10 Affordable Weekend Home Renovation Projects to Transform Your Space

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean taking out a loan or booking weeks of professional help. In fact, some of the most noticeable transformations can happen in just a weekend—with the right plan, the right materials, and a little elbow grease.

From fresh paint and updated cabinetry to stylish new flooring, there are plenty of easy and cost-effective ways to breathe new life into your space in just a couple days.

So if you don’t have any weekend plans and are looking for a way to spruce up your home, here are 10 affordable weekend projects to transform your space.
 

1. Freshen Up the Front Door and Entryway

Your front door isn’t just functional—it’s the first impression guests (and potential buyers) get of your home.

Painting it a bold, welcoming color or swapping out outdated hardware can immediately elevate curb appeal.

You can either give it a fresh coat of paint or try using bold accent colors to make things pop. The best part is a quart of quality exterior paint only costs about $30–$50, and most door hardware kits are under $40.

And while you are at it, try adding tile or laminate to the entryway, maybe even a decorative light fixture. This small project can definitely impress any guest that comes through the door.
 

2. Revamp Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets

If your cabinets look outdated but are still in good shape structurally, there’s no need to replace the whole unit. Painting or staining cabinet boxes and replacing just the doors or hardware can completely refresh your kitchen or bath.

Cabinets take up a huge portion of visual space. And giving them a small refresh can make everything feel cleaner and more modern.

Repainting only runs about $100–$200 in supplies and new knobs and pulls average $5–$10 each.

If you're in Wilmington, NC, Discount House stocks in-stock cabinets from Jarlin and Pro Select that include soft-close options, ideal if you're ready to replace entire cabinets or a vanity.

 

3. Add a Stylish Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Backsplashes are one of the most satisfying upgrades because they combine style with function—protecting your walls from moisture while adding serious design flair.

Even if you’ve never tiled before, peel-and-stick or mesh-backed tiles make this a beginner-level project that only costs around $200–$500 for a typical 25 sq ft backsplash.

 

4. Install New Laminate or Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Flooring is one of the biggest visual statements in any room. Replacing old, stained carpet or scratched wood with fresh laminate or LVP (luxury vinyl plank) can dramatically modernize your space.

It may seem intimidating, but installing laminate or LVP in a room in a couple of days is very doable.

LVP and laminate are durable and water-resistant click-lock systems making DIY installs surprisingly easy. It costs around $2–$4 per square foot and a 200 sq ft room can cost as little as $400.
 

5. Enhance Rooms with Crown Molding or Trim

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that have the biggest impact. Crown molding, wainscoting, or baseboard trim adds a level of polish that can take a room from basic to beautiful.

These details add architectural interest and create a more finished, high-end feel and don’t break the bank either. To do a 12’ x 12’ room you can expect materials costs of less than $100.

It may take you a couple of tries to get the angles and cutting right, but as the saying goes, measure twice, cut once.

 

6. Upgrade Interior Doors for a Modern Look

Outdated interior doors—especially the hollow-core kind—can make your home look older than it is. Swapping in pre-hung doors or even just painting your current ones can offer a huge visual upgrade.

Replacing doors can run you anywhere from $100-$300 (depending on the style), but if you are looking to just repaint and add new hardware that is a great way to do an easy refresh.
 

7. Retile the Bathroom Floor

It might sound intimidating, but retiling a small bathroom is surprisingly doable, especially with today’s DIY-friendly products.

Basic ceramic tiles cost $1–$5 per square foot. Expect to spend $50–$150 on tile for a small bathroom. You can also consider interlocking vinyl or peel-and-stick tiles if you're looking for even easier options.
 

8. Replace Countertops for a Major Impact

Nothing dates a kitchen or bathroom like worn, chipped, or faded countertops. Fortunately, you don’t have to go granite to see a huge improvement.

At Discount House we offer the best selection of affordable kitchen and bathroom countertops in Wilmington, North Carolina. Our countertops are made of high-quality materials, including marble, granite, and quartz, coupled with competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.

You may need help from a pro, but replacing countertops is a quick investment that can last a lifetime if done right.
 

9. Refresh Bathroom Vanities and Fixtures

You don’t need a full remodel to create a spa-like bathroom. A fresh coat of paint on your vanity, new faucet hardware, and an updated mirror go a long way.

Paint and hardware can stay under $100. New prefab vanities range from $200–$400. A couple quick swaps and you can turn your bathroom from boring to paradise in a weekend.
 

10. Paint Walls or Create an Accent Wall

Painting remains one of the most affordable and impactful DIY projects. Whether you refresh an entire room or just create a bold accent wall, it makes your space feel brand new.

A gallon of paint covers 350–400 sq ft and costs ~$40. Supplies add another $10–$20. Nothing brings a space together like an accent wall and your options are limitless.

Start by picking an accent color, but also know you can use MDF panels to create a board-and-batten feature or geometric design.

 

Weekend DIY projects aren’t just satisfying—they’re transformative. From modernizing your kitchen to upgrading your bathroom, even a single project can elevate your home’s style and function.

When you’re ready to begin, start with the right materials and a trusted local supplier. Discount House Wilmington is here to help you bring your vision to life—one affordable weekend at a time.