A dozen no-cost ways to make home feel fresh
Try these ideas to give your old decor a new lease on life without spending a dime
There comes a time for nearly all of us when a home decor refresh is not only necessary, it is also imminent. And right now, as we teeter on the edge of a new year, is that time.
A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full-blown remodel or overhaul. And because it’s also that time of year when we’re short on money, our wallets can’t always cover our hearts’ desires. So consider these fresh home hacks to update your decor without spending a dime.
Rethink your layout: With a pen, paper and a little muscle, you can completely transform the flow of a room. Try a completely new layout with your existing furniture: Move your sofa by the window, or move furniture away from the walls and closer together. Flip your rug: This only works with certain rugs, but here’s a quick designer tip: Flipping your rug upside down will expose the textural weave and more muted colours of its flip side. Take a peek at what’s on the back and, if it works, turn it around.
Bring in the green: Decorating with pretty evergreen branches adds life, sculptural elements and aroma to your home. All you need is a vase and fresh water.
Strip it off: You probably have some furniture pieces that have been painted over and refinished at least a few times. Try stripping them back to the original wood — or do the same with a door or wooden beams. Do your research before tackling anything major, but remember: a little patina can go a long way.
Use your leftover paint: Check those paint cans in your basement, or closet, and use what’s left over to refinish a piece of furniture or a room accent. Dip-dye the legs of a chair or paint the mantel, or a door, for an instant refresh.
Style a piece of furniture: Context has a huge influence on how we perceive items. Channel your inner decorator and style a piece of furniture with your favourite books, mirrors and vases. You just might see it in a whole new light.
Give it an edit: Sometimes, when decor feels a little tired, you just might need to remove some elements.
By editing your decor down to a minimum, you gain the space to reintroduce your favourite pieces.
Priceless artwork: Do you keep your kids’ drawings and paintings in boxes or binders? Why not frame them instead? Kids’ art is colourful and candid, and it makes for great artwork that you can easily swap around.
Think like a stylist: Hop on Pinterest, gather inspiration from your favourite styled homes and try replicating what you love most. Interior stylists often spend very little money on accessories and props to make homes look great for a photo shoot: Think vintage pottery, a couple of trays and strategic placement.
Vintage objet d’art: Do you have old tennis rackets you don’t use or vintage china from your grandmother? Hang these pieces to create instant art.
Ask Grandma if you can go shopping in her attic if you’re short on treasures.
Rearrange your bookcase: It’s only natural for homes to amass clutter and for objects to get displaced. Take a moment to restyle a bookcase or a console table.
Create a reading nook: Chances are you have a lounge chair, accent table and task lamp.
Gather them to create a comfortable reading nook.