Home expert tips to completely transform your home without breaking the bank

Giving your home a fresh, updated look doesn't have to involve tearing down walls, hiring a contractor, or spending a fortune. In fact, a few thoughtful changes can dramatically improve the look and feel of your space, and they don't require expert-level DIY skills either. With more people spending time at home and looking for budget-friendly ways to personalize their surroundings, small renovations are having a big moment.

Kim Faura, Consumer Expert at , shared her insight with the Daily Express on how simple updates can completely revamp a space without the need for . From breathing new life into tired furniture to rethinking how space is used, Faura offered practical advice that anyone can follow. Whether you're a renter looking to add personality without making permanent changes or a homeowner hoping to add value on a budget, these easy ideas can elevate your living space in just a weekend.

Here are three smart and simple renovation tips that can transform your home:

Upcycle to Upscale

Faura's first piece of advice is to "upcycle, upcycle, upcycle!" - and for good reason. Upcycling, the art of repurposing old furniture or household items, is not only eco-friendly but also a budget-savvy way to refresh your interiors.

From outdated desks to forgotten drawers or even kitchen cabinets, almost anything can be revived with a little imagination. One of the easiest ways to get started is with a fresh lick of paint.

Consider stepping away from plain neutrals and experimenting with bold hues like deep navy, rich forest green, or even contrasting cabinet and wall colours for a more dynamic look. For something fun and functional, try using blackboard paint on kitchen cupboard doors - perfect for shopping lists or letting kids get creative.

And if sanding and priming aren't your thing, chalk paint can be a game-changer, as it adheres to most surfaces without the prep work.

Another quick fix is to change the handles. Simply swapping out drawer or cabinet knobs can inject a surprising amount of personality into a room.

Think elegant brass, sleek copper, or even quirky antique pieces like ceramic florals or novelty shapes. Finally, adding hooks to existing furniture can make it more useful and more fun.

A few bright hooks on the side of a dresser or bookcase can hold everything from mugs to dress-up costumes, especially in a child's bedroom.

Better Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in home design, yet it has a huge impact on ambience. According to Faura, switching up the lighting can instantly transform a room's mood.

Swapping a basic ceiling light for a more stylish pendant lamp-perhaps in an industrial chic design or with an exposed filament bulb, can act as both a lighting source and a statement piece.

If your space relies heavily on recessed lighting, you might consider layering in wall-mounted fixtures to create a more intimate atmosphere.

For a modern twist, LED strip lighting can be installed underneath kitchen cabinets or along the baseboards of floor units. These strips not only add a soft glow but also give a contemporary edge that makes any space feel more high-end.

Create More Space

While building an extension may be out of reach, you can still 'gain' space by rethinking how your rooms are organized. As Faura explains, making a room feel bigger doesn't always mean knocking down walls, it can be as simple as decluttering or rearranging furniture.

Start by removing what you no longer need, and if it's still in good condition, consider selling it second-hand on marketplaces like Gumtree.

In smaller bedrooms or home offices, one of the most effective tricks is a raised bed. By lifting the sleeping area, you create room beneath for a wardrobe or desk, essentially turning your furniture into a multi-purpose solution.

You can also take advantage of vertical space by hanging items like guitars, bikes, or skateboards on the wall. Not only does this free up the floor, but it turns practical gear into artful wall décor.

In the end, it's all about making smart changes that reflect your personality and suit your lifestyle. With just a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can turn everyday spaces into something truly special.

"Simple doesn't mean boring. With a little imagination, the smallest updates can have the biggest impact," Faura added.