Home upgrading doesn’t have to drain your bank account or require professional contractors just to do a few changes that even we can do ourselves.
That’s where home upgrading advice Mintpalment comes in. Honestly, they’ve totally changed how I used to think about upgrading my living space.
By using their budget-smart approach, I can upgrade my house without stressing my wallet.
So, what makes Mintpalment different? They focus on high-impact, low-cost changes that anyone can handle.
Unlike those other home improvement sites that kinda push you more towards expensive renovations, Mintpalment suggests smart changes that give you actual results.
In this post, I’m going to share some of my favorite home upgrading advice Mintpalment that helped transform my home without shaking up my whole budget.
We’ll look at quick paint projects, lighting tricks, furniture makeovers, and lots more practical ideas that can work in any home.
So, if you’re ready to make your space feel fresh and new, let’s jump right in!
About Mintpalment
So who or what exactly is Mintpalment? They’re a home improvement platform created by budget-conscious designers who believe beautiful homes shouldn’t require massive spending.
Their whole philosophy centers around the “small changes, big impact” approach.
What makes home upgrading advice mintpalment unique is how they balance four essential elements in every upgrade they suggest: budget-friendliness (obviously!), visual appeal, value addition, and practical functionality.
These four elements are a must for any livable home.
Also, unlike those home decor websites, who just tell you to buy new stuff, they help you reimagine what you already have. I love how they focus on teaching skills rather than just showing pretty pictures.
When they share home upgrading advice, they walk you through each step so you can actually do the projects yourself.
This combination of practicality and creativity is why I keep going back to their site whenever I need some fresh and unique ideas.
12 Best Home Upgrading Advice Mintpalment
These 12 Mintpalment-inspired upgrades have completely changed how my home looks and feels now. The best part is none of them require professional help or crazy amounts of spending.
I’ve tried most of these myself and can confidently say that the impact they make is truly something else.
Apply Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing transforms a space faster or cheaper than paint. A new layer of paint can make an old, boring room look brand new or turn a boring front door into your home’s best feature.
According to home upgrading advice Mintpalment, starting with your front door will instantly elevate the look of your house.
To do it right: Clean surfaces thoroughly, use painter’s tape for crisp and clean edges, and apply at least two coats. For doors, remove hardware first.
For walls, patch holes before starting, to make sure the surface is smooth and ready to be painted.
Try not to skip prep work, using the wrong finish (matte hides imperfections better), or rushing between coats. Take your time and let each layer dry completely and then apply another layer on it.
And try not to use cheap brushes, as they will show streaks, so spend a bit more there for a clean finish.
Make Lighting Upgrades
Bad lighting can easily turn a gorgeous room awful so make sure to pay some attention to it too. Switch out those dated fixtures or add strategic lighting to make space feel bigger, warmer, and more expensive.
One of my favorite home upgrading advice by Mintpalment was installing closet lighting. Those $30 motion-sensor strip lights make finding my clothes so much easier now because of the appropriate lighting.
First off, replace those outdated fixtures, you can try looking in thrift stores, they have amazing options.
Add dimmable switches, they will cost somewhere around $20 each but they are surely WORTH IT for ambiance control.
If your budget allows, then you can install wall sconces to create a custom look without major electrical work.
Here are some things you should know while making lighting upgrades:
Don’t rely on just one ceiling light as it causes harsh shadows. and choosing bulbs with the wrong color temperature like if it’s too blue, it’ll feel cold, or hanging pendants at the wrong height.
Mintpalment suggests hanging dining pendants 30-36 inches above your table to create that fancy restaurant look.
Repurpose Old Furniture
Who said you need to buy new furniture to upgrade your home when you can simply use some of your creativity to make old stuff look amazing. Mintpalment taught me to see potential in thrift store finds and hand-me-downs.
Here’s how you can try to repurpose: Clean thoroughly, sand if needed, apply primer, then paint with quality furniture paint.
If you don’t feel like doing too much then simply swapping out knobs and pulls can also help you create a totally different look.
My $5 brass handles made my kitchen cabinets look like a custom job. Simple and effective, right? Try adding trim pieces to flat furniture to create some architectural interest.
And while repurposing old furniture, make sure to not skip the primer or the paint will chip. And don’t even think of rushing the process or you’ll end up doing it all over again.
