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There's a common misconception that home improvement requires a lot of money, when in all reality there are projects that you can do yourself, even within a small budget. Whether you are trying to sell your home or simply make it more enjoyable for you and your family, small improvements make a big difference. It's all in knowing where to look and what fits your skill level. Projects that improve the aesthetics of your home can be done with any skill level, and don't have to break your bank in the process.

Curtains and Blinds

One of the ways you instantly date your space is with the window treatments and blinds. Whether you have old, plastic blinds that have constantly tangled cords or your grandmother's old curtains, simple upgrades can drastically improve the appearance. Start with the curtain rods; simple metal rods that come standard in most homes are boring and dated. But even inexpensive department stores carry low-cost rods that can add a simple touch of style. Next, swap out plastic blinds for new wooden, bamboo or grass shades that also better hide the sun, while modernizing the space. Finally, add curtains that create the look you want. Sheer blinds are elegant and natural, while dark or patterned curtains instantly make a statement. Whatever your style choice, your windows will immediately boost the look of your room.

Add a Bar Space

If you are the constant host among your friends, stylish bars for your home are a great way to boost your party appeal. These areas add wine racks, shelves for all of your liquors, glass space, and more. You can either choose a subtle bar face or one that makes a bold statement, but it's easy to find one to match your style. The best part is that you don't even need to be handy and attempt to make one on your own. There are a select few companies that make these bars for you and all you need to do is assemble it. Choose an area in your living or dining room or add that extra entertainment space in your finished basement. Wherever you place it becomes your new party space.

Paint

One of the least expensive, but perhaps most time consuming is changing out the paint. For a bold look in your living room, consider an accent wall with a bright shade. Light hues or grays, create a subtle, calming look, while a room with an intense shade on all four sides, makes a drastic change. Keep in mind dark shades on all walls should only be used on larger rooms, as it can make the room feel claustrophobic in small spaces. Whatever you choose, the entire mood of a room is changed by just a simple coat of paint. Remember, lighter tones with darker accents are ideal for any room size.

Update Cabinet Faces and Hardware

Of course when thinking of your kitchen or bathroom space, your first response with how to improve the rooms is to rip out the cabinetry or countertops. This will obviously drastically change the look, but can be incredibly expensive. Alternatively, simply changing the front of the cupboards can create a comparable upgrade, but without costing a lot of money. Now if you aren't handy with tools, a simple coat of paint over the cabinet doors will do wonders. A bold shade can modernize the look of your kitchen, while a light shade of gray, white or yellow creates a temporary feel. Just be sure to take the cabinets off their hinges first or you may find it difficult to keep the paint off unwanted areas. If you have incredibly decorative, organized dishes, you may even opt to remove certain cupboard doors for an open feel that highlights the style of your china and glassware. If you are handy with tools, another options is to cut out the center of the cupboards and add a glass or Plexiglass face that creates a modern look to open the area. Of course, open cupboards are only ideal for the kitchen, keep the improvement simple in the bathroom with a coat of paint. For a final touch, select new hardware and change out the old ones. It can instantly change the look and function in your home.

Backsplash

If you are handy with tools or even an amateur, changing the backsplash in the bathroom or kitchen is a simple touch with a modern look. For the new home-improver, they now make tiles that come in sheets. All you need is to cut the sheet into the right size, add a layer of grout and the sheet is installed right on top. For the more talented and adventurous, you can actually take apart the sheet and create your own design.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a contributing author and interior designer. He often calls 614-876-7755 for great deals on his interior design projects.