The first Wednesday of every month, I have the pleasure of teaming up with my talented friends Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles, Pam from Simple Details, and Kris from Driven by Decor to explore exciting home and garden topics. It’s always a treat to collaborate, but the fun is doubled when we welcome a guest host to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Today, we’re thrilled to have Brooke Christen from Nesting with Grace joining us! If you haven’t met Brooke or explored her blog, you’re in for a treat. Her ingenious light hack is one of my favorite DIY projects and a perfect example of how small changes can make a big impact.

Thank you for joining us today, Brooke!
Now, let’s dive into a topic that’s close to my heart—how to get the most bang for your buck. Who doesn’t love finding ways to make a big impact with a modest investment?
1. Painting Interior Doors Black (or Grey, or Greige!)
There’s no denying that paint is the ultimate budget-friendly home improvement tool. It’s transformative, both in the way your home looks and in how it makes you feel. Over the years, I’ve painted every inch of wall and trim in our house, banishing the dated orange oak that once dominated the space. A few years ago, I took the leap and painted our first-floor doors black. This simple change gave our cookie-cutter home a bold, custom feel, making it stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Before: Our living room was charming but lacked personality.
After: Once the Christmas tree was packed away, the clean, open space practically begged for a molding project. With the addition of black doors, the room now has an anchor point that adds depth and sophistication. Four paint colors later, we settled on Simply White for our walls, which brought fresh life to the space. Even with the dated foyer tile still hanging on, the transformation feels complete. See more of Simply White throughout the house here.
The best part? Painting 10 doors required less than a gallon of paint. For such a small investment, this project delivered a huge return in character and style. If black doors aren’t your thing, explore other options like grey or greige—they’re equally striking!
Check out this beautiful door color that I can’t get out of my head.
2. Painting Garage or Basement Steps
Another area where paint made a massive difference in our home was the garage steps.

With just a quart of porch and floor enamel in the color “Cilantro,” we transformed a mundane, utilitarian space into a cheerful, welcoming spot. This same paint also freshened up the adjacent mudroom floor, creating a cohesive look.

Our painted garage steps now bring joy every time we use them—an upgrade that took minimal effort but delivered maximum satisfaction. You can find the before-and-after transformation of our garage and foyer steps on the blog for more inspiration.
3. Using Pea Stone for a Patio or Walkway
Years ago, during a trip to Italy, Mark and I enjoyed an unforgettable evening sipping wine under the stars on a quaint vineyard’s pea stone patio. That experience left a lasting impression, and I’ve been drawn to the timeless charm of pea stone ever since. It’s a staple in European landscapes, often featured in decor magazines and catalogs like Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. Imagine my delight when I discovered that pea stone is one of the most affordable materials for creating outdoor spaces!

When we decided to build our DIY patio and firepit area, pea stone was the natural choice. For less than $200, we purchased enough to cover the space. Including the cost of a sod cutter rental, garden edging, landscape fabric, and tools, the entire project came in at just $400.
The spirea and ornamental grasses we planted are beginning to fill out the area beautifully. In the future, we hope to add cobblestone edging and a tree to provide dappled light. For a detailed guide on how we installed our pea stone patio and built the stone firepit, check out the step-by-step process on the blog.
4. Furniture Makeovers
Breathing new life into old furniture is one of my favorite ways to stretch a dollar while adding character to our home. One of my most cherished pieces is our dining table, which has a fascinating history. Originally crafted in Germany, it was brought to the U.S. by a U.S. Army soldier in the late 1960s. After years of searching for the perfect table, I finally found this gem on Craigslist from the soldier’s son.
The table’s solid oak top, complete with two leaves, has undergone multiple makeovers. Initially, I stripped and stained it in a rich walnut finish.

Later, I stripped it again and gave it a limed finish that highlights its natural patina. This table not only adds warmth and character to our dining room but also comfortably seats up to 14 people—a feature I adore.
If you’re looking for ideas to revamp your furniture, consider this your nudge to get creative. You’ll often end up with pieces that are far more meaningful and unique than anything you’d find in a store.
5. Adding Fresh Greens or Flowers to Your Space
I almost made this tip about the transformative power of white linen curtains (hello, Ikea!), but nothing beats the instant impact of fresh greenery or flowers. Plants and blooms breathe life into any room, making it feel more vibrant and inviting.

Whether it’s a vase of hydrangeas on the dining table or a simple fern in the bathroom, greenery elevates the atmosphere. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion or someone else to gift you flowers—treat yourself!

Even better, forage from your yard (or a neighbor’s with permission!). Bonus points if you find vine-like weeds that aren’t poison ivy—free always fits the budget!
Honorable Mention: Curtains
While greens and flowers take the spotlight, don’t underestimate the power of simple white curtains. When I added Ikea’s white linen curtains to our kitchen slider, the space instantly felt more polished, cozy, and complete. For an affordable price, curtains can dramatically enhance a room’s aesthetic.
Finding ways to get the most bang for your buck doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. It’s about identifying small, impactful projects that make your home more beautiful and functional without breaking the bank. Whether it’s painting, landscaping, furniture makeovers, or adding greenery, these simple upgrades can transform your space and bring joy every day.
Thank you for stopping by today!
Don’t forget to check out the inspiring ideas from Nesting With Grace, Dimples & Tangles, Simple Details, and Driven By Decor. You’ll walk away with plenty of motivation to tackle your next budget-friendly project!