If you’re looking to upgrade your home decor on a budget, there are plenty of options available. Repainting wood furniture, reupholstering old chairs or simply upgrading your light fixtures are just a few ways you can give your home a more luxurious feel without breaking the bank. A complete home warranty will protect you against kitchen appliance repairs but upgrading and decorating your home will be an out of pocket expense.
You can also add visual interest with molding and trim, or by painting it in a modern color that complements your paint.
1. Upgrade Your Furniture
Instead of buying new furniture, try upgrading your existing pieces. According to HGTV, restoring and refinishing old furniture is less expensive than buying new, and it also retains sentimental value. Additionally, reusing furniture is more environmentally friendly than replacing it.
Adding decorative accessories is another way to upgrade your furniture on a budget. Adding a few throw pillows to your sofa or a new coffee table book to your bookshelf can elevate your overall design.
Other simple upgrades to your furniture include reupholstering. Recovering a thrifted dining chair or couch is more affordable than purchasing a brand new piece, and it can give the piece a more high-end look. Alternatively, adding a fresh coat of paint to an outdated piece is another cheap and easy way to modernize the furniture.
2. Paint Your Walls
One of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a room is with a new coat of paint. Choose a neutral color that matches your existing palette or opt for something bolder if you’re looking to make a statement!
Before you start painting, don’t forget to patch any holes and sand down rough surfaces. It’s important to use the right tools, including premixed spackle and a putty knife.
Experts recommend choosing low-VOC paint for your home since it will be safer for the environment and your lungs. Also, don’t skimp on the quality of your paint. You want a paint that is long-lasting and will cover well. If you’re feeling creative, you can also add wainscoting or paneling to your walls. This upgrade will add character and elegance to any space!
3. Add Molding or Trim
Wall trim—like crown molding, baseboards, and window casing—is a decorative element that adds richness to a home. When used creatively, it can frame picture frames, draw attention to an accent wall, and even create a paneled look on plain walls.
In homes with high ceilings, molding can help to define the space and provide a
smooth transition between the wall and ceiling. It can also be used to add definition between different rooms in an open-floor plan.
Repainting wood furniture or reupholstering worn fabric pieces is another way to refresh a space. This is a simple upgrade that can be done on a budget and will add a fresh, sophisticated look to a room. This is a great idea for those who want to stay in their current home and can’t afford a complete remodel.
4. Upgrade Your Light Fixtures
A new lighting fixture can make a big difference in the look of your home. Swapping out those boring boob lights (as seen on Heathered Nest) for an updated style will make your space feel fresher and newer without a major renovation budget.
Lighting fixtures should reflect your design style, so it’s important to choose a style that will work well throughout your house. If you don’t have a defined style yet, start by changing out a few fixtures at a time so you don’t end up with jarring contrasts in your decor.
If you can’t afford to buy a new light fixture, painting your existing one is an easy DIY project that can completely change its appearance. Just paint the brass holders a color that ties in with your space.
5. Upgrade Your Decorative Accessories
Decor items like rugs, pillows, throws, and vases add personality and can transform a room, even without changing up the furniture. For example, if your shower curtain is looking old and worn, swap it out for a new one that offers more pattern or color. If your dining table is feeling bare, try a new table runner for an affordable and easy upgrade.
Rearranging art on a gallery wall, adding a mirror to a powder room, or adding coordinating knobs to a soulless cabinet are other ways to freshen up a space. Many of these upgrades can be done with things you already own, so scour thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace for budget-friendly finds. Or, consider starting a decorating savings account to put money aside for future home improvements.
