Want to give your home a fresh new look without spending a fortune? Before you head to the store, try shopping your own home!
I find that once February rolls around, or honestly, once I've had enough of the dreary winter weather, I start craving a little change. I want things to feel brighter, fresher, and a bit more cheerful.
The good news is that you probably already have plenty of things around your home that can help you create that fresh feeling. Sometimes you don't need new stuff, you just need to look at the stuff you already own a little differently.
Here are some easy ways to decorate with things you already have and give your space a refresh without spending much (or anything at all).
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1. Get Creative with Spray Paint
Never underestimate what a can of spray paint can do!
An old vase, picture frame, lamp base, planter, basket, or small decorative item can look completely different with a fresh coat of paint.
Choose a colour that works with your current decor, or go with a classic neutral like white, black, or a soft beige. You may be surprised by how different an old item can look after a simple makeover.
Just make sure the item and paint are compatible and use spray paint safely according to the product directions.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Nature is one of the best, and cheapest, ways to decorate your home.
Look around your yard for interesting branches that can be arranged in a large vase. Add fresh greenery to small vases or jars, or use seasonal flowers to add a little colour to a room.
You can also use things like pinecones, interesting stones, or other natural objects as decorative accents.
A simple branch in a pretty vase can make much more of a statement than you might expect!
3. Rearrange Your Furniture
Before buying anything new, try moving your furniture around.
Move a chair from one room into another. Try your side table beside the sofa instead of the bed. Switch the direction of your furniture or create a new conversation area.
You might find that your existing furniture works perfectly in a different arrangement. And the best part? It costs absolutely nothing!
4. Shop Your House
This is one of my favourite ways to decorate on a budget.
Walk through your home and look at your belongings with fresh eyes. Could the vase in your bedroom work in the living room? Could the basket in the bathroom hold blankets? Could a piece of artwork from one room look better somewhere else?
Move decorative items between rooms and see what happens.
Sometimes something feels "old" simply because we've been looking at it in the same spot for years.
5. Get Crafty with Fabric
Have fabric scraps, old curtains, scarves, tablecloths, or clothing that you're no longer using? You might be able to turn them into simple decorative pieces.
Use fabric to make a table runner, pillow cover, placemats, bunting, or even a small piece of wall art.
You don't need to be an expert sewer, either. There are plenty of simple projects that require very little fabric or sewing. Fabric glue might even work!
6. Give Your Picture Frames a New Job
Have a collection of picture frames sitting around that aren't being used? Put them to work!
Frame family photos, children's artwork, scrapbook paper, pretty fabric scraps, postcards, calendars, or even pages from an old book.
You can also group several frames together to create an inexpensive gallery wall.
Don't worry if the frames don't match perfectly. A collection of different frames can actually make a display feel more interesting.
7. Use Old Things in New Ways
One of the easiest ways to decorate without spending money is to stop thinking about things only for their original purpose.
An old mason jar can become a vase, bathroom storage container, or pencil holder. A wooden crate can hold magazines, blankets, or toys. A pretty bowl can become a catch-all for keys and other little items. An old tray can organize perfumes, candles, or coffee supplies.
Look at what you already own and ask yourself: "What else could I use this for?"
8. Decorate with Books
Books can be beautiful decor all on their own.
Stack a few books on a coffee table or side table and place a vase, candle, or small decorative object on top. You can also use books to add height to displays or create little groupings on shelves.
If you have old books that are no longer useful to you, there are plenty of creative craft projects you can make with them, too.
9. Display Your Kids' Artwork
Kids create an endless supply of free artwork!
Instead of putting everything on the fridge, choose a few favourite pieces and display them around your home. Frame artwork, create a rotating gallery wall, hang drawings from clips, or turn colourful pieces into homemade banners. You could even laminate particularly sturdy artwork and use it as placemats.
It's inexpensive decor, and much more meaningful than something you picked up at a store.
10. Rearrange Your Shelves
Sometimes your shelves don't need new decor. They just need a new arrangement.
Take everything off a bookshelf, hutch, or display shelf and start from scratch. Group similar items together, mix different heights, add books for dimension, and leave some empty space.
You'll be amazed at how different the same collection of objects can look when rearranged.
11. Make a New Gallery Wall
Take a look through the artwork, prints, calendars, postcards, children's artwork, and photographs you already have.
Choose a collection that works together and create a new gallery wall. You don't necessarily need matching frames. In fact, mixing frames can give the display more personality.
And if you already have a gallery wall, try rearranging the pieces into a completely different configuration.
12. Switch Out Your Textiles
You don't need to buy an entirely new set of decor to make a room feel different.
Move throw blankets and pillows between rooms. Bring out a tablecloth you haven't used in a while. Fold a colourful blanket over the arm of a chair.
Even small changes to textiles can make a room feel refreshed.
13. Create a Decorative Tray
Do you have an unused serving tray hiding in a cupboard? Pull it out and turn it into a little decorative display.
