How to get that Fixer Upper look without spending over $150

You don’t have to gut your kitchen or knock down walls to get that clean, cozy Fixer Upper look. It’s more about the finishes, the color palette, and how you pull it all together. The good news is, you can absolutely make a space feel pulled together on a tight budget.

You’ve got to be smart with your choices—knowing what’s worth upgrading, what can be DIYed, and what gives the biggest visual payoff for the smallest investment.

Add faux wood beams or ceiling accents

You can find lightweight faux wood beams made from foam or polyurethane for around $80–$100, and they make a huge visual impact. Even a couple of ceiling trim boards stained to look like wood can add that rustic farmhouse feel without costing much.

If you’re handy, you can DIY your own faux beam with pine boards and stain for less than $40. It’s one of those projects that doesn’t require a lot of materials but makes a room feel a lot more custom.

Upgrade your light fixtures with something vintage-inspired

Swapping out a builder-grade light for a farmhouse-style fixture can instantly change the tone of a room. Look for black metal, seeded glass, or faux wood finishes—there are tons of affordable options between $40 and $75 online or at hardware stores.

Stick with fixtures that are neutral and clean-lined. You don’t need anything fancy—just something that reads “intentional” and fits that warm, practical look. And yes, you can install it yourself with a screwdriver and a little patience.

Stick to warm whites and soft neutrals

A gallon of paint runs around $30–$50, and it can completely change how a space feels. Warm white, beige, greige, and muted sage greens all fit the Fixer Upper vibe. Avoid stark white—it’s too cold and doesn’t give that lived-in warmth.

You don’t have to paint the whole house. Pick one wall, a set of cabinets, or even a door. Small paint updates can still anchor the room in that farmhouse feel without eating up your whole budget.

Add faux shiplap or board-and-batten

You can fake shiplap for cheap with underlayment plywood or even peel-and-stick options. Cut into strips and nailed up with a level, it gives the look without the price tag of real tongue-and-groove boards.

You don’t need to do an entire room. A single accent wall or even halfway up a bathroom wall adds texture and character. Plan to spend around $30–$60 depending on the size of the space and what you already have on hand.

Swap hardware on cabinets or furniture

Changing out hardware is one of the fastest ways to give something a Fixer Upper feel. Think matte black, antique brass, or ceramic knobs for that farmhouse touch. A full set for a bathroom vanity or small dresser can cost under $25.

It’s a detail that most people overlook, but it makes a room feel more cohesive. If your kitchen or bathroom already has decent cabinets, this trick alone can make them feel more up-to-date.

Bring in baskets, wood trays, and metal accents

The Fixer Upper style leans hard into texture, especially natural materials. You can find affordable woven baskets, galvanized trays, and wooden accents at places like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or even thrift stores.

Use them in practical spots—like under the coffee table, beside the sink, or on open shelving. You don’t need to buy a bunch. Two or three well-placed pieces can give a room the texture and warmth that makes it feel styled instead of thrown together.

Hang oversized prints or DIY framed quotes

Big art makes a space feel finished, and you don’t need to spend much. You can print black-and-white line art, vintage botanical prints, or meaningful quotes for a couple bucks at home or through a cheap print service.

Grab a thrifted frame, pop in your art, and hang it over the couch, bed, or entry table. A large framed print makes a statement and fits that clean, pulled-together farmhouse style you’re going for.

Mix old and new furniture

One of the best ways to get the Fixer Upper look without spending much is to use what you already have and mix in one or two vintage-style pieces. Look for worn wood tones, spindle legs, or old side tables with character.

Even if they’re scratched or mismatched, that worn-in look adds charm. Sand and stain or paint them if needed. You don’t need a perfect set—Joanna never matched her furniture either.

Add greenery where it matters

A well-placed plant goes a long way. You don’t need to load up on expensive pots—grab a $5 plant from a local nursery and stick it in a basket or wrap a terra cotta pot in burlap.

If you have a black thumb, faux greenery is fine. Target, Walmart, and even Amazon have decent options that don’t look plasticky if you stick to muted greens. Put one on the kitchen counter or the entryway for an instant style upgrade.

Use shelves to layer décor and function

Floating shelves are easy to install and give you a spot to display your best items—without needing to overhaul a whole room. A couple boards and some brackets cost under $30 and can completely change the feel of a wall.

Style them with everyday things: glass jars, cookbooks, cutting boards, framed prints, or candles. It adds depth and personality while keeping everything useful. That balance is what makes a room feel finished without feeling fussy.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.