The 50 Smartest Home Upgrades Under $35, According To Designers

Wall art is not the only way to give a room some oomph. “An attractive and eco-friendly area rug in a natural fiber such as jute, sisal, or sea grass adds texture,” Nichole Abbott, an interior designer at FLOOR360, told Elite Daily. This round handwoven jute rug will certainly add both texture and personality to any space. It comes in 10 sizes and lots of colors in the listing.

While Abbott told Elite Daily that “fluid organic shapes are high in demand for adding a modern feel to your space.” She suggested this ceramic vase set to add a soothing feeling to a space, saying the duo would look empty or decorated with pampas grass. Choose from a few colors and different styles in the listing.

To “soften the angles of your sofa,” Abbott told Elite Daily that this knot pillow would be just the thing to add. It’ll be easy to match to your decor — it comes in 27 different colors (and three sizes) in the listing.

“I like to think of shower curtains as a changeable layer,” the founder of Jen Dallas Interior Architecture & Design Studio, Jen Dallas, told The Zoe Report. She added, “Think seasons and what the weather feels like outside and how that relates to how you wish to feel on the inside of your home. If you live in a colder climate [that’s] darker for the winter, choose a bright color for your shower curtain.” Choose from three lengths and a few earth-tone colors in the listing.

An in-house interior design expert at Interior Moderna, Malak Bellajdel, says window film is like “art for your windows.” She goes on to point out that whether you place it in the kitchen, bathroom, or elsewhere, beautiful colors will be cast across the room. This roll will also block out UV rays and leave your glass spotless since it applies via static cling (with no need for adhesive).

“Magnetic spice racks are perfect for a small kitchen,” says Bellajdel. But since they not only save space but also make all your favorite ingredients easier to reach, even those with a spacious kitchen can benefit from them. The four shelves in this set are made of rustproof metal and they’re available in 12 different colors in the listing.

There’s no need for a major renovation to switch up your style when these adhesive floor tiles exist. Natalie Biles, the co-founder and lead designer at Shine Interior Design Studio, says, “A small-scale opportunity would be a laundry room or powder bath and a large-scale opportunity would be an entryway or dining area.” They come in the terrazzo print above, as well as lots of other designs (like granite, oak plank, slate, marble, and more) in the listing.

This peel-and-stick contact paper lets you change the vibe of a room fast. “Removable wallpaper is one means to bring life to a small space,” says Biles. And that’s especially true when it is as beautiful as this roll. Add the floral-print paper to your dressers, walls, bookshelves, and more.

Biles says, “Drapery makes a big impact with style and softening a space.” These sheer linen-blend curtains are a great way to revamp a living room or bedroom. They have a semi-sheer material for gentle light filtering. Choose from lots of lengths and colors in the listing.

Decorative throw pillows are what Lindye Galloway, a Newport Beach-based interior designer, uses as finishing touches to the places she designs. “Their chic, cozy, and textured materials help bring visual interest to your space,” says the expert. These covers are made of soft velvet and have contrasting colors on either side. They come in a pack of four and are available in several color combinations in the listing.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting way to upgrade your home, consider giving this parlor palm plant a home. Janelle Patton, the lead designer of Lark Interiors, says, “Plants instantly bring the space to life, and double-duty, also purify the air!” This one comes in a 6-inch pot, takes minimal effort, and it can grow to be up to 4 feet tall. It has a 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 2,000 reviews.

Nick Chatzigeorgakis, the design firm owner of Intrabuild, says, “Replacing cabinet hardware is a simple, budget-friendly upgrade that refreshes an entire kitchen.” This 10-pack of stainless steel cabinet knobs offer a small swap that’ll make a big difference. They come in lots of finishes and different pack sizes in the listing.

Not only do these 3-foot-long LED light strips make great additions to dark spots in your home, but they also act as smart replacements. Chatzigeorgakis says, “Swapping out a few outdated fixtures for LEDs will brighten up a room and create a more modern feel.” Since they have an adhesive backing, that will be easy to do. Your order comes with three strips.

