Family Room Update That Won't Break the Bank

I spend a lot of time in the family room, especially Sundays during the NFL season, and I have longed to make big updates to the space. But with the realities of my budget, most are well out of reach. 

So I've been on a quest to make inexpensive changes that have a big impact -- and I'm shocked to find there are a lot I can do.

First up, here's a list of the big expensive projects that I'd love to do with their estimates. But they'll have to wait for a lottery win, and brain space to figure out the exact solution tbh, such as ... 

1. Replace the fireplace box with something that works or looks more modern. I used sandpaper to tone down the gold and try to keep it as tidy as possible, but it's still a little too obtrusive. And it's basically a spider colony. ($1,000 or more depending on what's possible, and what's broken)
2. Replace the wall to wall carpet that's old and stained, but otherwise in OK shape. We'd love to do a wood floor similar to the rest of the house (estimated at $2500)
3. Replace the old spotlights in the ceiling with modern pot lights, adding a few more so the room is not so dark at night (maybe $500 because electricians are expensive)

Given we've no budget for large house improvements, I'm left with plenty of little changes I can make to update the room. Such as ... 

1. Replace the old, brass ceiling fans with smaller, all-white fans. The family voted to keep the fans (I was really to just ditch them), so that's a pretty cheap project we can DIY. (Estimate: $130)
2. Finally buy the "correct" bulbs for the 1980s spotlighting in the ceiling at the correct temperature that they're more attractive and useful, rather than dingy and an afterthought. (Estimate: $30)  
3. Repaint the paneling around the walls. While I'd love to replace this paneling with a beadboard or shiplap that's higher on the wall (why are they so low?), spackling a few of the dents that make the paneling look "rustic" and repainting in a semi-glass white will provide a clean look. (Estimate: $25 for paint)
4. Build in the Billy book shelves on the half wall. This has been on my plans for years and it's about time I just do it already. Plans are being drawn, schematics and measurements being considered, and it should be relatively inexpensive to buy the trim and use the tools I already have to make the Ikea Billy bookcases built-in to the wall. And .. if it works ... replace the tall Crate & Barrel shelf with three more built-in cases on the nearby wall for a library-like vibe in this family room. Yay. (Estimate: $250 for wood)
5. Swap out photos in the frames on the wall that have been there for over 6 years. I love these photos, but, listen, photos lose their colors after awhile. And it's nice for my eyes to land on something new, so for $50 I can choose a few new prints to swap in. And I've got PLENTY of adorable kid photos to choose from, believe me. (Estimate: $50) 

Ok, so let's get started ... 

New Lights!

Starting with the easy one. I went online shopping armed with some measurements and the desire to have options in lighting temperature and found this set (at Home Depot) that I can adjust.  $9/2pack! Seriously! I swapped them in one night and played with the light settings (see the photo). I went with the "soft light." Now, I just need to get them on my Alexa "turn on living room lights" command. (please notice the 1980s fan in the photo)

"Bright White" on the left, "soft light" on the right"

Fan Swap

Fan change was next and also easy-peasy. I shopped around for a long time to find the right style and size. I choose all-white so it didn't draw the eye. And a little smaller. Dave insisted on a light, even though the current fans have no lights. I don't love a "big" light, so I'll probably never use it, but Dave probably will. Here are the exact model I ordered when they were on sale for Prime Day. 

Pulling down these ugly, 1980s fans and replacing them with modern white ones have made a huge difference. Honestly, I don't even notice them anymore. 

We should have done this years ago. Seriously. 

More to come!