Home improvement projects can get very expensive. Before starting one, it is always a good idea to figure out your budget first and then stick to it. Decide if you can afford to hire contractors to get it all done at once or, if you’re a do-it-yourself person, you can save money by making improvements over time, as your budget allows.

One big improvement you can make in your home is fresh paint on the walls and trim. Don’t be afraid to try some color. Plain white walls can make a room look sterile, unattractive and rather boring. Contrasting earth tone colors can give your home warmth and an appealing atmosphere.

An affordable alternative to replacing old furniture is covering it with a decorative slipcover or some decorative throws. Just adding these to an old sofa, love seat or chair can really change the look of a room. They can also be used on coffee and end tables. A new tablecloth for the table and a decorative centerpiece is an easy improvement in the dining room.

New drapes or window coverings are another good home improvement and can be done over time if necessary. If you know how to sew, you can make your own unique, one of a kind curtains.

Putting up new wall decor such as mirrors, clocks, art prints, sconces, etc. is a great way to change the look of a room. Copper or ceramic tiles look very classy when displayed as wall art. You can also buy removable wall decals that can easily be switched around for different looks.

Stripping off old paint, sanding and re-staining wood furniture and kitchen cabinets can save you a lot of money instead of replacing them. It will just look like you’ve bought new stuff. Adding a new backsplash behind the sink is an easy update for the kitchen.

New home accents such as throw pillows, area rugs, vases, candle holders and indoor fountains can add ambiance and the finishing touch to your design scheme. Indoor plants help your home’s air quality as well as being very visually appealing. If you don’t like frequent watering, try adding a terrarium. While it might be a little more work initially, once its set up, an enclosed terrarium needs very little watering as the moisture inside keeps getting recycled.

Just keep in mind when you’re decorating your home not to over do it. If you have a small home with a lot of decor, try rotating some of your decor seasonally. Your treasures will stand out more and look better if they aren’t lost in a mass of clutter.