The Upgrades You Can Add To Your Home That Are Recession-Proof

Whenever recession threats are looming, most people will think twice about big planned purchases and pricy renovations. In lieu of major changes, plenty of folks pivot back to notions of paint cans and even simple furniture rearranging. Buying a home might seem a little too risky, and the smallest renovation plans become the most attractive. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for inexpensive ways you can improve your space — things that just aren't as risky as entering into a whole new mortgage or parting with a bundle of dough and are thus more resistant to the potential consequences of a recession.

Lighter purchases like new window treatments can make a pleasant difference, and hardware swaps are among the best budget-friendly kitchen upgrades that don't involve remodeling. You can also think of these smaller projects as an investment in a time when you might want to further reduce spending outside of the home. Make it nice, and it will feel more rewarding hanging around your own abode, regardless of the world beyond.

Quality paint and supplies aren't cheap either, but cheap paint will cost you in the long run. Go for the good stuff, and you'll still be saving compared to what you'd have spent on one of those bigger projects. Drop cloths and painter's tape are also compulsory to save you from costly fixes later on, so budget for those, too. Painting a whole room is the obvious route one imagines when visions of drippy cans and brushes pop up, but you can also coat smaller areas or even individual items for a refresh.

An accent wall is the classic way to liven up your home on a smaller scale, and you can likely complete one with less product, which will also be less expensive. You can similarly use a few swipes of paint to virtually create a dedicated entryway even when one wasn't built in. And odds are, you've got an old cabinet, bookshelf, or nightstand that's due for a fresh surface. Don't lock yourself in with the fumes, but sometimes the lingering perfume of a solid paint job is enough to give a project even more sensory impact.

Heiresses and recent sweepstakes winners aside, we typically advise against spending a ton on quickly dated home design and decor trends. Falling out of fashion is built into the very definition of the word. But, like the lipstick effect, which posits that consumers seek out small temporal treats and comforts during times of broad economic tumult, we'll allow a little indulgence in passing fads now and then. And those DIY home trends that pop up on social media every other day are usually a low financial commitment.

For example, you can DIY a sliding wall mirror cabinet to make your morning routine more efficient. A couple of new knobs will make a boring bifold closet door look like a fancier double set. Or you can upgrade your bedroom with accent lighting from LED light strips or install new light fixtures in the living room. With any luck, the appeal of these changes will last until recession rumors quiet for good.