10 Easy ways to Refresh Your Home on a Shoestring Budget
You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your home a fresh new look. Whether you’re tired of your current décor or simply want to make small updates, there are plenty of ways to transform your space without breaking the bank. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to refresh your home:
1. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, all it takes is a new layout to breathe new life into a room. Experiment with different furniture arrangements to see how you can maximize space and flow. Try moving your sofa to a different wall or repositioning your coffee table for a more balanced look.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline different furniture placements on the floor before moving anything to visualize potential layouts.
2. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
A new color on the walls can completely transform a room. You don’t have to paint the entire room—just an accent wall or even the trim can make a huge difference. Opt for light, neutral colors for a calming effect, or go bold with an accent color like navy, emerald, or mustard.
Tip: Choose a paint that’s versatile and can easily complement different décor styles as your preferences evolve.
3. Update Throw Pillows and Blankets
Changing out throw pillows or adding a new blanket can instantly update your living room or bedroom. Look for pillows in trendy fabrics, like velvet or linen, or pick out fun patterns and bold colors. It’s a simple way to inject new life into your space without spending much.
Tip: Mix and match patterns, textures, and sizes to create an inviting, layered look.
4. Declutter and Simplify
Sometimes, all a room needs is a good declutter. Take a few hours to clear off countertops, shelves, and tables, and organize your belongings. This will make your space feel cleaner and more spacious—and it’s completely free!
Tip: Donate or sell items you no longer need, and put away personal items like mail or excess décor that can crowd a space.
5. DIY Wall Art
You don’t have to spend a fortune on high-end art to make your walls feel more personalized. Try creating your own wall art with inexpensive materials like canvas, wooden frames, or even thrifted prints. You can also frame fabric, wallpaper samples, or vintage posters for a custom touch.
Tip: Use downloadable art prints from sites like Etsy, which often have affordable designs that can be printed at home.
6. Swap Out Hardware
Updating knobs, handles, and faucets is an easy way to give your furniture and cabinetry a modern makeover. This works wonders in kitchens and bathrooms where cabinet hardware can start to look dated. Choose sleek, modern hardware or go vintage with a more rustic finish.
Tip: Make sure your new hardware fits the existing holes to avoid additional costs or drilling.
7. Incorporate Greenery
Adding plants to a room can instantly freshen it up and improve the overall atmosphere. Houseplants add color, texture, and life to your home, and they also help purify the air. If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos.
Tip: Group plants of varying heights and sizes for a visually appealing display.
8. Reupholster or Slipcover Old Furniture
If your couch or chairs are looking worn, give them a new lease on life with slipcovers or a DIY upholstery project. Slipcovers come in a variety of styles and colors and can be a quick, affordable fix for old furniture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try reupholstering a chair with fabric you love.
Tip: Thrift stores or online marketplaces often have inexpensive furniture that you can reupholster or give a new look to.
9. Refresh Your Lighting
Lighting can completely change the mood of a room. Swap out outdated light fixtures or add a few new lamps to brighten dark corners. Consider adding string lights or candles for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tip: If you’re renting and can’t change the lighting fixtures, consider adding adhesive pendant lights or floor lamps to elevate the space.
10. Update Window Treatments
New curtains or blinds can make a huge difference in how a room feels. Swap out heavy, dark curtains for light, airy ones, or try adding a sheer layer to let in more natural light. You can also use tension rods for easy installation or find budget-friendly curtains at places like IKEA, Target, or Amazon.
Tip: If new curtains aren’t in the budget, try shortening your current ones or adding DIY fabric tiebacks for an updated look.
By focusing on small, impactful changes, you can refresh your home without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s rearranging furniture, incorporating plants, or swapping out throw pillows, these budget-friendly ideas will help you create a space you’ll love. Start with one or two changes, and before you know it, your home will feel brand new!
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Fast, cheap and good — from these three things you should always choose two. If it’s fast and cheap, it will never be good. If it’s cheap and good, it will never work out quickly. And if it is good and fast, it will never come cheap. But remember: of the three you still have to always choose two.