Also, don’t overlook structural issues, like if there are wobbly legs that need fixing before painting. Paint can only hide cosmetic flaws, not everything!
Declutter & Reorganize
Now this technique is not about adding new stuff or changing the old one, it’s simply about rearranging what you already have. And the best part is that this costs 0 dollars but makes your home feel brand new!
According to Mintpalment philosophy, clutter is the enemy of good design. When I finally tackled my “junk room,” I discovered I had space for a home office that I didn’t think was even possible.
Simply start small with 15-minute sessions rather than overwhelming yourself by doing everything on the same day. Create sort boxes and sort stuff into these three categories: keep, donate, trash.
Make use of vertical space with shelving, and try to give it a thought like how you actually use spaces rather than how you think they should be used.
For this step, here are a few things to keep in mind like buying products before decluttering, this will just complicate things that you won’t be able to maintain.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Now this is the kind of upgrade that pays you back! There is an upfront cost but switching to energy-efficient appliances saves you money every month while it also updates your home’s look.
I replaced my ancient refrigerator that has been here since I was young. It was kinda tough to let it go but it was the best decision.
Thanks to this upgrade, my electric bill dropped by $20 every month, plus I got some new features too.
For this upgrade, you simply need to look for appliances with Energy Star ratings, also be on the lookout for appliance sales (holiday weekends are best), and consider if small upgrades like a new dishwasher might make a bigger impact than you think. You don’t need to replace everything at once.
And MOST IMPORTANTLY, remember to measure the space because buying. Also ignoring energy ratings to save on purchase price will do you no good.
And don’t overlook rebates from utility companies, I got $150 back on my new washer!
Install Programmable Thermostat
This small change can actually make a huge difference and help you save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs annually. Plus, the convenience of walking into a perfectly heated home without wasting energy is amazing.
Installation tips: Most models are DIY-friendly these days, but still, for safety reasons: turn off power, remove old thermostat, connect wires to matching terminals on new one, and follow setup instructions.
While buying a thermostat, try to choose one with app control for extra convenience.
Here’s a piece of advice: Placing thermostats near heat sources can mess up the readings.
After installing, don’t forget to do program settings, and try to not choose overly complicated models that you won’t be able to use fully.
Upgrade to Smart Home Essentials
Smart home features feel like a luxury but many are surprisingly affordable! For example, my smart doorbell and lights have changed how I live in my space, and impressed everyone who visits.
To get things started: Begin with one category (lighting, security, or entertainment). Smart bulbs or plug-in switches let you control lights with your phone or voice. Video doorbells add another layer of security and convenience.
As cool as this sounds, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Avoid creating a complicated system with multiple apps. And not checking the compatibility before buying products (check if they work with your preferred assistant).
And going overboard before testing what you’ll actually use.
Create a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall turns blank spaces into personal showstoppers! In home upgrading advice Mintpalment, I learned how to mix thrifted frames with meaningful photos and art for a custom look that tells my story.
It’s really easy to DIY too, just collect a few frames (paint mismatched ones for cohesion), arrange them on the floor first to test layouts, use paper templates on the wall before hammering, and vary sizes and orientations.
The trick is starting with your largest piece first and then hanging the frames around it.
Don’t rush this project, just take time to collect meaningful pieces as this creates more interesting walls than buying generic art all at once.
Do Patio & Balcony Makeover
Outdoor spaces are extra rooms when they’re treated right! My tiny balcony became my favorite room after following Mintpalment’s home upgrading advice.
The process is quite simple: Clean the area thoroughly then add weather-resistant flooring, you can try snap-together deck tiles for the floor, they’re great for outdoors and look good too.
Add some plants at varying heights, bring in comfortable seating, and for ambiance, install string lights. And you’re done!
While doing the makeover, make sure to use outdoor furniture, overcrowding the space, get good lighting, or picking plants that are not good for your local weather conditions.
Also, a very important step, measure carefully before you bring in the furniture.
Upgrade The Landscaping
The exterior look of your house can greatly affect the look of your home.
And you don’t have to do a full exterior renovation, just a few changes in your landscaping can make huge differences, and that too with minimal investment.
In home upgrading advice by Mintpalment, it is suggested to focus on your entry path first like cleaning, removing weed, and adding fresh mulch.
