Giving your house a makeover doesn’t have to be expensive, as these budget design ideas demonstrate. We all want to save money, so simple updates that can make a difference without costing a fortune are at the top of most people’s wish lists! Small changes, whether DIY or decorative, may have a significant effect. All they need is a trip to the loft, a can of paint, and a little tender loving care (plus the tiniest bit of bargain hunting). Even if you’re not a DIY pro, many of these ideas just need a little careful planning and imagination to bring your house up to date.
Decorating ideas on a budget
‘Decorating a new property doesn’t necessarily necessitate purchasing entirely new stuff,’ explains our expert Style Advisor. ‘Instead of buying new furniture or décor, spruce up the ones you currently have with fresh hardware or paint.’ ‘Decorative knobs can enliven drab kitchen cabinets, and a new coat of paint may bring drab walls to life. ‘Paint a distinctive pattern on the arms of a plain wooden side table, or add wallpaper to the interior of dresser drawers – minor modifications like these will make a difference.’ You’re certainly not alone if you’re on a limited budget. That’s why we’ve put up a list of simple, low-cost decorating ideas to help you beautify your house.
Set up a coffee table
Plants provide vitality to any living room color scheme, and they offer a beautiful splash of color to a neutral space like this one. Don’t you have green fingers? Don’t worry; you don’t have to miss out on this advice. There are now a plethora of excellent fakes that seem really natural – check out Blooming Artificial for anything from plants to trees. ‘Live plants are a wonderful alternative for increasing air quality, and their development is incredibly satisfying,’ adds Nadia, despite the fact that they may be difficult to care for when natural light is restricted. ‘If you don’t have a green thumb, use fake plants to beautify your studio apartment; their aesthetic effect will be the same as real plants.’
Drawer fronts stenciled
With a simple chevron stencil, I customized an Ikea chest of drawers on a budget. I am using a dry, coarse-haired paintbrush stipple on furniture paint. A transparent matt finish and leather tab handle complete the look.
Replace your doors with fluted film to give them a new look.
Transform a basic display cabinet into a modern storage item using glass film. Chips and scratches will be avoided, thanks to the fluted glass film. Alternatively, for a really unique cabinet, use stained glass or patterned window film design. Make sure the shelves within aren’t too crowded. To establish balance in your display, use stacks of bowls, heaps of books, and things with fascinating forms.
Make a lampshade out of a basket.
Spray an Ikea Snidad basket with black spray paint after removing the handles. In only a few hours, you can have a designer-looking lampshade by removing a little circle from the base, adding an enormous bulb, and a black cable.
Paint may be used to draw attention to special characteristics.
Beautiful historic door frames and thick skirting boards will be highlighted with a painted border. If your walls are already painted, go for a darker tint. Draw a 5cm wide border using a ruler and spirit level, then apply decorative tape to create a sharp edge.
Framed wallpaper may be used to create a gallery.
Dark blue wall in the backdrop with a set of flower-patterned photos, framed wallpaper panels, dining table with a red tablecloth, bench seat and chair on the wooden floor, dark blue wall in the background with set of patterned floral photographs, bench seat and chair on the floor For a formal look, frame wallpaper samples or offcuts in similar frames with a white mount. Choose basic frames to emphasize the patterns, and mix and match patterns in a similar color palette. If you don’t have any wallpaper, you may make do with fabric scraps.
Create your own piece of art
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on artwork to adorn your walls; you can produce it yourself! Simply stretch a piece of fabric, an old duvet cover, a favorite scarf, or even a dress from a charity store over a canvas and staple it in place. Make a few pillow covers if you have enough fabric left over to bring the space together.
Make a point of it
With the addition of a tiled wall, this dining room’s color palette was quickly modernized. For a unified look, use a color that complements your scheme. With a selection of favorite dishes hanging haphazardly but with a common design, the effect is doubled in this scenario. Small details, such as downlit wall lights, create charm.
