8 Upgrades to Maximize Your New-Home Budget, According to an Interior Designer Interior designer Gabrielle Santiago shares how to prioritize the updates and renovations that make the most sense for you. Close Credit: Rebecca McAlpin / Designer: Michelle Gage Congratulations on your new home! Whether you're a first-time homeowner or moving to a larger space, managing your budget effectively can make a big difference. Creating a beautiful and functional home doesn't have to involve a lot of expensive renovations, but it does require careful planning to maximize your budget and the impact of your renovations. Before considering any upgrades to your home, it's important to establish a couple of ground rules. This will ease the transition of the renovation process, eliminate the effects of uncontrollable surprises, and allow you to feel more in control of the process. Establish a budget and contingency fund: Although a new home is very exciting, it can offer unpredictable expenses that were not discoverable until you moved in and began renovating. Setting aside funds now, before starting a project, can help eliminate the surprise dollar signs and stress later on. Prioritize must-haves vs. wants: Focus on the parts of your home that affect your daily life the most. Create a list distinguishing between "must-haves" and "wants." Remember, just because you can’t prioritize a particular item or upgrade right now doesn’t mean you can’t address it in the future. Here are my top design tips to make the most out of your home budget, listed from the most affordable to the most expensive upgrades. 01 of 08 Add Fresh Paint Credit: Design: Emily Henderson Design; Photo: Zeke Ruelas Homes are profoundly personal, and the choices made by previous owners might not align with your family's style or preferences. Updating walls is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh and personalize your space. A new coat of paint can dramatically transform a room, making it feel uniquely yours and better suited to your taste, all while staying within your budget. 6 Home 'Upgrades' That Will Make Your Space Look Tacky—and How to Fix Them 02 of 08 Upgrade Hardware Credit: Kaitlin Green; Design: Emily Henderson Updating your cabinets doesn’t have to be expensive. If you can’t afford a full cabinet upgrade right now, simply changing the hardware can make a surprising difference. New knobs and pulls can refresh the look of your cabinets and give your kitchen or bathroom an instant upgrade without breaking the bank. 03 of 08 Install New Baseboards and Crown Molding Credit: Sarah Millet Photography It might seem like a small detail, but baseboards and crown molding play a significant role in defining the style and age of a home. Outdated trim can make even a modern space feel old-fashioned. Think of these architectural details as the lines within which you color your home’s aesthetic. Ensuring they’re updated and in good condition can make a big impact, helping your entire home feel fresh and current. 04 of 08 Remove Old Flooring Credit: Sara Ligorria-Tramp; Design: Emily Henderson Even if the carpet in your newly purchased home appears clean, it’s wise to replace it. You might be surprised by hidden stains and accumulated dirt that only become visible once the carpet is lifted. Carpets also retain energy and grime from previous occupants, so for a truly fresh start, it’s best to remove them. While you're getting rid of carpet, consider upgrading to hardwood floors and complementing them with area rugs. This not only makes the room feel larger and cleaner but also gives your home a modern, upgraded look. With new flooring, your entire space will benefit from a refreshed and enhanced ambiance. 05 of 08 Swap Out Fixtures Credit: Courtesy of Fawn Galli Interiors From your faucets to your light fixtures, revamping these can significantly enhance the look and feel of your home. Modern faucets and stylish light fixtures not only improve functionality but also add a touch of elegance to your spaces. 06 of 08 Replace Outdated Cabinetry Credit: Lauren Pressey Updating old bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets not only enhances the functionality and appearance of your home but also adds significant value. Modernizing these key areas can make your space feel brand new and invigorate the overall look of your home. It's a smart investment that improves both your daily living experience and your property's market appeal. 07 of 08 Modernize Countertops Credit: Sara Ligorria-Tramp; Design: Julie Rose for Velinda Hellen Design Outdated countertops can greatly impact the overall feel of a room. Modernizing them can rejuvenate the space, making it look fresh and updated. Sometimes, a new countertop, combined with a cabinet repaint and upgraded hardware, can make your kitchen appear brand new without the need for a complete renovation. 10 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Renovating It 08 of 08 Rethink Windows Credit: Brian Wetzel Replacing old windows is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to your home. New windows can dramatically improve both the exterior and interior environment, enhancing curb appeal and boosting energy efficiency. If you can not afford to prioritize windows, consider purchasing beautiful window treatments to help remedy the older appeal of your current windows until you are ready to spend the money to upgrade. Roman shades, drapery, and even shutters are some fabulous solutions for concealing even the most unattractive windows. 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