Ready to fall back in love with your old manufactured home? Maybe you’re tired of wood paneling, faded carpets, or kitchen cabinets stuck in another decade. Don’t worry—modern style and comfort are easier (and cheaper!) to add than you think.
You don’t need to gut your place or spend a fortune. With the right upgrades, any manufactured home can feel brand new. Whether you want to boost curb appeal, bring light into dark corners, or just make daily life easier, you’re in the right spot. Let’s explore 10 easy ways to update your old manufactured home and turn it into a place you’re proud to call home!
1. Paint: The Power of a Fresh Coat
Paint is a game changer. It covers up years of wear and tear, dings, and those old-fashioned colors. Choose light, neutral shades to make your rooms look bigger and brighter. White, soft gray, and creamy beige work well in any space.
Don’t stop with the walls! Paint kitchen cabinets for a crisp, modern look. Even painting old paneling can work wonders—just use a good primer first. Want to add personality? Paint your front door a bold color. It’s the easiest way to give your whole home a lift.
Pro Tip:
Use semi-gloss paint in kitchens and bathrooms for easy cleaning. Satin or eggshell is perfect for living spaces.
2. New Flooring: Step Into Style
Old carpets and peeling linoleum can make your home look tired. Swapping out flooring is easier than it sounds, thanks to modern products. Try peel-and-stick vinyl planks—they’re affordable, waterproof, and a breeze to install. Laminate is another great choice, especially if you want the look of hardwood.
If you love your carpet, just replace it with a fresh, modern option. Choose lighter colors to make rooms feel more open, or try fun patterns in small spaces.
Pro Tip:
Install new flooring right over most old surfaces, but check for soft spots or water damage first. Fix those before you begin!
3. Upgrade the Lighting: Brighten Every Room
Lighting changes everything. Swap out old brass fixtures for simple, modern lights. Choose flush mounts or pendant lights in the kitchen, and add stylish lamps to your living room and bedroom. Want to make your home feel bigger? Use bright white LED bulbs—they save energy and last for years.
Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen is a quick DIY upgrade that adds both style and function. In the bathroom, replace those old “Hollywood” bulb strips with a sleek new vanity light for an instant update.
Pro Tip:
Add stick-on LED puck lights inside closets and cabinets for extra brightness where you need it most.
4. Kitchen Refresh: Small Changes, Big Impact
You don’t need a full kitchen remodel to get a brand-new feel. Try these quick updates:
- Change out hardware: Swap old knobs and pulls for trendy matte black or brushed nickel.
- Add a peel-and-stick backsplash: These come in all styles, from subway tile to classic mosaic, and stick right to the wall—no grout needed.
- Replace faucet: Modern pull-down faucets are both handy and stylish.
Pro Tip:
Even organizing your cabinets and clearing the counters makes a kitchen feel newer and more inviting.
5. Bathroom Boost: Make It Feel Like a Spa
Bathrooms in older manufactured homes are often small and dark. But a few tweaks can make them feel spacious and modern. Try a new shower curtain in a fun pattern, or install a curved shower rod for extra elbow room. Swap out dated faucets and towel bars for sleek, simple designs.
Consider stick-on wall panels that look like tile for the shower or behind the sink. Add open shelves for rolled towels and baskets, and bring in plants or a scented candle for that spa-like touch.
Pro Tip:
If your bathroom mirror is small or outdated, replace it with a larger framed mirror. It’ll bounce light around and make the room look twice as big.
6. Update the Doors and Trim
Thin, hollow-core doors and dark, scuffed trim can make a home feel stuck in the past. Replacing doors is easier than you think, and you can paint existing doors for a fresh look. Try white trim for a crisp, clean finish that makes wall colors pop.
Add modern door handles or levers for an instant upgrade. You can even add stick-on moldings for a more custom look—just cut to size and paint!
Pro Tip:
Paint baseboards, window frames, and doors all the same color for a seamless, modern vibe.
7. Window Makeover: More Light, More Style
Old blinds and heavy drapes can weigh down a room. Swap them out for light, airy curtains or sleek roller shades. Sheer curtains let in plenty of daylight and make your home feel bigger.
If your budget allows, replace drafty windows with energy-efficient models. This update saves money on heating and cooling—and instantly freshens up your home’s look.
Pro Tip:
Hang curtain rods higher and wider than the window frame to make windows seem larger.
8. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter
Don’t forget the outside! The exterior of your home is the first thing you (and guests) see. A few simple updates can add charm and value.
- Paint or replace the skirting: Crisp white or dark charcoal looks modern and clean.
- Add flower beds or window boxes: Even one or two planters with bright flowers make a big difference.
- Swap out your porch light and mailbox: Go for something classic or bold—either way, it’ll catch the eye.
Clean up the yard, lay fresh mulch, and add a welcome mat at the door. Suddenly, your home looks loved and cared for.
Pro Tip:
Solar path lights are affordable and make your walkway safer and more inviting at night.
9. Add Storage: Clever Solutions for Every Room
Older manufactured homes often lack storage. Luckily, there are tons of easy fixes! Try floating shelves above windows, or add cabinets above your washer and dryer. Under-bed storage boxes and tall bookcases can double your storage space.
Use hooks on walls for coats, bags, and hats. In the kitchen, install pull-out organizers in lower cabinets so you can use every inch.
Pro Tip:
Over-the-door organizers work wonders in closets, bathrooms, and pantries for storing shoes, toiletries, or cleaning supplies.
10. Personal Touches: Make It Feel Like Yours
The most important update? Fill your home with things you love. Hang family photos, display art or crafts, and choose throw pillows in your favorite colors. Pick a theme or color scheme and carry it through each room for a pulled-together look.
Don’t be afraid to mix old with new—vintage pieces add charm, while new accents keep things fresh. Rearrange your furniture to try new layouts and create cozy zones for relaxing, dining, or working.
Pro Tip:
Plants bring instant life to any space. Even a few potted succulents on a windowsill can boost your mood and style.
Ready to Get Started?
Updating your old manufactured home doesn’t have to be hard—or expensive. Pick one or two of these easy projects to try first, and you’ll see big changes right away. Little by little, your home will start to feel brighter, more modern, and totally you.
Remember, the best home is one that makes you happy every time you walk in the door. With a little love and a few simple upgrades, your manufactured home can look and feel brand new—inside and out!
