Creating a fresh, modern space doesn’t need to break the bank. There are so many quick and easy hacks that you can use to elevate your home and create a designer-worthy interior. From free design inspiration to DIY projects and eye-catching details, here are some of our top tips for creating a stylish space on a budget.
Take inspiration from others
As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and there’s absolutely no shame in gathering inspiration from other people’s styling!
Interior design is an art, and having an eye for style doesn’t always come naturally to everyone.
Websites like Pinterest and Instagram are a gold mine for home styling and interior design ideas. Create a digital mood board and save your favorite tips, tricks and photo inspo so you can refer back to them later.
Less is more
One quick and cost-free way to transform your space into a stylish oasis is by simply clearing out the clutter. Marie Kondo was onto something when she spread the good word about tidying, so take a leaf out of her book when approaching the decluttering process. This is also a great opportunity to take note of what you have around the home. Try rearranging rooms and integrating existing pieces in different areas of the house to create a new look without spending a cent!
You’d be amazed at how much you can transform a space by simply clearing out the clutter and rearranging the existing furniture.
Prep, prime and paint
Give your home the TLC it deserves with a fresh lick of paint. Rather than paying professional hundreds, if not thousands, to paint your home, you may want to try your hand at it instead and save some dollars.
Painting is something that you can easily do yourself with limited experience and still get great results. It’s incredible how much a coat of paint can revamp a place and take it from drab to fab in a matter of hours.
Upgrade your accents
Even the most budget-friendly renovations can be a good hit to your bank account. Rather than diving headfirst into a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, sometimes just upgrading accents and fixtures is all that’s needed to breathe new life into a space.
When it comes to hardware, it can be worth loosening up the purse strings a little to invest in some good quality cupboard handles and tapware. Not only will these pieces wear better than cheaper alternatives, but you’ll also still be miles ahead than if you went the full reno route.
Another quick and easy way to style up your interior is by upgrading your existing lighting. Try adding a few feature pieces to bring another dimension to the space. A floor lamp or bedside light can be enough to do the trick!
Do you love your lighting already? Reset your table with light linen napkins or table-saving coasters for an instant style lifts.
Reuse and upcycle
Upcycling existing furniture or secondhand pieces is a great alternative to buying new, albeit cheap, furniture.
Oftentimes you can find good-quality, second-hand pieces that are more budget-friendly and will last longer than newer finds. You’ve just got to show them a little TLC. If you’re new to restoring furniture, there are plenty of DIY tutorials you can check out on YouTube.
Create the illusion of space
Upgrading your interior can be harder in small spaces, but there are a few tricks of the trade that you can use to turn a space from modest to mighty.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, placing a large rug in a small room can help it to appear larger than it actually is. Hanging a large mirror on the wall will also help to open up the area and create a look of more space.
Mix and match
If you do intend on investing in a few new pieces to freshen up your home, try to mix and match different elements to create interest. Look for unique textures, bold colors and different styles to create a chic space.
Invest in quality
While on a budget, there are times when it pays to splurge on big-ticket items. Investing in a good-quality bed or couch will pay off in the long run. Cheaper alternatives often age quicker, not to mention deteriorate faster compared to better quality counterparts. Rather than wasting cash on replacing these items every few years, you’re better off paying a little more now for longevity.
Wall art
Last but not least, art can bring a beautiful pop of color and dimension to an otherwise dull space. Instead of investing hundreds in a piece, why not tap into your creative side and try your hand at painting a piece instead? Get the family involved. You might be surprised at the masterpieces they create!
