1. PAINT

Talk about bang for your buck. Nothing is faster and more impactful than changing the color of a room. Grab a gallon or two and you’re good to go. Valspar Color Style premium paint, from $12.49 per gallon, from Hardware Hawaii. 

2. RUGS

Photos: This row: courtesy of Dash & Albert

Bored with bare floors? Throw down colorful area rugs for instant appeal—they’re softer on the feet and easy on the eyes. Custom order Emma Gardener rugs in different colors, patterns and materials by the square foot (top row), starting at $50, or pick up Dash & Albert’s striped cotton rugs, starting at $40, all from Pacific Home.

3. HARDWARE

Get a handle on your outdated cabinets and drawers without a major remodel. New hardware, in the form of drawer pulls and handles, breathe new life into any old space. Shell-adorned pulls, $32.50 to $37.50 each, from Red Bamboo; Demori antique silver bamboo handle, $29, from Fiddler’s.

4. FIXTURES

If your sinks, showers and baths have left you feeling more cold than hot, don’t worry—you can still work with what you’ve got. Update your existing bath with new, modern faucets or fixtures. Dornbracht platinum matte WS faucet, $1,768, from Fiddler’s.

5. APPLIANCES

Photo: Courtesy of GE

It’s amazing how much more efficiently your kitchen—and everyday life—can run with new appliances. The refrigerator is a good place to start. Because it uses the most energy in the room, switching to a new one can save money on your monthly energy bill. GE 42” built-in side-by-side refrigerator with dispenser, from Servco Home & Appliance Showroom.

6. DECK TREATMENT

Protect and beautify your deck or lanai and get ready to love your outdoor space. Choose timber oil to replenish the look of natural wood or add the color of your choice with deck stain. As a plus, your deck will have added UV and scuff protection. Cabot Decking Stain, from $8, and Australian Timber Oil, from $14.99, from Hardware Hawaii.

7. SECURITY

Keep your home and its contents secure with a keypad-operated alarm system. The alarm connects to your land line and taps into Sentinel Silent Alarm’s 24-hour surveillance station. At the first sign of trouble, such as theft or fire, help will be on the way. Bonus: By reducing the likelihood of damage, an alarm system can lower your monthly home-insurance premiums.

8. PHOTOVOLTAICS

Photo: iStockPhoto.com

PV lowers your home’s energy costs and allows you to take advantage of state and federal tax credits. But did you know it can also allow you to purchase more? If you’re paying less in energy costs, your bank may allow you to borrow more money for your home purchase, thereby indirectly allowing you to actually buy more home. More information is available from Hawaii Energy Connection.

9. STONE VENEER

Have a surface that lacks interest? Stone veneer is an affordable, great-looking, quick improvement. It can be easily installed on interior or exterior areas and is maintenance-free. We like Big Rock Manufacturing’s cast-stone veneer for its local appeal (Big Rock can be made to look like lava rock, moss rock, ocean reef coral and more).

10. BETTER WATER HEATING

No doubt, solar hot-water heating is smart. Make your system even smarter by installing the Heliodyne Helio Flo Pro system. The attachment allows you to monitor your water-heating system remotely through Internet access. Already left for vacation but forgot to turn your water-heating system down? No worries. Do it online. For more information, contact Solar Professionals LLC.

11. PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Photo: Courtesy of Sunburst Shutters

Appraisers will take note of plantation shutters, says Brent Wilson of Sunburst Shutters. Because they’re viewed as permanent fixtures, they’ll add value to your home. They also decrease energy consumption by deflecting sunlight, keeping your space naturally cool, say the experts at Island Shutters. (Note: Though installation takes place in a day or less, selection and ordering may take up to four weeks.)

12. WAINSCOTING

Bored by bland walls? Installing decorative wood wainscoting adds a traditional touch to a room at a reasonable price. Bring your measurements to Hardware Hawaii and have the panels cut to fit your space. Fasten to existing walls with construction adhesive and nails.