When you move into a dream home or rental, often the decor isn’t quite “you”. And after years in one place, you might need to freshen it up. Finding affordable ways to put your stamp on a home can be challenging.
If you don’t want to splurge on hefty renovation costs, there are lots of ways you can make a big impact without spending a fortune.
Want spa-like sparkle in a bathroom? Or swanky hotel chic in a bedroom?
You can revamp every room in your home without the punchy prices. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, our simple, budget-friendly DIY tips and tricks will make the process easier, showing you how to modernize your home–room-by-room!
So where to begin? Put your feet up and relax in a comfy chair while we do the legwork for you.
Where to start?
Before diving headfirst into sprucing up your space, you need a plan.
Interior designers cost big bucks, so while you're waiting for that windfall, declutter, prioritize room updates, and decide the timescale and budget. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of updating and go all in with the latest trends, but be realistic and don't stretch yourself financially.
Liven up your living room
Want to add new life to a drab living room?
Revitalize a tired room with furniture accessories like throws, pillows and rugs that show off your personality. Go wild with color, pattern and texture to give your space a fresh look.
Updating a room doesn’t mean purchasing new or rented furniture either. Rearranging the existing layout might be all you need to shake things up. It’s amazing what shifting a couch, coffee table or sideboard can do to give a room a new lease of life! Slather washed-out accent walls in bold paint from places like The Little Green Paint Company to perk up a bland room. Or add fun temporary wallpaper that adds character and texture to your space, and if you don’t like it, you switch it.
Ambient lighting can make a stark room cozy and warm for nights in at home. Place tall lamps in corners, and layer with lamps on side tables and cabinets to make your room inviting. Why not roll out a bar cart to add real glamor and sophistication to your lounge? Arrange your favorite tipples on a decorative tray or cabinet to create a stunning feature.
Whether you like lounging around, entertaining or switching off after a hard day, the living room is where we spend most of our time. With a few simple changes, this room update won’t cost the earth.
Kitchen tweaks that make a statement
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place to cook, eat, and spend time with friends and family. A complete kitchen refurb can run into thousands. With a few savvy alterations, you can transform this key room into a stylish space on a shoestring.
Pep up a tired kitchen with new cabinetry hardware like those from Knobbles and Bobbles and lighting fixtures from somewhere like Pigazzi Lighting. Give cabinets a flawless finish with a coat of paint and new handles. No need for expensive bespoke kitchens, it will look like a professional did it.
Now a backsplash alone can make a statement in a kitchen. Gone are the days of plain tile. Now you can create stunning designs that make a wall into a piece of art. Combine color and texture and choose from tile, stone, glass or ceramics. You can read reviews of places like Tile Bar and Moasic Village to see if they fit your budget.
If your lighting doesn’t light you up - ditch it! New fittings instantly create identity, opt for contemporary lighting or pendants that make a feature of your breakfast bar or table. Then bring the outside in with hanging baskets and trendy planters that add color and purify too.
If you can’t change your countertops, incorporate stylish storage solutions like spice racks, Mason jars, pitchers for utensils, and shelving for crockery. They’ll keep clutter at bay while looking the part.
Transform your bedroom into a peaceful retreat
If you want sumptuous hotel vibes without forking out the dough, start by playing with patterns, fabrics, and textures to create depth and dimension to your room.
Elevate a lackluster space with decorative mirrors, luxurious rugs or unique art, but don't overfill it. You need to keep it simple and Zen to cash in on the forty winks you deserve. Reupholster existing furniture and give your bedframe and bedside tables an overhaul, you could also incorporate a DIY headboard as a focal point.
With warm lighting and these easy room updates, you can transform your bedroom into a serene space that promotes rest and relaxation.
Supercharge your wellbeing with a blissful bathroom
Changing your bathroom into a soothing sanctuary doesn’t need to be a major project.
Swap mismatched, warn towels and bathmats for matching indulgent items like those at The Towel Shop to create a high-end, polished feel. Try looking for companies like Glow City Candles and Essential Oil Blends for candles and diffusers that boost bathroom ambience.
Outdated tile? No problem. Consider using specialized paint to add a pop of color to your tile. And no need to pull up existing flooring, try peel-and-stick flooring for a budget-friendly option underfoot.
Wake up bathroom storage with game-changing stylish cabinets that keep your toiletries tucked away and surfaces clutter-free. Open shelves, tiered carts and leaning ladders from somewhere like Big Bathroom Shop complete the look.
Adding your own taste with a splash of color can lift a bathroom out of the doldrums without tearing out hardware. It will feel like your local spa, just add a gown and fluffy slippers!
Home offices that inspire productivity
Home office room updates are often overlooked. Now more people than ever work remotely, so having a comfortable and functional workspace is essential.
Trendy desk accessories and lamps can add style to your office space no matter the size.
Good lighting options are a no-brainer for offices with little natural light. Desk and floor lamps or even a neon sign, similar to those at Custom Neon provide much-needed brightness, while adding to the overall aesthetic.
If you're feeling handy, build a DIY desk to give your home office a personal touch. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you get started. Or try a thrift furniture store and find a hidden gem. Shift your desk in front of a window, if you have one, for a change of scene and experiment with different configurations to see what works best for you.Surround yourself with decor and design that inspire you, vital if you look at a screen all day.
Follow these tips and you'll have an office to be proud of, no Zoom background required!
Bring your vision to life
Home is where the heart is, and everyone deserves a space they can be proud of.
Bringing your vision to life can be daunting and exciting in equal measure. Our tips on how to modernize your home will help you transform your home into a space you love. No messy renovation or expensive remodeling.
So, get cracking and let your imagination run wild and design a home interior that reflects your personality or get inspiration from other creative folks on Trustpilot.
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