“Runners are a great way to add character throughout your home in long hallways, entryways, and even the kitchen,” Opendoor home designer Yasmine El Sanyoura told Elite Daily. It may be difficult for you to pick between the nearly 20 color and pattern options that this accent rug comes in. Whichever one that you end up going with is sure to liven up your space. And since it’s made of non-shedding materials, it can handle everyday wear and tear.

El Sanyoura told Elite Daily, “To elevate your space, utilize baskets to create additional storage around your home.” Once you see just what this roomy woven storage basket can do, you’ll be back to add more to your cart. The basket is made of 100% cotton rope and it comes in lots of colors and two sizes in the listing. The designer suggests using baskets to store extra throw blankets or even your collection of chargers.

According to El Sanyoura, curtain rods are often overlooked. She told Elite Daily that “the right curtain rods (at the right placement) can really make the whole home feel more expensive!” This gorgeous brass option is nearly impossible to leave behind. It can adjust in length between 33 and 66 inches, and it comes in three different modern finishes.

This coffee bar organizer will motivate you to completely transform an empty (or maybe cluttered) corner of your kitchen. Abbott says, “Style it with small faux plants, matching mugs, and canisters for coffee, sugar, and syrups.” Since the wooden organizer has two shelves, a pullout drawer, and a side compartment, it gives you more than enough room to store all your necessities. It’s also available in black and white in the listing.

By swapping out your old and discolored outlet covers with clean white or black ones, Abbott believes that you’ll “give a uniform and updated look to your space.” It will be easy to upgrade your home all in one swoop since these covers come in packs of four. And since they’re made of corrosion-resistant metal, they’re sure to last.

A grout pen will be your lifesaver when it comes to grime-filled tile lines. It has a precision tip so that it can be used to detail even the tiniest of spaces. The water-based colorant will leave behind a bright white finish. “It’s a more modern seamless look for your dated space,” says Abbott.

Reya Duenas of Reya Duenas Design told The Zoe Report that decorative trays are “[a] great way to keep things organized and looking cohesive.” This marble option will never go out of style and will hold all your most-loved items. It comes in a few colors and sizes in the listing.

Grabbing a set of gallery photo frames is a tip that Tara Dennis, the co-founder and director of Archie Bolden, gave to The Zoe Report. “Use them as decorative accents around the house, or to build a modern-looking gallery wall,” says Dennis. Whether you fill the 10 frames with personal photos or professional prints, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re also available in white, beige, gold, brown, and a mixed set in the listing.

Dennis fills her home with flameless candles. “Rather than real candles, which can drip everywhere and be annoying, these ones are just to give a bit of a glow, which makes it feel so much more luxurious,” she told The Zoe Report. This battery-operated set of three comes with a wireless remote that you can use to set them on a timer and adjust their brightness.

Jennifer Verruto, CEO and Founder of Blythe Interiors, told The Zoe Report that she’s a fan of floating shelves. “Not only do they allow easy access to our clients’ everyday items, but it allows them to showcase their personality with fun decor items,” she said. She added that she often places them in small bathrooms to increase storage. This set comes with two solid cedarwood pieces.

“A simple way to upgrade your home [...] is to build an art display wall using simple items such as woven bowls,” interior designer Stacy Garcia told The Zoe Report. If you’d like to follow her advice, add this eight-piece set of wall basket decor to your cart. They’ll ensure your room has plenty of texture and personality.

An artificial plant manages to fill your home with life without filling it with bugs or giving you extra responsibility. “You can’t go wrong with greenery, especially if it’s hanging. It instantly makes your home feel more welcoming, inviting, and cozy,” Peyton Robinson, a professional interior designer and the head of marketing at Foter, told Elite Daily.

