Splurge or steal? 3 DIY home projects that give a high-end, modern look without breaking the bank

(BPT) – Doing your own home improvement projects is a great way to save money and still get the new look you desire. When you’re working on giving a traditional home a more modern feel, it can be tempting to splurge – but you don’t have to. It is possible to “steal” great looks for a lot less money.

HGTV hostess and design expert Sabrina Soto knows how easy and affordable it can be to upgrade your home’s aesthetic.

“Modern decor often comes at a high price, but you don’t have to dig deep in your pockets to bring a modern feel to your home,” says Soto. “Simple, small projects like switching out old doorknobs to modern door levers will have a big impact on your space without breaking the bank.”

Here are three home improvement projects you can do yourself to achieve a modern look on a modest budget:

1. Door handles

Door handles impact a home’s overall appearance as well as its functionality. In fact, more than half of homeowners say they notice the door hardware in other people’s homes, according to a recent study by Kwikset. Outdated doorknobs can drag down the style of your home. Switching them out for modern door levers is an easy afternoon project that will have a big impact on the aesthetic of your home.

Replace old door hardware with one of the new Kwikset Signature Series contemporary levers. Durable, stylish and with a range of functions and finishes for less than $50, the levers are perfect for all your security needs. The interior privacy levers feature ADA-compliant push buttons, offering an easy way of locking and unlocking, while exterior keyed entry levers feature Kwikset SmartKey technology, which offers superior security. Visit www.kwikset.com/contemporary to learn more.

2. Kitchen cabinets

New cabinets can cost a bundle. They’re one of the most expensive elements in any kitchen renovation, but you don’t have to completely replace yours to get a modern look. First, consider what’s “wrong” about your existing cabinets. Are they dated? Is the hardware dull? Does excessive door trim make them look like something from a bygone era? Removing excess ornamentation, repainting or refinishing cabinet doors, and swapping out old, dated hardware can give your cabinets a fresh, new face at a very low cost.

3. Update walls

The walls are the largest design space in any home, and they have a significant impact on a home’s overall aesthetic. Are your wall colors in conflict with a modern design theme? That soft butter yellow you painted the kitchen a few years ago may not fit with the new modern look you want to create this year. The rich burgundy in the dining room may be too ‘80s to go with the sleek modern furniture you just bought.

Updating your walls with a color palette that is crisp and clean can help evoke a more modern look throughout your home. Don’t overlook the ceiling and trim when you’re repainting. Doing trim and ceilings in hues that contrast with wall colors is a hot trend in modern interior design.

When it comes to home improvement, a few smart choices can make it look like you spared no expense to achieve your modern design – and leave you satisfied that you got a “steal” instead.