I know the economy’s stalling, but here are 5 things you can do for a lift in these trying times, each for about $500.
1. Have a room painted.
Notice how I didn’t say, “paint a room?” That’s because for $500, you should be able to hire someone to paint it for you, especially if you paint only the walls and skip the trim and ceiling. (I normally advise against that, but desperate times call for desperate measures.)
2. Re-frame a picture – a big one – and hang it in a new spot.
Or frame something you’ve been meaning to get to for the last 4 years. Good framing is expensive, but it can make a huge difference in how the piece affects a room.
3. Change out your bathroom light fixtures.
It’s amazing how many of my clients hate their bathroom lighting. Buy not-so-expensive vanity and ceiling lights from Restoration Hardware (the Asbury series is especially versatile) or LampsPlus.com and hire an electrician to come in and replace them.
4. Install two semi-custom window treatments.
Custom drapes and shades can be expensive…but buying drapery panels and hardware from Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware isn’t exactly cheap. If you stick to Roman Shades or straight drapes from online retailers such as Priority Windows – and if you’re willing to install them yourself – you can stretch your $500 to two windows. (More, if you do something really inexpensive like roller shades.)
5. Give the front of your house a mini-makeover
by putting up new house numbers, replacing the doormat, and hanging a wreath – seasonal or not – on your door. ($500 should include hiring a handyman to attach the numbers.)
Does that help?