Home Renovation Ideas – Some Cool, Some Weird, But All Worth Thinking About

Okay so, if your house is starting to feel kinda “meh” or like you’ve been staring at the same ugly kitchen tiles since 2012, maybe it’s time to switch things up. Home renovation doesn’t always mean you gotta tear down walls or spend your whole savings either (unless ur rich, then yeah go ahead lol). Sometimes it’s just small changes that make your place feel fresh again.

Here’s some renovation ideas I’ve seen or tried (some were successful, some not so much) and a bunch of random thoughts that might help you figure out what to do with your space. Warning: I’m not a pro designer or nothing, just a regular human with some Pinterest boards and a hammer

1. Open Up the Space

You ever walk into a room and feel like it’s closing in on you? Yeah, same. One of the most common reno moves is to knock down a wall (not a load-bearing one though pls check that first) and open up rooms.

Open concept is still pretty popular. Kitchen + dining + living all in one big space? Feels fancy, more light too. But also if u make a mess in the kitchen, your guests will see it lol. So pros & cons.

2. Update Your Kitchen (Without Going Broke)

Ok hear me out. You don’t gotta buy a whole new kitchen set to make it look diff.

• Paint the cabinets – Even just white or navy blue can change the whole mood.

• Change handles/knobs – Sounds small but big difference trust me

• Stick-on backsplash tiles – cheap and no one can tell they’re fake from far

• New faucet – you’d be suprised how old yours probably looks

If you can afford new counters tho, that’s a game changer. Quartz, marble, or even concrete (looks better than it sounds lol).

3. Bathroom Glow-Up

Bathrooms get gross fast. Like why does the grout get brown no matter what we do??

• Add a new vanity – the old ones from 2005 gotta go

• Replace mirror w/ one that has lights or just looks cooler

• Better lighting – trust me, soft lighting makes u look better in the morning

• Rain shower head – feels like a spa even if your life’s in shambles

Also pls for the love of all things, get rid of those plastic shower curtains. Glass if u can.

4. The Floor Situation

Carpets are cozy but also kinda… gross. Hardwood, laminate, or even vinyl planks are way easier to clean and honestly just look better. If you can’t change floors, even area rugs can make a big difference.

Pro tip: Get one that doesn’t slide and make u fall in socks (learnt that the hard way)

5. Walls That Pop (or Don’t)

Paint is the easiest way to change a room. Go wild or go neutral, totally up to you.

Ideas:

• Accent wall – one wall a diff color (like dark green, navy, etc.)

• Wallpanelling – fake it with MDF or even peel n stick wood

• Wallpaper – it’s back, and not just the ugly grandma ones lol

• Murals – artsy vibes if you’re feeling bold

Also white walls are cool but if every room is white it’s kinda boring ngl.

6. Light It Up

Lighting is sooo underrated in home reno. Like one good ceiling light can make a sad room look expensive.

Try:

• Pendant lights over kitchen islands

• Wall sconces for cozy corners

• Smart bulbs – change color, brightness, mood

• Dimmers – for when you’re feeling ✨moody✨

Don’t forget outdoor lighting too. String lights make any patio feel like a café. Cheap but cute.

7. Storage Without Being Ugly

We all got too much stuff. Finding ways to hide it without it looking messy is key.

• Built-in shelves – esp around fireplaces or windows

• Under-bed storage – for ppl with tiny bedrooms (aka me)

• Storage benches – sit AND hide junk, genius

• Floating shelves – look cool, also good for plants or books

Just don’t turn every wall into a shelf wall unless you wanna live in a library lol.

8. Outdoor Spaces = Free Therapy

Backyards, patios, balconies – don’t ignore them. Even a tiny space can be turned into a chill spot.

Ideas:

• Pallet furniture (DIY vibes)

• Add a fire pit or chiminea

• Outdoor rugs & cushions

• Plants – real ones if you’re responsible, fake if not

• String lights (yes again, they’re that good)

Even a front porch makeover can change the whole curb appeal of your house.

9. Make a Home Office (or Hobby Spot)

Working from home isn’t going away anytime soon, so might as well make a space for it. Doesn’t have to be a whole room.

• Use a closet (literally, “cloffice” is a thing)

• Corner desk setups

• Soundproofing foam if u got loud neighbors or kids

• Nice chair – your back deserves it

If u don’t work from home, make a lil hobby corner. Art, gaming, reading, anything that makes you happy.

10. Energy Efficiency Stuff

Not the sexiest topic, but can save you $$$.

• Insulate walls/windows better

• Switch to LED lights

• Smart thermostat

• Solar panels (if you got the money and the sun)

• Low-flow toilets and showerheads – water bills go down

Good for your wallet, and good for the planet too

11. Small Touches That Matter More Than You Think

• Door handles – swap those 90s gold ones out

• Baseboards & trim – clean lines = cleaner look

• Curtains/blinds – go longer, make windows feel bigger

• Plants – fake or real, every room needs some green

• Art or pics – stop leaving those walls blank!

Final Random Thoughts

• Don’t do everything at once. Chaos.

• Make a mood board or Pinterest board first.

• Set a budget but also set an “oops” fund because yeah… stuff always goes wrong lol

• Ask for help or hire someone if it’s outta your comfort zone

• Enjoy the process – it’s stressful but cool to see your space change

TLDR (If You Skipped Everything)

Home renovation isn’t just for rich people on HGTV. You can start small, paint a wall, switch some lights, or add a shelf. Bit by bit, it adds up. Make your space feel more like YOU, not just a house you live in.

It’s your home. Might as well love it