Add a candle, vase, small plant, favourite book, or another decorative item you already own.
Trays are especially useful because they make a collection of random objects look intentional and organized.
14. Make a Simple Centrepiece
You don't need an expensive floral arrangement to create a pretty table centrepiece.
Try filling a bowl with pinecones, fruit, ornaments, or other seasonal items you already have. A vase filled with branches can also make a beautiful centrepiece. Even a few candles grouped together on a tray can create a simple focal point.
15. Move Your Decor Around Seasonally
One of my favourite ways to make my home feel different without buying anything is to rotate what I already own.
Pack away some of your decor for a few months and bring out things you've forgotten about.
When you see those pieces again, they can feel almost new!
You don't need a huge collection of seasonal decor, either. Simply rotating pillows, blankets, artwork, vases, and small decorative pieces can make a big difference.
Before You Buy Anything, Shop Your Home
The next time you feel like your home needs a refresh, resist the urge to immediately start shopping.
Instead, take a walk through your house.
Open the cupboards. Look in storage bins. Check the basement. Look at your bookshelves and closets. You might already have everything you need to create the change you're craving.
Decorating doesn't always mean buying something new. Sometimes the best way to refresh your home is simply to use what you already have in a new way.
And if you're trying to save money, that's a pretty great decorating strategy!
How do you decorate your home on a budget? Do you have a favourite way to refresh a room without buying anything new?
My daughter tuned 10 (!!!) this year and really wanted a more grown up bedroom. One where she could just hang out on her own or with friends comfortably.
BeforeAfter
It was a project that took so long just to get started, but once we actually did start, it only took about a week to finish.
She knew she wanted to change her pink walls to gray walls. Her favourite colour is purple so I suggested doing her back wall a deep purple of some sort, but she was adamant that all her walls had to be gray.
So I headed to Pinterest to find inspiration. I was trying to find a warm gray that she loved and we finally settled on Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. Her back wall is actually a darker gray, Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.
While I used colours from Benjamin Moore, I always buy any paint for a project from The Home Depot. I like their paint and I find it less expensive than Benjamin Moore paint.
I sort of wish the back wall was darker, but she loves it. Especially with the sprinkle decals that we bought.
Originally, I thought doing that feature wall in a fun peel and stick wallpaper would be a great way to add character to her room. But then I priced it out... Going that route was not in the budget. LOL. So I eventually thought to check out Etsy for wall decals. I found the fun sprinkle decals that she loved in gold. Waaay more budget friendly. (I'll give links and cost below for everything.)
The most expensive part of her room was her new bed. Everything is new there. The frame, mattress and bedding. We felt it was important to give her something that could last her for a very long time. (But I still got the deals!)
As for the other furniture, her dresser is a family antique that we've had forever. Her desk was a present for her birthday from her Oma and Grandpa, as was the nightstand.
I wanted to replace her curtains with some deep purple ones, but apparently she has an attachment to her navy ones. Haha. I'm, okay with that! This is a room made for her and not the design books!
In between the artwork, I am going to hang her ukulele once I get a hook.
Cost Breakdown and Sources:
Paint: $100 for 2 gallons from The Home Depot Paint colours: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey and Revere Pewter Gold Sprinkle Decals: $25 for 279 decals Desk: Ikea desk bought second hand for $50 Desk chair: Free, it's one we had around the house already Nightstand: Made by a family member years ago, but gold knob was added. (It was a gift for my daughter so I'm not sure how much the knob was.) Bed Frame: $303.31 for full size. (Not on sale anymore, but this is a solid bed!) Mattress: $289.99 Duvet Cover Set: $64.99 Purple Pillow Cases: $16.99 Sheets: $24.99 for full size white sheets Mattress Protector: $27.99 Art work: All bought years ago from Homesense so I can't link it unfortunately.
Grand total: $903.26I still need to buy her a lamp and maybe something for over her bed, but that will happen one day.
If you have ever watched any home decorating show you have probably seen the amazing homes showcased. It's easy to get caught up in the fact that your home might not look so professionally done. However, you can have a beautiful home that is stylish and done on a budget! With nearly any budget you can make your home stylish and welcoming. Also keep in mind that simple, timeless decorating is typically what looks the best in any home.
Paint
Purchasing paint is fairly inexpensive and can change-up the look of any room. If you are ready for a change and don't have a lot of money, consider painting. Even just painting an accent wall can turn any home from dull to very hip and stylish! Don't be afraid to try out different colors. Most paint stores will give you little amounts of paint to take home to try out.
Rugs
One way to bring drama or simple coziness to a room is by adding rugs. However, you don't have to go out and pay for expensive rugs. In fact places like Amazon, Wayfair, Walmartand Home Sense are all great places to find very large and beautiful rugs on a budget. Try to pick out a rug that adds color as you can find other accents based off of the colors in the rugs. If your rug has some red and purple in it, look for red and purple throw pillows for your couch.