Once this is done, create symmetry with matching planters at the edge of your door, this will instantly draw attention towards it while enhancing its appeal.
Then you can add low-maintenance perennials for color, and seal your deck to extend its life.
However, try not to take on too much at once, also you need to be a bit more serious with the maintenance, to keep it in its best condition.
And make sure the plants you choose actually can survive in your local environment. Getting too many fancy looking plants will do nothing but burden your wallet as they won’t thrive in your climate.
Thrift Whenever Possible
Thrifting isn’t just saving money, it’s finding unique pieces with character! And Mintpalment’s approach opened my eyes to the treasures hiding in secondhand shops. The real strategy lies in how to thrift effectively.
You simply need to visit stores regularly because their inventory changes fast.
Look beyond current appearance to see potential, for example, you found a pretty antique-looking dresser that can be turned into something great, get it.
Also check for quality construction, and don’t hesitate when you find something good. Remember to bring measurements and a tape measure with you so you don’t end up with a pretty item that’s too weird or big for your space.
You can also create a list of what you’re looking for but stay open to unexpected finds.
Opt for Smart Storage Solutions
Storage solutions eliminate visual clutter while keeping necessities handy. Thanks to those home upgrading advice by Mintpalment, my bathroom now has plenty of storage that I never knew was even there.
Here’s how you can try smart storage solutions in your home. You simply need to look for unused spaces like that space above doors or under stairs, and install some floating shelves for vertical storage.
You can also use attractive baskets to other similar items, and consider furniture that do double-duty like storage ottomans, beds with drawers, etc.
But avoid installing storage that doesn’t match how you actually use items. Also, try not to choose the appearance over function, or you’ll end up reducing the space you’ve.
Repurpose the Space
Having a storage space that’s used for nothing but storing junk, what if you can actually make some good use of it? Like turning it into a home office or a space where you can have some good time.
I turned my rarely-used dining room into a home office and it actually changed my whole work-from-home experience.
First you need to evaluate how you really live versus how you think the space should be used. Finished basements add valuable square footage (with ~70% ROI).
And for those underused corners, they can be turned into reading nooks or coffee stations with a thoughtful setup.
Getting stuck in traditional room designations, overlooking building codes for major changes, or creating spaces that look good but don’t function for your lifestyle.
Measure carefully before buying furniture for repurposed spaces!
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Budget Upgrading
After trying many Mintpalment ideas, I’ve learned what NOT to do just as much as what works! These mistakes can derail your best intentions:
Overspending on trends – Those super-trendy items will look dated fast, so try to stick to trendy accessories, not big investments.
Ignoring long-term maintenance – That beautiful marble countertop needs special cleaning and sealing. And it’s something you can’t overlook, remember to think of long term maintenance when choosing materials.
Prioritizing looks over function – Pretty things are great but if it doesn’t work for your life, then they are of no use. They are simply taking up precious space that could have been used for other useful stuff.
Rushing the process – Good changes take time so collect pieces you love and know that they’re going to be used rather than filling spaces with “good enough for now” items.
Overlooking small details – Those dated air vents, switch plates, and doorknobs matter more than you think! So, it’s really important to consider those small updates as they can make big differences.
DIYing beyond your skill level – Know when to call professionals, especially for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes. Don’t just think that you can make it work by watching youtube tutorials, somethings are better if they’re left to be handled by professionals.
Neglecting lighting – Even gorgeous rooms look terrible if the lighting is bad. You need to figure out how layering works and what can give you the best effect.
Buying without measuring – That couch might look perfect but what if it’s not going to fit through your door? Well then it becomes nothing but an expensive mistake! We don’t want that, do we? So, always make sure to measure the space you have and the item you are going to buy for that space.
Conclusion
Home upgrading advice Mintpalment has changed how I see my living space now. Through their guidance, I’ve discovered that beautiful, functional homes don’t require massive budgets.
Sometimes, it just needs thoughtful choices and a willingness to try new approaches.
Whether you start with a fresh coat of paint, smarter storage, or thrifted treasures, each upgrade builds on the last to create a home that truly works.
So far, what I love most about Mintpalment’s philosophy is how it encourages personal expression rather than blindly following those expensive decoration trends.
Your home should reflect who you are, not what’s in magazines. It should work for your life, not make it harder.
And you don’t have to do all these changes at once, they can happen gradually as the budget allows.
