Freshening up your home environment can boost your mood, improve the value of your house, and provide an outlet for creativity and expression. Home improvement projects are often costly and difficult, but you can find small ways to spruce things up without much time, money, or professional expertise. Try these quick and inexpensive projects to give your house a facelift in a single weekend.

A Fresh Coat of Paint in a Jiffy

Image via Flickr by peapodsquadmom

Painting doesn’t have to be an enormous project. In fact, the simplest way to liven up a room is to paint an accent wall with a vibrant color. You don’t even have to empty the room of furniture to paint one wall. Just push everything aside and cover with old sheets or a drop cloth. If you choose a wall that has windows and doors, you won’t even need a lot of paint.

Intense colors like burgundy or slate blue can visually shrink a room, so use lighter colors like buttercream yellow or mint green in small spaces. Another easy option is to add a strong color to a hallway. There’s little or no furniture to move, and there are lots of doorways that won’t need paint. In addition, you’ll be able to see the accent color from several rooms in your home.

Install a New Backsplash

Ceramic tile is pricey, but there are other ways to create an attractive backsplash in your kitchen. This is especially true if you just have to fill a small space between the countertop and the cabinets. Try using pegboard, which enables you to hang kitchen tools within easy reach. You can also create decoupage with maps or photos, fill the space with a pretty vinyl tablecloth or salvaged wood, or use tin roofing tiles to create a textured effect.

Spruce Up Your Front Porch

Give your front porch a thorough cleaning and remove any accumulated clutter. Then stand back and see what the area needs. You can easily find simple touches like a new lighting fixture, a mailbox, or house numbers at your local hardware store.

Try painting your front door or adding a new knob, knocker, or shiny kickplate. Decor ideas for your entryway could include a welcome mat, door wreath, potted plants, or even a small chair and table. Use online coupons from a site like Goodshop to save money at retailers ranging from Pottery Barn to Pier 1, and make a donation to your favorite charity at the same time.

Add a DIY Stair Runner

Make your wooden staircase safer and more colorful without the expense of laying carpet by attaching attractive carpet runners down the center of the stairs. Secure the padding with carpet tape and cover the staples with decorative upholstery tacks to get a finished look.

Sprucing up your home can be fun and easy if you stick with small projects that make a big impact. Tackle one area at a time, starting with the rooms where you spend the most time, and soon your whole house will be a gorgeous reflection of your personal style.