DIY Home Refresh for the Holidays Under $1,000
When the holidays start creeping closer, I always notice it first in the light — that soft shift that makes everything feel slower and more intentional. It’s the time of year where I start nesting a little deeper, and this season, I wanted to get ahead of it.
Instead of doing a full renovation or buying a haul of new décor, I focused on what actually makes a home feel ready for hosting: a good deep clean, a few small DIY updates, and layers of warmth that say “welcome in.”
This post is part project diary, part weekend guide — how I gave our porch, front door, and entryway a full refresh using all Lowe’s finds (and a little elbow grease) for under $1,000.
Why I Started with a Deep Clean
Before picking up a paintbrush, I asked my community on Instagram how they prep their homes before the holidays — and 100% of you said the same thing: deep clean first.
It makes sense. A cozy home doesn’t start with décor — it starts with clean surfaces, fresh air, and a space that actually feels good to be in.
I used the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam from Lowe’s to tackle upholstery and carpets (dog hair, dust, and all), and the difference was instant. The house just smelled like calm.
Outside, I used 30 Seconds Window & Screen Cleaner to rinse off the summer layer of pollen and grime — nothing fancy, just a reset that made everything feel new again.
Refresh What’s Possible
Instead of replacing everything, I focused on refreshing what was already there: a new coat of paint, fresh mulch, and a little greenery for the season.
Our front door and porch both got a much-needed facelift. I chose Valspar’s “Hyde Park” — an earthy, moody green that shifts beautifully in different light — and carried that same color inside on a new entryway cabinet.
By repeating one shade, the space instantly felt more connected — a seamless flow from outside to in.
Function First, Then Cozy
One of my favorite parts of this project was building a simple storage cabinet for our entryway with Dustin. It’s nothing complicated — just a clean-lined piece that keeps shoes and clutter hidden while giving me a surface to style.
I swapped in brass hardware from Lowe’s for a little polish and added a gold floor mirror that opened up the space instantly.
Once the practical pieces were in place, I layered in comfort — a woven throw blanket, a few candles, and some soft greenery to make the transition into fall feel natural, not forced.
Curb Appeal That Feels Alive
Outside, I kept things simple but fresh. I added multicolor mums to concrete planters and tucked in two boxwood trees by the front steps. A quick layer of mulch tied everything together.
It’s nothing extravagant — just fresh, functional, and a reminder that small updates make the biggest difference.
The Finished Space
Now, when you walk up to our door, everything feels cohesive — that same calm green tone flowing from the porch to the entry, light catching the gold mirror inside, a scent of clean air instead of chaos.
Hosting starts before the doorbell rings.
It starts with how your home feels — warm, intentional, and ready to welcome the people you love.
And this year, with a few thoughtful Lowe’s finds and a single weekend, I found that feeling again!
Shop the Project
All products linked below are available at Lowe’s, they include affiliate links.