Lights
Lighting can make or break any room. You want to make sure you have the right amount of lighting for tasks and ambiance. Don't be scared of trying out different lamps. Adding some pretty lamp shades, stand up lamps or even recessed lighting can turn your room into a stylish one.
Wall Art
There are different price ranges when it comes to wall art. You can really dig into the bank account and hit up a gallery or you can go the more budget friendly route. Look for wall art at garage sales, discount stores and even at your local mall. You can also just make your own wall art with family pictures blown up onto canvas. Or, make a beautiful printable and frame it. Wall art is an area you can really get creative since it isn't permanent.
Decor
Using decor to bring some style to a room is easy and affordable. In fact just adding in some simple things like throw pillows, inexpensive curtains, candles and plants can really liven up any room. You can find these items at second-hand stores, garage sales or re-purpose what you already own.
How are your creating your stylish home on a budget?
Got a big, bare wall staring you in the face? Don’t rush off to the store or even the interior decorator just yet. You can make your own custom wall art that will fit your needs, satisfy your desires and cost next to nothing.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be talented, crafty, or even coordinated. All you need are a few supplies, some time, and a little bit of creativity. We’re talking bare minimum creativity, and if you’re not confident that you can supply even the tiniest creative spark, borrow someone’s child for the day. One way or another, you’ll be able to make great wall art with a small amount of effort and an even smaller budget.
Project 1: Living Large in the Living Room
You need something to stare at besides the TV, right? Well, that demands a pretty big piece of wall art if it’s going to compete with today’s huge flat screens. Get ready to create your own painted canvas to display in your living room. Your friends and family will be impressed with your artistic talent and ingenuity, but all you have to do is follow these simple steps:
Buy a large artistic canvas, 2-3 colors of acrylic paint, painter’s tape, and a drop cloth or tarp if you don’t already have one. The expensive item here is going to be the canvas, but it’s still a lot less expensive than buying prefabricated art.
Decide which color you’d like to show underneath the tape – if it isn’t white, then paint your canvas all over and wait for it to dry. If you like white, skip to the next step.
Lay the painter’s tape across the canvas in diagonals, making sure that each piece of tape is long enough to extend past the edges of the canvas. You can create shapes between the pieces of tape – triangles are easy and make for a nice modern art appeal.
Once your tape is in place, decide which segments you’d like to paint in each color. Two contrasting colors create a stark and interesting effect, while colors from the same family soften this piece of art. Start painting and try not to get both colors in the same section, or you’ll lose the segmented effect.
Wait for the paint to dry, then peel off the tape and touch up any irregular spots. Hang your new wall art and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends.
Project 2: Kitchen Wallflowers
It can be difficult to decorate a kitchen, so many people just leave it as a functional room. Don’t fall into this rut – make your kitchen fabulous with simple but beautiful wall art.
Find or buy a large empty frame from an antique store.
Collect tin cans until you have four or five, then remove the labels by soaking the cans and using nail polish remover to get rid of any residue.
Hang the frame in your kitchen, then position the tin cans inside it and nail them to the wall in a neat line, leaving as much space above them as possible.
Fill your tin cans with fresh flowers in spring and summer, twigs and colorful leaves in the fall, and holly and berries in the winter.
Project 3: Entryway Showstopper
Make a place to hang your keys and show off your artistic side with this piece of wall art. Your friends and family will be amazed to see something you made with such lovely form and helpful function.
Snag an old window shutter from an antique store, thrift store or from your garage. You can also raid friends’ garages or hunt for one if you have a family farm.
Either decide that you like your shutter as is or paint it to go with your entryway décor.
Nail your shutter horizontally onto the wall, then add some nails on the bottom edge to hang your keys.
Insert favorite photos or postcards between the slats.
Appreciate your handiwork.
See how easy and affordable it is to create your own unique wall art? With just a few supplies in hand, you’ll be well on your way to solving your blank wall dilemmas.
I’d love to hear your ideas for decorating blank walls on a budget. Let me know in the comments!
It's finally finished! And I'm anxious to show you the room we created for our baby. Keep in mind that I like simple and minimal so it may be boring to some of you! I had a lot of fun doing this because I have a bit of an interior decorating background and hadn't really done any designing for a long time! Decorating to me these days, is about creating a comfortable room that is done on the cheap. That means I DIY'd and repurposed quite a few items to create our baby room on a budget! Oh, and since we didn't know the gender of our little one, I tried to make it as neutral as possible.
At the end of the post I'll have a source list with our approximate costs and links to my crafty projects 🙂
The curtain fabric that inspired the colours in the room:
I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. 🙂 We obviously decided to forgo a rocking chair due to space restrictions since we have the single bed in there. We traded our double bed for a single bed my parents had since they couldn't store all the beds! I was going to buy one of those thick changing pads to put on top of the dresser, but decided that the bed could work just as well.
