8 cheap easy design ideas to instantly update your home on a budget
Not everyone can afford to make sweeping changes to their homes, especially in this economy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make any improvements at all! On the contrary, there are plenty of small, inexpensive design ideas that can completely change the look and feel of your home within an hour or two—all without breaking the bank. Here are eight cheap and easy ways to instantly update your home on a budget (and without hiring an interior designer).
Categorized Cheap Easy Design Ideas
- In the living room-
- Hang new curtains or drapes-
- Get new throw pillows or blankets-
- Rearrange the furniture-
- In the kitchen-
- In the bathroom-
- On the front porch or entryway
1) Bright Wall Paint (Cheap, Easy)
A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to freshen up your home. And, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even use paint to create an accent wall. When choosing a color, keep in mind that light colors will make a room feel larger and airier, while dark colors will make a room feel cozy and intimate.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are eight cheap and easy design ideas that will help you update your home on a budget:
- Paint an Accent Wall
- Add Throw Pillows or Blankets
- Hang New Curtains or Drapes
- Change Out Cabinet Hardware
- Update Light Fixtures
2) Area Rugs (Cheap, Easy)
- Go to Target, Walmart, IKEA, or another big box store and find an inexpensive area rug that you like.
- If you want something a little more unique, try looking for a used rug on Craigslist or at a local thrift store.
- Once you have your rug, lay it down in the room you want to update and see how it looks.
- If you like the way it looks, keep it! If not, return it and try something else.
- Area rugs are an easy and cheap way to instantly change the look of a room without spending a lot of money or time.
- You can experiment with different patterns and colors until you find something you love, or switch out your rug every season for a fresh look.
3) Decorative Mirrors (Cheap, Easy)
A decorative mirror is a great way to add light and space to any room in your home. They can be found for relatively cheap at most home stores, and are easy to install. Plus, they make any room look more expensive and stylish. Here are eight ways you can use mirrors to update your home on a budget:
4) Texture Items (Cheap, Easy)
You can add visual interest and texture to your home by collecting items with interesting textures. Look for items made of natural materials like wood, stone, or metal. You can also find items with interesting patterns or textures at thrift stores or garage sales. Display these items in bowls or vases, or use them as bookends.
5) Standing Plants (Cheap, Easy)
A little bit of greenery can go a long way in adding life and color to any room. For an inexpensive way to update your space, try adding some potted plants. You can find them for as little as $5 at most stores, and they make a big impact. Plus, they purify the air and improve your mood!
6) Colored Cords (Cheap, Easy)
- Pick up some colorful electrical cords at your local hardware store.
- Wrap them around any unsightly cords you have running along your baseboards or walls.
- If you want, you can even tape them down with washi tape or painter’s tape.
- This is an instant and inexpensive way to brighten up your space.
- Plus, it’ll help you keep track of which cords belong to which appliances.
- Win-win! 7. Once you’re done, stand back and admire your handiwork.
7) Better Light Bulbs (Cheap, Easy)
- One of the easiest ways to change the look of your home is to switch out your light bulbs.
- Go for a softer, more natural light by choosing LED bulbs in a warm white color temperature (around 2700K).
- You can also save money in the long run by making the switch to LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Another way to instantly change the look of your space is by playing with different light fixtures.
- If you have outdated brass fixtures, try painting them black for a more modern look.