Creating your dream space doesn’t have to mean major renovations or a huge budget. Sometimes, the simplest upgrades can make a world of difference in how your home looks and feels. With a few DIY projects, some smart design choices, and a little creativity, you can make your home feel more comfortable and stylish. Here are some easy home improvement ideas that will help you achieve the space you’ve always wanted.
Start with a Fresh Coat of Paint
There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to make a room feel new. Paint colors set the tone and ambiance, instantly transforming the vibe of any space. Light, neutral colors make a room feel airy and open, while darker shades add a cozy, sophisticated touch. This simple home upgrade is cost-effective, and you can even make it a fun DIY project for the weekend. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Declutter and Maximize Storage Space
Clutter can make even the nicest rooms feel chaotic and cramped. To really transform your space, start by decluttering. Go through each room and sort items into categories—keep, donate, and discard.
Once you’ve cleared out unnecessary items, think about ways to maximize storage space. Use built-in shelves or storage ottomans to store items in small spaces. You might want to invest in some new storage containers so everything in your home has a place to be put away. A little decluttering goes a long way in creating a home that feels spacious and organized.
Add a Hidden Door from Murphy Door
A hidden door from Murphy Door is not only a fun upgrade but also a clever way to add functionality and mystery to your home. Transforming your home by replacing a standard door with a hidden one that doubles as a bookshelf, cabinet, or wine rack is a super easy way to immediately elevate any space.
Hidden doors from Murphy Door work great in a home office, library, or even a pantry. Beyond adding a cool design element, a hidden door also increases storage space, making them both practical and stylish. Whether you want a secret room or a discreet storage area, a hidden door from Murphy Door is an easy way to make your home feel more high-end. While this isn’t a complete list, here are a few of the most popular hidden doors available from Murphy Door:
Wine Rack Hidden Door
If you love wine, the Wine Rack Hidden Door is perfect for showing off your collection. It’s both a wine rack and a door, so it stores your bottles in style. For an even more open feel, there’s also the Wine Rack French Door—a double door design that brings in classic French style and adds a warm, inviting look.
Bookcase Hidden Door
The Bookcase Hidden Door is a classic for a reason. It combines a sturdy bookcase with a hidden entryway, making it great for any room, from a cozy library to a home office. You can fill the shelves with your favorite books, decorations, and anything else you want to show off, adding a sophisticated, homey touch to the room.
If you want something with a modern vibe, The Slideaway Murphy Bookcase is a sliding hidden door that moves side-to-side along the wall instead of swinging out. This smooth, horizontal slide makes it perfect for tight spaces or any area where you want a streamlined appearance.
Signature Speakeasy Hidden Door
For a vintage vibe, there’s the Signature Speakeasy Hidden Door. It has the charm of a prohibition-era hidden door, bringing mystery and style into your home. Perfect for bars, game rooms, or a lounge space that calls for something that looks unique and ornate.
Signature Refreshment Hidden Door
There’s nothing better than a hidden door that doubles as a spot for extra snack and drink storage. The Signature Refreshment Hidden Door has built-in shelves and compartments to hold everything you need for a cozy movie night or a party with friends. It’s stylish, handy, and a must-have for any entertainment area.
Signature Cabinet Murphy Door
There’s no such thing as too much storage, and extra storage has never been more stylish than with a hidden door from Murphy Door. The Signature Cabinet Murphy Door is perfect for those who need some extra space to store their things.
With compartments built right into the door, it’s a great solution for organizing kitchenware, clothes and shoes, board games, or just about anything you want to keep handy but out of sight. It works well in kitchens, bathrooms, or any space that could use a little less clutter.
Shoe Rack Hidden Door
The Shoe Rack Hidden Door is a lifesaver for entryways and bedrooms. With built-in slots for your shoes, it keeps your space organized and tidy while stashing your shoe collection behind a sleek door. It’s a clever way to manage clutter without sacrificing style.
Pool Cue French Door
If you’ve got a game room, The Pool Cue French Door adds a touch of style while keeping pool cues organized and within reach. This unique hidden door brings both elegance and function to your entertainment space, keeping everything right where you need it.
Upgrade Your Light Fixtures
Lighting plays a big role in the overall atmosphere of your home, and old light fixtures can make your space feel dated. Upgrading your light fixtures is a simple way to elevate the ambiance. Look for modern designs or fixtures with interesting textures or colors to add character to your rooms.
Replacing old light switches with sleek, dimmable ones can also make a huge difference, giving you more control over the room’s ambiance. Don’t forget to use energy-efficient LED lightbulbs since they last longer and save on electricity costs.
Update Your Kitchen Cabinets and Backsplash
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and even small upgrades here can have a big impact. If a full kitchen renovation isn’t in the budget, consider painting your kitchen cabinets and updating the backsplash.
A fresh coat of paint on your cabinets can make them look brand new without the cost of replacement. For a modern touch, add a simple yet stylish backsplash in a color or pattern that complements your countertops. It’s a DIY project that many homeowners can do over a weekend, and it makes a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen.
