7 Small Remodeling Projects That Make a Big Difference

HGTV has taught us to adore large-scale remodels. (Who doesn’t love sitting on the couch with a pint of B&J’s while an entire home gets Fixer-Uppered in under an hour?)

But as fun as “reality” shows (ahem) can be, remodeling looks a little different for most homeowners. Renovations have to happen in an occupied space, and the average budget doesn’t allow for a full-house gut and remodel.

The good news is that remodeling doesn’t have to be about massive overhauls. Small remodeling projects pay off in a big way. And especially in Lancaster, small remodeling projects are often helpful in preserving historical elements while implementing modern updates. Read on for some doable small remodeling projects that will significantly impact your home for the better.

7 Small-but-Impactful Home Remodeling Projects

1. Refresh Your Kitchen

You don't have to demo and replace your entire kitchen to make it feel like new! A kitchen refresh creatively reuses your cabinets and existing floor plan to transform your space with minimal disruption. Kitchen refreshes are a good option for homeowners whose cabinets are dated but in good condition, and without heavy grease build-up. New paint, cabinet hardware, and various other finish elements can have a dramatic impact without the cost of a full kitchen remodel.

A kitchen refresh gives you a chance to update your space, make it fit your style and your needs, and even change your style (Want a minimalist design? Colorful cabinets? A decorative range hood? You can do it!). Start dreaming now about what a kitchen refresh can accomplish for your space.

2. Make Your House Smart

As technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace, smart houses (homes equipped with internet-based technology) are becoming the norm. A smart house means that your systems and appliances are integrated, allowing you to adjust and monitor them remotely–usually from your phone. Smart houses save time, reduce energy consumption, and add a whole lot of convenience. You can begin making your home smart by using a few key smart appliances initially and then going from there. Good starting places include 

• the thermostat
• your alarm system
• kitchen appliances such as the fridge or oven 
• lighting
  
  

3. Update Your Lighting

Speaking of lighting, one of the best small remodeling projects on a budget is changing out your light fixtures. Nothing makes a home seem fresh and new like modern, stylish lighting. If your light fixtures are builder-grade or outdated, switching them for new ones is a fairly small project that will produce big results.

When making decisions about lighting a room, make sure you’re thinking in terms of layers. You don’t want just lamps or just bright overhead lights. Consider what task lighting you might need, what soft mood lighting you want, and what accent lights you can use to create depth and warmth.

4. Go Green

Today’s homeowners are environmentally aware and want to reduce their carbon footprint. They value sustainable materials and eco-friendly options. You can make your home more green with a few changes.

First, although it’s not sexy, adding insulation is one of the best ways to make your home energy efficient. Proper insulation in your walls and attic space will make a big difference in your HVAC’s ability to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Sealing gaps around windows and doors helps, too.

Adding Energy Star appliances, switching to LED lighting, and replacing old, drafty windows are great ways to make your home more energy efficient. And when you do make changes to your home, try to choose sustainably sourced materials.

5. Patch and Paint

Smooth walls and fresh paint make a big difference, especially when you’re intentional about color. While gray and stark white are not popular choices this year, earthy and warm colors and saturated deep colors are. If you haven’t read about the psychology of room color and how it can affect your mood, it’s worth doing some research. And for practical tips on how to paint a room without losing your cool, check out our post, 10 Tips for Frustration-Free Painting. If you’re feeling stuck or dissatisfied with a particular room, try some fresh color in the space and see if it doesn’t solve the problem.

6. Replace Flooring

Nothing will change the look and feel of your home like new flooring. If you have old carpet, damaged hardwoods, or dated tile, consider replacing your flooring as a small remodeling idea that will modernize your home instantly. If you have different flooring in every room, using the same type throughout the home will give it a better flow and a more open feeling. For advice and tips about what type of flooring is best for you, read this blog post. 

Some popular flooring options include hardwood, luxury vinyl plank or tile, laminate, carpet, and tile. What’s best for your home will depend on your style and your specific needs. 

7.  Change the Hardware

Changing out your dated or uninspiring hardware in the kitchen or bathroom is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your space an instant facelift. Hardware generally refers to the metal you find in the room: drawer pulls, knobs, hinges, and even faucets and lighting. You can elevate your space by choosing some modern, trendy hardware–this is a great small renovation project that packs a big punch. 

While brushed nickel is always a classic option, today’s hardware trends are a little more fun and exciting. And since it’s an easy and cost-effective remodeling project, you can always change the hardware again if you decide you want something different. Some trendy options for 2025 include

• matte black or black stainless. Black gives a modern look–it’s striking and yet classy.
• mixed metals. The key here is to stay in the same basic family by using either warm or cool metals. Try brass with brushed nickel (which leans warm), or stainless with a cooler black.
• rounded, softer shapes instead of sharp corners and angles. People want their homes to be warm, welcoming, and comfortable, and round knobs and pulls feel gentle and soft.
• bling for the kitchen and bathroom! Because hardware is a fairly small part of the overall look of the space, you can afford to pick something showy. Try looking at hardware as jewelry for the room. Intricate designs and unusual textures are in.
• gold. Luxurious and eye-catching, gold hardware adds some shimmer and shine, especially when contrasted with warm or neutral colors.
  
  

Give any of these options a try and see if that small remodeling project doesn’t give you big satisfaction.

So What’s Your Next Move?

Do any of these small remodeling projects strike you as something that would make a significant difference in your home? Many of these projects are DIY friendly while some require the help of a contractor. As you think through your goals for your home, consider your budget, whether or not you plan to stay in your home long-term, and what larger projects you’d eventually like to tackle. Need help figuring it out? Our team of designers would be happy to discuss your remodeling wants and needs with you. Contact us today and let’s get started making your Lancaster home all it can be.