Making a house feel like a home starts with décor. But with so many trends, styles, and finishes to choose from, finding a good starting point to outfit your space for less can be downright confusing. Luckily, there are ways to achieve that designer look for less, even on a shoestring budget. Whether you’re moving into your new fixer-upper in Austin, TX, or simply want to personalize a rental home, these tips and tricks will be sure to amaze you.
We reached out to interior design experts for their best-kept secrets on how you can redesign your home to create a functional yet stylish space without breaking the bank. From a fresh coat of paint to using what you have on hand, keep reading to discover ten ways to give your home a makeover – you might be surprised by these simple solutions.
1) Color and details matter
Redesigning your home on a budget can be easily achieved using a few cost-effective tips:
- Paint does wonder: start by painting the main areas one neutral color. Soft shades of white will instantly transform your dull and dated decor to look fresh and new.
- Declutter: remove any unnecessary furniture or accessories ( picture frames etc.) to keep it clean and modern.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: paint old dark brown cabinetry white and add new hardware. This will transform a dark and dated kitchen and baths instantaneously. –DLT Interiors
2) Update with paint
People often think they need to rip everything out to get an updated look. Quality cabinets can often stay in the kitchen and bath – no need to rip out perfectly good cabinets just because they aren’t the latest color trend. You can update the countertops and wall paint color and keep the cabinets. The trick is to ensure the countertops “marry” the current cabinets and the updated decor. –Spruce Personalized Decor
3) Shuffle your furnishings
The best way to update a room on a budget is to “shop” your own home for items you can repurpose. For example, maybe that accent table in your hallway would look adorable as a bedside table in your primary bedroom? Or could that floral armchair in the baby’s room be the perfect accent for the leather furniture in your living room? By switching items from other areas of your home, you can give your room a new look without buying anything new.
Another way to minimize the cost of redecorating a room would be to purchase multi-functional furniture. For example, a padded, lift-up coffee table can be an ottoman for putting your feet up, a desk for working, a dining table for eating in front of the TV, and even storage space for extra blankets. You get the function of 4 pieces of furniture for the cost of one. –Our Re-Purposed Home
4) Add a pop of interest with reusable or removable wallpaper
Use reusable or removable wallpaper on the ceiling or to cover books/book jackets and arrange them on open shelves. There are infinite patterns and colors available, plus they’re very easy to install. –EZ Decorator
5) Play with color with different fabrics
Welcome the hues and feelings of summer into your home by adding a pop of color with new pillows. Layering your space to engage interiors and exteriors together creates a fabulous summery look. You can also bring the outdoors in with colorful books about gardening or the beach, fresh flowers, low-maintenance succulents, or collected seashells. Adding a cheery citrus centerpiece of lemons and limes in a white bowl is my favorite way to create an instant summertime vibe. –Pineapple Park
6) Don’t forget the little details to pull your space together
Be mindful of what you already have: Place more emphasis on items that are well made and meaningful rather than collecting stuff just to fill shelves. A clutter and mess-free space is often more conducive to a clear mind and a stress-free vibe.
Hardware and faucets: This is an excellent way to add contrast and spice up the look of your cabinets. From pulls and knobs to sink faucets, there are multiple ways to elevate the look of your millwork and sink.
Multipurpose furniture items: Purchase furniture with built-in storage options such as an ottoman that serves as both a coffee table and storage. A chest or storage bench is also an excellent option for stylishly storing kid’s toys all in one place.
Styling your shelf: Start by buying or gathering items for the shelf. Our favorites to use are books, art, photos, vases, plants, sculptural pieces, decorative boxes, baskets, or souvenirs from your travels. Save money by “shopping” from your home to find shelf décor you may not be using or could be displaying elsewhere in the house. You can also gather fresh flowers and branches from your garden to bring some new life into the room!
Revamping existing furniture: A simple paint job can work wonders on old wooden pieces. We love the trend of adding a touch of metallic to the chair legs or spine! Doing so draws the eye in and makes the previously outdated chairs look brand new. Add a cushion, or leave it as is for the perfect makeup station seating. –White Dahlia Design
7) Take time to evaluate your space
A successful redesign of any area in a home starts with an evaluation of the what the function of the space needs to be, with the help of an interior redesigner. A multi-functional space such as a family room, can be a game room, gathering space for family and guests, home study space, and a home theatre, with careful planning. A redesign makes the best use of space by re-arranging and repurposing as needed, any existing furnishings in the home that will help further the new design. Quick Tip: an antique roll-top desk can become a drink and snack bar with an under-counter fridge in the kneehole space for a unique, budget-stretching accent in the room. –Faulkner House Interior Redesign
8) Shop your own home and add pops of greenery
Go through your space, pull out accessories, textiles, and accent furniture, and put them on your dining table. This forces you to look at what you have with fresh eyes. You’ll be surprised how often this sparks new ideas for using your items in a different setting or context, and if something doesn’t “spark joy” anymore, then donate it. Every room needs greenery to pop – we have an innate response to greenery/nature that evokes feelings of calm and serenity. Buying a simple houseplant with a decorative pot (or a good faux) can go a long way towards leveling up the overall feel of your space.-Greenhouse Studio
9) Consider a 3D planning tool to plan out your space
Redesigning your home can often be expensive and time-consuming, but a way to easily reduce your expenses is to use a 3D tool! With a 3D planner like HomeByMe, you can identify the furniture you want, check for cheaper equivalent products, place it, and generate a realistic image to see your interior before buying it. You can also try your different ideas directly on your computer without spending money. 3D planning can help you save money, so don’t hesitate to try it on HomeByMe. –HomeByMe
10) Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint
Paint, paint, paint; it’s the simplest yet dramatic form of change you can make in your space. Whether you are brightening it up with Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or grounding it down with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray, paint every surface in the room, including walls, trim, and ceiling, to make a big impact. –Emcy Interior Design
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