Also, be sure to check out my feminine homemaking digital download templates! So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

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Updated: August 21, 2024

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #36

For my 36th fun fact, I want to share that I am trying to get into and learn how to make cheese!

So far, I’ve started with simple cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese, but I’m hoping to get to a point where I can make hard cheeses like cheddar!

The Heart of the Home: Kitchen Countertops

So, first up on the list of the 6 affordable ways to update your home is to start with the kitchen counter. 

Because I’m renting this house that my mémère and pépère built, there are a lot of outdated home features, and the kitchen counters were one of them.

At the time, they were a drab gold color, and with the kitchen cabinets, it was wayyy too dark in the kitchen. So, my quick and easy fix for this problem was to add vinyl to the countertops. 

Now, full disclaimer, it was challenging to adhere the vinyl in the curved areas, like around the sink. But I’d say it is a much cheaper and longer-lasting solution than if we were to paint it.

We painted the backsplash as well, and while yes, it has also held up the same amount of time (about 3 ½ years), the backsplash sees way less traffic. Plus, there were times when we accidentally scuffed the backsplash, and it chipped the paint. 

The vinyl, on the other hand, has held up pretty well. I’d say the only areas that didn’t are the areas we had trouble with from the beginning, and even those are pretty minor. 

In addition to updating your countertop with vinyl, I would even go as far as to say what you keep on your countertops is also significant.

For example, a lot of modern kitchens keep the area simple. There isn’t much existing on the countertops for appliances and kitchen accessories. 

Updated kitchens have related items on display, like wooden cutting boards, lamps, or vintage/cottage decorative pieces.

This is where items like an oil or soap tray are perfect because they fit the description of having a decorative display in the kitchen while also being practical. 

Cozy Outdoor Living Space

Next up on the list of 6 affordable ways to update your home without remodeling is to have a cozy living space outside. 

I won’t go into too much detail on decorating your outdoor space because I have a full video and guide below, but know that having an enticing living space outside will add sophistication to your home. 

An outdoor patio can easily be associated with luxury, but it doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.

Get furniture from Facebook Marketplace and slowly acquire more decorative elements like tablecloths, rugs, plants, etc., to make your living space cozy.

Personally, I love to spend time on my screened-in porch. Whether it’s in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the evenings with a glass of wine, getting inspired by Pinterest for the upcoming projects I want to take on. 

Neutral Colors are Essential

The 3rd must-have, out of the 6 affordable ways to update your home without renovating is to acquire neutral-colored items.

I’m not a professional interior designer by any means, so this is just my opinion, but hear me out.

For the most part, colors will come and go.

So even though bold and dark colors are in right now, it doesn’t mean they’ll always be. Just like the gold countertops I mentioned earlier. At the time, it was in style when my pépère built the house. Now, not so much.

But I feel like neutral colors will ALWAYS be the base. 

So whenever you’re shopping for decorations, accessories, or essentials think neutral colors. 

For example, my comforter and chunky knit blanket are a good baseline for the orangy-toned flooring. While this pine flooring is beautiful for this room, I’d say the orangy tone is another updated color. 

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Affordable Bathroom Counter Transformation

Next up for the 6 affordable ways to update your home is to touch up your bathroom vanity. 

This way is very similar to the kitchen countertop, but it takes it a step further. 

So adhere the vinyl to the countertop. Also, on a side note, make sure the vinyl is waterproof (same for the kitchen countertop).

And add some simple yet decorative items. A bathroom vanity tray is a great way to do this.

But, take it a step further. I’d say if your sink is outdated, paint it! 

Now, I painted mine, and I do have a major recommendation. Don’t rush the process by simply taping the painter’s tape over the drain. Actually, take the drain out. 

Learn from my mistake because I just covered the drain with painter’s tape, and because it wasn’t 100% flush with the drain, water got underneath and peeled the paint.

However, all things equal, considering that only the bottom section has peeled and the rest is still intact, I’d say it’s a pretty worthy update, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Make sure you get the correct epoxy paint that can handle washing and everyday wear. You can find a link for the one I used here. 

Update the Corner into a Reading Nook

The second to last way on this list of 6 affordable ways to update your home is to have a cozy reading nook.

I think this speaks for itself, but the idea is to have an inviting and welcoming area. 

So often homes, whether outdated or not, have almost like an awkward area or vacant corner. And I find people sometimes struggle with how to fill the space. I feel like you can never go wrong with adding an accent chair, ottoman, or bench to create a cozy reading nook. 