Incorporate some greenery
Plants provide vitality to any living room color scheme, and they offer a beautiful splash of color to a neutral space like this one. Don’t you have green fingers? Don’t worry; you don’t have to miss out on this advice. There are now a plethora of excellent fakes that seem really natural – check out Blooming Artificial for anything from plants to trees. ‘Live plants are a wonderful alternative for increasing air quality, and their development is incredibly satisfying,’ adds Nadia, despite the fact that they may be difficult to care for when natural light is restricted. ‘If you don’t have a green thumb, use fake plants to beautify your studio apartment; their aesthetic effect will be the same as real plants.’
Alter the order of your collections
Use the natural focal points in your living space to exhibit your favorite things. Create your own focal point with a beautiful console table or set of bookcases if the space lacks a built-in element like a
fireplace. Rotating your displays on a regular basis gives your scheme a quick refresh and keeps it from becoming too static. Vary height, shape, and texture, but keep to a two- or three-color palette for a unified aesthetic. Try supporting artwork instead of hanging it for a more relaxed vibe.
Include a bookcase
Traditional bookcases don’t have to be constructed into alcoves. Instead, use an asymmetrical strategy. Books and accessories are used to provide color. Try generating ‘breathing room’ in a design by utilizing certain shelves for decorative items, again tying in two or three colors for a unified effect, to break up the repetitious nature of a book collection. This will provide texture and depth to a space while also providing necessary storage.
Soft furnishings should be updated
Updating a rug, pillows, or textiles may all boost your mood. Changing your pillows with the seasons is a good idea. As spring comes, choose for delicate flowers, painterly designs, and light graphics, while winter calls for heavier textures and richer colors.
Repurpose furniture that has outlived its usefulness
Stop thinking about tossing away a well-loved piece of furniture. Examine it again to see if you can find a way to reuse it. With fragments of wallpaper on the glass panels, this wardrobe has been given a fresh appearance. A fresh coat of paint or varnish, as well as new upholstery, are simple methods to give an unwanted item a new lease of life.
Sheepskin will keep you warm
This suggestion will need a quick trip to the store if you don’t already own a sheepskin (or imitation sheepskin) rug. Natural sheepskins are available in four colors at John Lewis for £35. Sheepskins, in general, make any space seem cozier and more sumptuous — drape them over sofas and beds, or arrange them on the floor.
Replace the handles on the cupboard doors
Replace the drawer and cupboard handles on your kitchen cabinets for a fresh look. In a Shaker-style kitchen, cup handles and simple doorknobs work nicely. Bar handles are also extremely fashionable right now and would look great in any contemporary kitchen. ‘Save money by purchasing affordable, neutral furniture items (such as chests of drawers, headboards, and coffee tables), going secondhand, or collecting family hand-me-downs – these basic pieces are the ideal canvases for DIY décor,’ Nadia advises. ‘Add ornate knobs, patterned wallpaper, or paint in your favorite color to personalize these pieces.’
Erect a shelf
You can’t go wrong with a basic shelving concept, whether you want to store your favorite books close at hand or exhibit gorgeous treasures. Shelves are clearly functional, but they also provide a chance to personalize your design.
Your furnishings should be mismatched
Have your eye on a thrift store purchase but are scared it won’t go with your current decor? Mismatched furniture is significantly more appealing than you would imagine. Kitchen seating is an excellent illustration of how diverse colors and designs can work well together. So, if you fall in love with a bright red chair, don’t feel obligated to buy a whole new set.
Organize your belongings with the help of attractive storage containers
Anyone who enjoys interior design understands how important storage is. Make a statement with charming trunks or gorgeous flowered cardboard boxes – they’ll not only provide you more room to keep things in a peaceful, clean manner, but they’ll also look great.
A picture gallery may be hung
Photo gallery wall ideas are a fun way to dress up a plain wall or a drab area. Experiment with different forms, sizes, and frame designs, and hang everything from old family photographs to kid’s artwork. ‘Gallery walls may be used to cover a huge blank wall in a bedroom or living area. If you don’t have a wide wall to work with, establish gallery walls around features like entrances and windows to add interest,’ Nadia suggests.
Fresh flowers should be displayed
Fresh cut flowers are a quick and inexpensive way to brighten up a space. They need little effort and maybe made as large or tiny as desired. A single flower will be stunning.