nickelhomepros

Room makeovers on a budget

Make it feel new without spending like it's new.

Plain-English guides to refreshing a room for less, whether you own or rent: where the money makes the biggest difference, what to do yourself, and how to find good pieces secondhand.

Room materials calculator What $250 can do

Living room refresh

  • Paint, 2 gallons$90
  • Rug, secondhand$85
  • Two lamps, thrifted$40
  • Curtains and rod$75
  • Frames, yard sale$20
  • Pillow covers$36

Total $346 with $50 held back for surprises

An illustrative example. Prices vary by region and store.
CalculatorPaint, flooring and trimEnter the room size and get quantities and a materials budget. Ideas$250, $500, $1,000What each budget can do in four common rooms. ChecklistRoom RefreshFifteen steps from goal-setting to the after photo.

15 budget makeover guides

Plan the refresh

Paint and walls

Light, floors and details

Shop smart

Free download, no email needed

The Room Refresh Workbook

A room measurement sheet, a makeover budget with a surprise fund, a shopping list, a keep-move-donate-sell sorter and a weekend project plan.

Get the free PDFSee the Room Refresh checklist

Coming soon

A finished plan for your room, at your budget

Nickel Room Plans: ready-made makeover plans for common rooms, each with a step-by-step plan and shopping lists at three budget levels. No brand deals, just what to look for.

$12 per plan, once. 30-day refund.

See the plans