Home renovations don’t have to be extensive and expensive. Instead, opt for smaller changes, like new outdoor lighting or interior painting, for a big change.

NEW YORK – Not every home renovation needs to be a bank-breaking, back-breaking epic. Sometimes, small and simple projects are the way to go. Here's a look at some projects that won't take over your life for weeks but still make a big difference in your home's usefulness and comfort.

Upgrade your exterior

A few simple upgrades can really improve your curb appeal. Painting your front door and shutters can give your home a new look in an afternoon. While you're at it, put up new address numbers to add some more flair (and make it easier for delivery people and visitors to find your place). Even a simple rug, some additional plants or creatively upcycled vintage pieces can boost your charm and curb appeal with little effort.

Light up the outdoors

Choose from numerous simple and inexpensive means to shine a light on your beautiful yard and deck. Lanterns add a festive and vintage feel and can use LED lights to replicate flickering flames. Pathway lighting is easy to install, provides a visual guide to the exterior and increases safety. And you can add spotlighting in carefully selected spaces to highlight your landscaping or architecture.

Repaint your interior walls

Winter is a great time to repaint your home, since the cold, dry air creates the best conditions for paint to dry smoothly and efficiently. If you don't want to do a full repainting job (which probably doesn't count as a "small" task), consider touching up dull paint or repainting a specific room. Look for low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, which will emit fewer toxic fumes and will dry without an unpleasant smell.

Install crown molding

You're going to be spending a lot of time inside for the next few months, so it's a great time to put some effort into decorative projects. Adding crown molding instantly adds flair and distinctive character to a room.

Swap out cabinet hardware

Cabinet hardware probably gets more use than any other hardware in your home, except for perhaps the front door handle. As time goes on, the handles and other furnishings will lose their finish and get a bit duller. But you can replace all your hardware in a few hours with little more than a screwdriver and some elbow grease. (Or, if you want to put more time and money into it, consider hiring a pro for cabinet refacing, which makes your cabinets look brand new without the cost of new cabinets.)

Install a backsplash

A new kitchen backsplash is a great way to give your kitchen a facelift, express your creativity, and add some function by making walls easy to clean. Backsplash costs vary widely depending on your ambition. You can hire a pro to install high-quality tile, or you can use peel-and-stick tile you install yourself. Best of all, backsplashes come in a nearly infinite variety of colors and designs, so you can pick what best fits your mood and needs.

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