Revamping your home on a budget can be a creative and satisfying endeavour. We’re all feeling the pinch at the moment with the rise of the cost of living. With that in mind, here are five detailed tips to help you refresh your living space without breaking the bank:
1. Rearrange Furniture and Declutter
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to give your home a fresh look is by rearranging your furniture. One of the things I loved to do as a child was rearrange my bedroom – I think this was when I first knew I wanted to be an interior designer. Changing the layout of a room can make the space feel new and different without costing a penny.
Consider function – Start by considering the function of each room and how the current setup serves or hinders that function. Experiment with different furniture arrangements to find the most efficient and visually pleasing layout. In addition to rearranging, decluttering is crucial.
Have a good sort out – Over time, we accumulate items that we don’t necessarily need. I personally love a declutter and it’s amazing what a good sort out can do for your interiors – clear surfaces allowing us to display our treasures, or just being able to see that floor space! You can sell unwanted items online or at a garage sale, potentially making a bit of extra cash to fund other small home improvements.
2. DIY Decor and Upcycling
My degree was in Textile Design and I loved nothing more than creating my own artwork and textiles to give to friends and family or to enhance my student bedroom….
Get crafty – I’m not sure how handy or creative you are? It can be a great way to make your space personal on the cheap. Creating your own decorative items can be both fun and rewarding. For instance, you can paint your own artwork, craft decorative pieces from inexpensive materials, or sew your own cushions and curtains. Websites like Pinterest and YouTube offer countless tutorials and ideas for DIY home decor projects.
Reuse recycle – Upcycling is another excellent option. It involves taking old or unused items and giving them a new purpose or look. You can also give furniture a new lease of life with paint, there are numerous specialist paints to achieve this or simply by changing the handles on cabinets, this can give them a whole new look. Upcycling not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your home décor.
3. Use Paint and Wallpaper Wisely
Recently we implemented this tip in our home adding a bold coloured wall on our landing – Farrow and Ball Denimes to be precise. I’m a big fan of what I like to call a dirty colour – so no brights for me.
Make a statement – A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of a room. To save money, instead of repainting the entire room, which can be costly, paint just one accent wall in a bold colour to create a focal point. This can add a pop of colour without overwhelming the space or your budget. The important thing? It has to work with the other paint colours in the space – otherwise you’re going to end up repainting everywhere anyway.
Wallpapering a single wall is another great way to make a statement. There are many affordable wallpaper options available, including peel-and-stick varieties that are easy to apply and remove.
4. Incorporate Greenery
Personally, I think greenery in any room just brings it to life … it’s an inexpensive way to enhance the ambiance and bring a touch of nature indoors.
The down side?
You’ve just got to keep them alive! My husband is the Percy Thrower of our house (sorry showing my age there … let’s say Monty Don!) If you’re concerned about your ‘green fingeredness’ – totally not a word – there are some really realistic looking artificial plants on the market – IKEA sells them in lots of sizes…
Plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a more inviting atmosphere. You don’t need to spend a lot to get started; small plants are often quite affordable, and you can propagate new plants from cuttings.
Planters – Creating your own pots is another budget-friendly option. Use materials like tin cans, glass jars, or wooden boxes to make unique and stylish planters. Decorating these containers can also add a personal touch.
5. Optimise Lighting
When I worked at IKEA we called it furnishing with light because it is so important for any home atmosphere … coming in a blog soon will be tips on how to light your home correctly. But in the meantime ….
Natural light – Good lighting is essential for creating a warm and inviting home. Start by maximising natural light. Keep windows clean, and use light, airy curtains to allow as much sunlight as possible to enter the room. Mirrors can also help reflect light and make a space feel larger and brighter.
Revamp that lamp – For artificial lighting, consider updating old light fixtures with new lampshades or purchasing second hand from Facebook marketplace or Ebay – there are some amazing vintage finds to be had. Always use warm toned lightbulbs as well as this spreads a cosy light throughout your space.
Revamping Your Home on a Budget – Conclusion
By exploring these five ‘Revamping Your Home on a Budget’ tips, you can significantly enhance your home’s look and feel without spending a lot of money. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can achieve a stylish and comfortable living space that reflects your personal taste and style.
If you’re looking for some interiors inspiration why not follow my interior design account on Instagram – I’m @plotdesigner – I’ll see you over there …. Unless you’re too busy implementing the tips above of course. Alternatively, contact us for more information about our range of services.