own rug by purchasing a carpet remnant—this bloggerbought an 11′ x 6′ remnant at a local carpet store for $100! – and binding the edges.

Create some art

Ever looked at a piece of modern or abstract art and thought, “I can do that!” Well, yes you can! If you want to bring a gallery look into your home but can’t afford “fine art” prices, DIY it.

Check out this tutorial to get started.

Fancy it up

There’s your average everyday IKEA hack, and then there’s your glam squad IKEA hack that turns a basic piece into something super cool. Well, many IKEA hacks do that, but this one is particularly neat.

“Create a glamorous TV console by adding gold leaf to an IKEA desk,” said POPSUGAR. The result is a piece with panache for little extra expense.

Create a home theater

“Home theaters are no longer only an extravagance for the rich and famous,” said HGTV. “Thanks to more affordable technology, many families are enjoying a true movie theater experience without leaving home.”

HGTV breaks down the details, and you can also get info on the logistics, from setting up the audio to soundproofing the walls, here.

Make laundry a luxury

Having a plush space to do the laundry might seem unimportant, but with so much time spent there—and this great this great example of how to deck out a space in form and function for around $400—maybe it’ll just catapult its way to the top of your to-do list.

The hand-painted faux marble countertop is a luxe touch, and the full-size hanging rod and individual folding baskets are genius.

Design an easy home office

A couple of long boards and a few bookcases, and you’ve created an eye-catching, space-saving double desk for under $250. This just happens to be another the IKEA hack, using BESTA bookcases as supports, but it could be accomplished with inexpensive in-stock cabinets from Home Depot or a secondhand store as well. And, this would also work as a children’s craft or homework area.

Build your own headboard

When you’re on a budget, a headboard can fall to the bottom of your décor list. After all, it’s not a necessity. But a good headboard will provide an important focal point in a room, give the bed more stature, and even improve your Feng Shui,” said Open Spaces Feng Shui.

“Want to instantly improve the Feng Shui of your bedroom? Add a headboard to your bed,” they said. “A good headboard provides you with a sense of security and support….empowers you, strengthening you in the Command position. You’ll reap greater Chi energy benefits with a good headboard, too.”

Whether you want to create a rustic wood headboard like this DIY project that you can make “in just a few hours and for less than $100,” said DIY Network, or a glamorous tufted upholstered headboard like this one from Thrifty Decor Chick that you can make for under $100—hundreds less than you’d typically find pre-made—you can achieve a professional look with little effort and money. Get some more ideas here.