nickelhomepros

Room Refresh checklist

15 steps to refresh a room on a budget, from measuring and decluttering to the finishing touches.

Track your progress with a free accountGet the free Room Refresh Workbook

Plan

Before you buy a thing.

  • Write down one goal for the room Guide
  • Set a total budget and hold back 10% Guide
  • Measure the room, windows and doors Guide
  • Renters: get written permission for anything permanent Guide

Clear and rearrange

The free part.

  • Declutter and sort into keep, move, donate, sell Guide
  • Sell what you don't want and add it to the budget Guide
  • Try a new furniture layout Guide

Make the big changes

Where the money shows.

  • Paint, or paint one accent wall Guide
  • Add lamps and switch to warm LED bulbs Guide
  • Decide: rug, refinish or new flooring Guide
  • Hang curtains high and wide Guide

Finish it

The details that make it feel done.

  • Swap dated hardware and switch plates Guide
  • Put art on the walls Guide
  • Find one key piece secondhand Guide
  • Take an after photo and total what you spent Guide