Not only does adding these accent furniture pieces add an element of warmth, but it’s also an inviting place to sit or even put items down on. 

For example, I have a classier floordrobe because my clothes are at least on my ottoman and not on the floor. It’s all about perspective!!

Simplicity and Space

Last but not least, the 6th affordable way to update your home without renovating, is to consider simplifying your area. 

I find many outdated homes are filled with visual attention grabbers. 

In other words, certain design elements have harsh contrasts, excessive textures, or even an abundance of curvatures, all grabbing your attention. 

So, while a modern style is simple and sleek, an outdated red brick chimney, curvatures in wooden cabinets, and popcorn-textured walls don’t exactly fit the style of a modern home.

So, if you’re looking to update these areas without renovating, ask yourself how to make the area simple. Also, allow for more space to highlight the areas in your home that you want the attention on. 

This may take the form of making more space in your home by removing unnecessary furniture.

Or it may take the form of what I like to call “covering it up” by, let’s say hanging a picture or TV on that popcorn-covered wall to break up the texture. Or even adding a carpet to outdated flooring.

And don’t be afraid to have the less is more mentality when it comes to physical space.

In the end, having an area to do things, like setting up a table for paint and sip with your friends, is a priceless experience worth making room for. 

6 Affordable Ways to Update Your Home Without Remodeling 

So there you have it! 6 affordable ways to update your home without remodeling. Let me know if the comments if you have done or plan on doing any of these upgrades to your home! Again, check out my online storefront for lots of feminine digital downloads. Until next time! 

The post 6 Affordable Ways to Update Your Home Without Remodeling first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #14

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 14th fun fact, I want to share that my favorite food is watermelon!

Because watermelon is just a fruit I think it surprises most people, but I could eat watermelon every day of my life and not get sick of it.

I guess if I had to pick a meal, sushi is up there in the top 3. It’s tough to say with my taste pallet though because my favorite food varies with my mood.

You Have a Designated Reading Nook

I guess this benefit might be a no-brainer, but it’s true!

Even if you are not a reader in the sense that you can read through multiple books in a week, you still probably find yourself having to read on occasion.

 If you’re like me, you go through phases and wish you read more.

Having a place to retreat to that is the designated reading nook is a great way to encourage yourself to read more.

You Feel Professional yet Cozy

I get a lot of compliments on my reading nook. I think people are attracted to the large cozy chair that still looks elegant.

Because this chair is older, the company no longer makes it, but I liked the chair in my cozy reading nook so much, that I bought another one just like it! I have a full article on everything you NEED to consider about accent chairs before you make the purchase.

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Having a nice cozy chair similar to mine is comparable to sweater weather.

Really when you think about sweaters, they are super comfy (at least the ones I prefer wearing) while still looking dressy. The idea that you can dress up looking nice and still be comfortable also applies to a reading nook chair.

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Enables a Peaceful Mindset

I do a lot of work from home, so having an alternative area to sit other than my office desk, is a huge help.

Having this alternative area helps put my mind at ease and helps with my productivity.

There are just some moments in the day that I thrive from the feeling of being in a cozy chair and it really shows in my work. 

Guests Have an Area to Tend to Their Own Matters

Sometimes when I have people over, they might need a quiet space at that moment. For example, my brother was over and needed to make an important phone call. Because my reading nook was upstairs, away from the areas where everyone else was, he made his call without being distracted.

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Ironically, he was one of the people who recently vocalized a liking of the chair.

Building on that, if you decide to create your own reading nook, you should consider getting a chair that fits the mood you are trying to achieve.

Adding in décor like a mirror or plant also helps set the cozy and simple vibe.

It’s a Cozy Alternative Sitting Area

I tend to have a routine throughout my day. In the evenings, I spend a lot of time in the living room and on my screened-in porch. Having a separate area away from areas like the Livingroom has been a blessing because it allows me to switch up the scene.

I get antsy when I spend all my free downtime in the same location of the house. Having a separate area allows me to divide up my time appropriately.

Alternatively, it helps to have an area where you can escape for the sake of slowing down. This fast-paced world makes it so hard to focus on the important things in life.

But, if you have a designated area for this purpose, it makes it easier to take those moments and pause for a bit.

Conclusion of the Benefits of a Cozy Reading Nook

Do you think the 5 benefits of having a cozy reading nook are enough for you to create a reading nook in your home? Let me know what you think! I’d appreciate the support to this blog if you comment below and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest!

The post 5 Benefits of Having a Cozy Reading Nook first appeared on Katie T's Home.