“To enhance your outdoor spaces, install solar-powered garden lights to illuminate pathways and highlight landscaping features,” says Michele Iapicco, the principal at Iapicco Design Studio. This eight-pack has LED bulbs that will also enhance safety (since you’ll be less likely to trip) and curb appeal. Their stakes can also be placed at three different heights.

To care for your outdoor space as much as you do your indoor ones, Iapicco says she likes “using a large planter without drainage holes as a water feature with a floating solar fountain.” This round planter can certainly be used to recreate her vision. It’s made of concrete and fiberglass and it has a removable drainage plug.

To follow Iapicco’s suggestion, you’ll need this solar bird bath fountain. All it needs is a bit of sun to continuously create a beautiful spray of water that will (literally) bring life to your backyard. It even has an upgraded filtration system to keep out dust, leaves, and other blockages.

Elissa Hall, the lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors, says that motion sensor light pucks “provide convenient, hands-free illumination for countertops, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.” The three self-adhesive lights in this pack can be placed anywhere from underneath your cabinets to the back of your closet.

If you need some inspiration on how to use this woven fabric storage bin, Hall is here to help. She says that fabric bins “can declutter spaces while adding a touch of texture and color to your living room.” You can use it to hide your remote controls, and magazines inside, she adds. And when it’s not full to the brim, it can be collapsed for easy storage.

To get your kitchen clean and make it more efficient, Hall suggests using adhesive hooks on the inside of cabinet doors. You can use the hooks in this four-pack to hang various kitchen tools, a tea towel, and more. They come in a few finishes in the listing, all of which are made of durable stainless steel.

Hall suggests placing “organizers [...] inside of cabinet doors. These can hold everything from measuring spoons to cleaning supplies, freeing up counter space and making your kitchen more efficient.” This self-adhesive organizer can hold up to 9.5 pounds of cleaning supplies (and more) out of sight within a cabinet. It can also be used in a bathroom, on the side of a dryer, and in more useful spots around the home.

Whether you fill it with real or artificial plants, Hall suggests using this three-tier hanging wall planter to “create a visually appealing display while maximizing space in smaller yards.” It’s made of ceramic and cotton rope and it can be used indoors and out.

Alexandra Cooper, an interior designer at Planner 5D, says, “Pick warm [...] LED bulbs to create a cozy feel in living rooms and bedrooms. [...] This upgrade will also be reflected in your energy consumption.” This four-pack of bulbs can replace 60-watt incandescent, halogen, and CFL bulbs, and they can be dimmed from 10 to 99%.

“Adding indoor plants can instantly bring life and color into any room,” says Cooper. If you don’t have a green thumb, she says to aim for a “good-quality faux plant.” This faux monstera plant is 28 inches tall and is made of durable and quality polyester material that resists fading. It even comes with a white pot, pebbles, and artificial moss for a realistic look.

Cooper reminds you to not forget about the smell of a room when making upgrades. “Introducing a pleasant scent can enhance the ambiance of any room and scent is often a sense that is forgotten but is super important to any interior,” she says. This stylish black jarred candle is made with soy wax and a crackling wooden wick. It has a 45-hour burn time and smells like lavender woods. Four other scents (and multipacks) are available in the listing.

Cooper also suggests using a diffuser. She says, “Depending on the room and your own personal taste, you can add different scents that help evoke different moods.” This marble-print diffuser with a built-in timer has earned an impressive 4.5-star overall rating. It has seven colors of ambient light to choose between and you can control the mist and light separately.

For “an instant and affordable remake,” Cooper suggests adding “removable backsplash [tiles] [...] to refresh and add color to a kitchen or bathroom.” This 32-pack of peel-and-stick tiles has a white granite look but there are lots of other options to choose from in the listing. They’re waterproof, heat resistant, and can be trimmed to fit any area. The set covers 4 square feet.