Replace Cabinet Knobs and Door Handles
Small details can make a huge difference in how your home looks, and updating knobs and handles is one of the easiest upgrades you can do. Whether it’s the knobs on your kitchen cabinets, the handles on your dresser, or even the hardware on your front door, new hardware adds a touch of elegance. Choose finishes that match your home decor, such as matte black for a modern look, brass for a classic feel, or brushed nickel for something understated.
Create Curb Appeal with Landscaping
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and simple landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. Adding greenery, planting flowers, or even just trimming bushes can make a huge difference.
A few small trees, fresh mulch, and some well-placed potted plants around your front door can create a welcoming entrance. For a budget-friendly approach, consider starting with native plants that are low-maintenance. Landscaping doesn’t just improve curb appeal; it also adds value to your property in the long run.
Improve Window Treatments for More Natural Light
Natural light can transform a room, making it feel brighter and more inviting. If your window treatments are heavy or outdated, consider swapping them out for something lighter. Sheer curtains allow more sunlight to filter in, while shades in lighter colors can keep your home looking airy.
Not only does natural light make a room feel bigger, but it also highlights your home’s design features. If privacy is a concern, choose a layered approach with both blinds and light curtains so you can adjust the light as needed.
Add an Accent Wall for Visual Interest
An accent wall can become the focal point of any room, drawing attention and adding style without overwhelming the space. Use bold paint colors, wallpaper with a fun pattern, or even wood paneling to create an accent wall in your living room, dining room, or bedroom.
Accent walls work well behind a bed, sofa, or dining table to anchor the space and provide visual interest. If you want a more subtle look, consider a tone-on-tone color scheme for an understated yet stylish effect.
Try New Countertops to Upgrade Your Kitchen or Bathroom
Replacing old countertops can make a kitchen or bathroom look completely new. While it might be a bigger investment, new countertops add a high-end feel to your home. There are plenty of materials to choose from, like granite, quartz, or butcher block, each with its unique look and feel. If you’re not ready to replace countertops just yet, you can try countertop resurfacing kits, which can give your surfaces a fresh look without the hefty price tag.
Use Mirrors to Expand Small Spaces
Mirrors are a well-known hack in interior design for making small spaces feel larger. Placing a mirror in a small living room or hallway can create the illusion of more space and reflect light around the room. Try using a large mirror as a focal point or hanging multiple mirrors in a gallery style to add visual interest. It’s a simple way to open up a space without knocking down walls or making drastic changes.
For a decorative design element that is also very practical, consider installing The Mirror Hidden Door from Murphy Door. Not only will the mirror make your space feel larger and brighter, but you’ll have some extra storage space as well. The Mirror Hidden Door is a fan favorite from Murphy Door for a reason.
Refresh Flooring with Rugs or DIY Projects
Flooring has a big impact on how a room feels. If replacing floors isn’t in your plans, consider adding area rugs to define spaces and add color or texture. A rug can make a room feel cozier and provide an instant design update. For those feeling adventurous, DIY projects like staining a floor can give new life to old wood flooring. Temporary flooring options, like peel-and-stick tiles, can also be a fun, affordable solution.
Update Light Switch Covers for a Cohesive Look
Light switch covers are often overlooked, but they’re an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your home. Swapping plain covers for decorative ones or updating them to a modern, uniform style can help pull a room together.
Light switch covers are available in various designs and materials, from classic white to metal finishes, that fit any style. For an extra cohesive look, match the covers to other finishes in the room, like doorknobs and cabinet hardware. If you want a more eclectic, artistic look, you might choose several different styles of light switch covers and doorknobs to add a creative, free-spirited flair.
Add Shelving for Extra Storage and Display
Shelving is an ideal solution for displaying decor items or providing extra storage, especially in smaller spaces. Floating shelves in the living room or dining room can showcase framed photos, art, or plants, while shelves in a laundry room offer storage for detergents and cleaning supplies.
If you’re needing some extra storage space, consider installing Hidden Floating Shelves from Murphy Door that have hidden storage compartments built into the shelves. This is an easy way to maximize storage space while prioritizing beautiful design.
Custom or built-in shelves make a space feel finished and provide practical storage options without taking up valuable floor space. Plus, shelves are an easy way to express your style by arranging decor in creative ways.
Experiment with Smart Home Features
Technology can enhance your home’s functionality and ambiance. Smart home devices like voice-controlled lighting, thermostats, or door locks add convenience and a modern touch to your space.
Many smart devices are compatible with popular systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can easily control settings with your voice or smartphone. Adding smart light bulbs that change colors can be an affordable way to set the perfect ambiance for any room. Plus, smart home upgrades can be appealing to future buyers, making them a worthwhile investment.
Create Your Dream Space With Murphy Door
Transform your home effortlessly with a Murphy Door. Perfect for adding hidden storage, enhancing room flow, or creating a secret entryway, a Murphy Door blends functionality with style. Customize your door to fit any space, choosing from a range of finishes and styles that match your aesthetic. Whether you're looking to declutter or add a unique architectural element, Murphy Door makes it simple to elevate your space into the dream home you've always envisioned.
