Think your design ambitions are bigger than your budget? Think again. Change is healthy and I like to change things up every year, even if it’s subtle with things like new curtains, welcome mats, bathroom rugs, coffee table trinkets and wall art.
Of course, the possibilities are endless, but our wallets are not. Luckily, there are plenty of options for redecorating a room while saving money at the same time. Here are eight ways to spice up a room while keeping your budget in check.
8 Creative Ways of Redecorating on a Budget
#1. Redecorating Rooms With New Paint
Painting is one of my favorite redesign tactics. It is incredibly cheap and can drastically change an entire room’s look. You also have a lot of different options and creative freedom with paint. You can chose to do the walls, wood trim, doors or even some furniture to give it a new fresh look.
#2. Redecorating on a Budget by Thrifting
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, consignment shops, online auction sites, yard sales and estate sales — believe it or not, I have found some of my favorite furniture at second hand shops. Who want’s a cookie-cutter house anyway? Look for furniture with good construction and classic lines. You can change the handles, knobs and appearance with a little paint and sanding for the shabby chic look.
#3. Shopping at Discount Stores to Save Money
I use to buy lots of home accessories like vases, bookshelves, coffee table books and candles holders at stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropology. I recently came across store like Home Goods that have beyond amazing house decorating items for less them a third of what you would pay at a retail store.
Take advantage of places like TJ Maxx and Ross to save money, which have great home sections in the back of the stores. I have purchased some incredible pieces at these stores such as salt rock lamps, stone book ends, marble Buddha statues, aromatherapy candles and jeweled astrology hand ring holders. Why pay full price when you can get the same quality for less then half?
#4. Redecorating Rooms with Items You Already Have
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go out and buy all new pieces to revamp your house. Turn plain pillows into eye-catching accents by stenciling simple designs on them or covering them in new fabric. Spray paint old vases or shelves to give them a fresh new look. Reinvent a drab dresser with some new glossy paint and sparkly or metallic hardware. Use gold shiny spray paint on old dusty picture frames for that vintage look.
#5. DIY Redecorating
I’m a big crafter, so DIY always makes perfect sense to me when I need to give something an updated look. For example, learning to make your own curtains can save you hundreds of dollars alone.
Another easy DIY room redecorating project is making pillows or revamping old ones. Find your favorite fabric and and make a new slip cover for an already existing pillow, or make one from scratch is you’re a little more crafty.
A great DIY project for windowsills is collecting old bottles from Goodwill and lining your window with them, then placing a real or faux flower in each bottle. You can mix match the flowers, or stick to pale pink or white for a classic look.
#6. Adding Plants to Rooms
I can’t tell you how much of a difference plants make in a home. A few cactus and house plants can transform a drab, small room into a botanical sanctuary and most towns have a place to get local produce where house plants and cacti are sold at cheaper prices. You can also pick some pots up at a local Home Goods or DIY and revamp old ones.
#7. Redecorating Rooms with Wallpaper
Just wallpapering one wall of a room gives it whole new dimension. The thought of wallpapering scares most people, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. When I was living in Beachwood Canyon in Hollywood, we weren’t allowed to wallpaper, so I found a peel-off brand that is meant for apartments and no-hassle application. I just stuck it to a wet wall and it looked amazing.
Another option if you’re hesitant about wallpapering an entire room is covering the backing of a bookcase. It’ll add a subtle pop of pattern for a whole lot less money.
#8. Using Mirrors in Redecorating
A single, well-placed mirror has the power to make a small room seem larger. I am huge fan of mirrors to open up rooms. Ikea has amazing large, but affordable mirrors, as do vintage and thrift stores. Placing a mirror on the back of door, over your coach or in a hallway illuminates and adds a mysterious feel while visually enlarging the space.
Redecorating a room can seem overwhelming and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!