“From an interior design perspective, pampas grass is unmatched if you want to create an eclectic farmhouse style decor,” Stefan Bucur, the founder and owner of Rhythm of the Home, told Elite Daily. He added, “They come in multiple shades and different shapes which is perfect for creating a perceived random pattern.” This 97-piece set comes with six different varieties that’ll allow you to create any kind of bouquet you have in mind.

Bucur also suggested to Elite Daily that candle warmers are a clever upgrade and “a subtle decor piece.” This warmer with a sleek modern look features a removable textured ceramic dish and a 3-foot cord. It has earned a 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon.

Crystal Olenbush, a real estate expert and interior designer at AustinRealEstate.com, is a fan of this asymmetrical mirror. She says, “A well-placed mirror can make a room feel doubly spacious and bright. [...] It adds an artistic, modern touch. Hang one in an entryway or across from a window to amplify natural light.” She recommended the 14-by-10-inch mirror with a gold frame, but there are 12 other colors to choose from in the listing (as well as a few sizes) if you have a larger space to fill.

Olenbush raves, “I'm absolutely obsessed with smart home integrations like light bulbs. [...] With millions of colors to choose from right in the app, you can easily set the perfect mood or ambiance with just a few taps.” The four-pack of bulbs can be set on a timer or schedule and they have one more fun feature Olenbush loves. “The music sync feature makes the lights pulse and change with the beat for an instant party atmosphere,” she enthuses.

Catherine Hooper, the owner and lead designer at iSPY Home Design, has a solution for dated tile — spray painting it with this glossy white tub and tile paint. “It’s super easy to apply, and you can even use it to refinish a tub or sink that’s faded or has marks you can’t otherwise remove.” It can be used on ceramic, porcelain or fiberglass — including tiles, sinks and tubs — and it leaves a waterproof surface in just three days (but is dry to the touch in 15 minutes). She adds that it’s “a fun DIY project with major results.”

Hooper advises, “For very little money you can replace the hardware on your interior doors and it makes a HUGE difference.” One of her favorite kinds are “these contemporary ones from Kwikset that come in all kinds of finishes and styles to customize for every space.” Choose from matte black, polished chrome, satin brass, and satin nickel (and two designs) in the listing.

“It’s amazing what adding curtain rings to your curtain panels can do,” comments Hooper. She says clip-on rings can make your drapes “look like custom window treatments.” This set of 40 rings have a vintage bronze finish but they’re available in several other options in the listing. You can also choose from a few different diameters (these are 1.26 inches in diameter).

Eric Bramlett, a interior designer and the realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, suggests installing the SwitchBot Smart Switch button pusher for a fast and easy upgrade. He explains, “It’s a small gadget that you can stick onto any light switch or button, and it can turn things on or off with just a voice command or through an app. [...] It’s really simple to set up and doesn’t require any tools.” It installs via adhesive and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Bramlett has another favorite gadget that’ll make your home run smoother: a hygrometer thermometer. “This little device helps you keep track of the temperature and humidity in your home or yard. [...] I’ve seen people use it in their kitchens, greenhouses, or even just to make sure their home stays comfortable,” he says. The device is waterproof and dustproof, and it can send real-time data right to your phone.

Bree Steele, the interior designer and trade accounts manager at RJ Living, says, “If you want to go for a more maximalist look with your home, adding a gallery wall will be a great way to add a personal touch.” This set of six art prints will give you a great start that you can supplement with personal photographs, art prints, postcards, and more. There are also a few different themes of prints in the listing including, farm-, lake-, and Morocco-themed photographs.

“If you [sometimes] lose things in your home, then bringing in a wall mounted organizer will be an easy way to get rid of the clutter,” says Steele. This three-pack of black mesh organizers will provide you plenty of space to stash office supplies and more. If you need even more storage space or prefer a different shade, check the listing for more options.

Interior designer Jennifer Stephan says this dry-erase board is “a chic fusion of design and functionality.” It can replace messy (and wasteful) sticky notes and note pads. The writing surface is made of marble-print glass that will wipe fully clean and it has a hidden drawer to hold small essentials.