Ten Tips: Redecorating Projects for Under $500

Whatever your budget, Lowe's has projects that can help you freshen the look of a room. If you want to spend around $500, consider one of these ideas. Our estimates assume that you'll be doing the work yourself on rooms of average size, and that you already own basic tools. Of course, the final cost will depend on the size of your room and the particular materials you choose.

1. Crown moulding adds a touch of luxury to a room and makes a soaring ceiling seem not quite so high. Moderately confident do-it-yourselfers can install it themselves. (Be sure to buy extra moulding to practice your miter cuts before you begin!)
2. New flooring gives a room a boost from the bottom. Try one of the new types of laminate for a DIY project with vivid results. For $500 you can probably install it in one of the smaller rooms in your house.
3. Your $500 budget goes a long way with new paint, which is one of the most cost-efficient decor changes. Depending on the size of the rooms, you could buy paint for two or three of them -- and supplies.
4. Liven up your bathroom with new towel bars and other fixtures, an updated faucet, a new shower rod and curtain, and a showerhead. If you still have money left, splurge on a pedestal sink or get some new towels.
5. If your bathroom fixtures are still in good shape, consider replacing the toilet. Newer models give you the latest look, flush more quietly and save water. Don't forget, many new toilets do not come with a seat -- you should purchase that separately.
6. You can install a new ceiling fan with a light fixture for well under the $500 limit. Choose a large, decorative model with a remote control, or buy smaller fans for several rooms. Don't forget ceiling medallions to go with the fans.
7. Lighting has a strong influence on a room's decor. For $500, you can install a new overhead light fixture or recessed lighting in a room and add a few lamps for task lighting. (Make sure your new lighting is positioned in the most beneficial way.)
8. Organize your closets to make your entire house feel less cluttered and more spacious. For $500 you can install wire shelving organizers with plenty of added accessories in 2 or 3 average-sized closets.
9. Interior decor isn't the only way to improve your house's look. You could use the $500 budget to give your landscaping a lift with some new trees and bushes.
10. Think of your porch as an outdoor room and fill it with new furniture. If you have access to basic woodworking tools, you can build a cedar bench, plus a pair of chairs and side tables. Add a deck box to store cushions, and you'll still have money left over to add plenty of plants and flowers.