We all feel the need to rejuvenate our living spaces every so often, but a complete makeover can sometimes seem daunting and costly. However, the good news is that a stylish home refresh doesn’t have to break the bank. With savvy planning and smart choices, you can transform your home into an aesthetically pleasing haven, even on a budget.
Drawing from a wealth of online resources, we’ve collected expert advice from experienced interior designers to help you create beautiful spaces in your home without draining your wallet. We’ll focus on flooring – an often overlooked yet crucial component of any room.
Recolour, repurpose, reuse
Reusing and repurposing furniture you already have is one of the most budget-friendly ways to renovate your home. For example, you could bring an old, worn-out coffee table back to life with a fresh coat of paint or a new finish. Additionally, reupholstering a tired armchair can make it look brand new. Look online for DIY tutorials to guide you through these projects.
Swap out accessories
Minor details can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room. Try changing your throw pillows, curtains, lampshades, or wall decor. Affordable accessories are readily available online or in stores. A strategically placed mirror, for example, can make a room appear larger and more luminous.
Mandy Watkins, director and interior designer at Space Like This told Age Times, "A design trend I'm really getting into at the moment is minimal living. The good news is that it's about less stuff, so it shouldn't cost you at all! A great tip is to get a box or a basket and go through every room with diligence, carefully curating what stays and what goes, and the great thing about this is that you can actually use the items to swap around your home (not all of it obviously!), a bit of a "shop your home" if you like. Decluttering your home will also declutter your mind...and that's a game changer."
Play with paint
Paint is a decorator’s best friend. A fresh coat can drastically transform a space and is relatively cheap. Interior designers often suggest painting one wall a different colour to create an accent wall. This can make your room feel more dynamic and modern.
Think thrift
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces can be treasure troves for unique, budget-friendly finds. With a keen eye and some patience, you can find pieces with character that add a special touch to your home. Often, a little cleaning or a new coat of paint is all that is needed to revitalise a second-hand gem.
Cheap flooring alternatives
Flooring is a significant part of any room makeover. While hardwood and stone are undeniably beautiful, they can be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly alternatives to consider, and laminate flooring is one standout option.
Cheap laminate floors have come a long way in recent years. Today’s versions are stylish, durable, and remarkably similar in appearance to more expensive materials. Not only does it mimic the look of hardwood, but it’s also resistant to scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
Installation of laminate flooring is another factor that makes it budget-friendly. Most laminate flooring options are designed to be DIY-friendly, with interlocking pieces that can be installed over your existing floor. This can save you a significant amount of money on professional installation costs.
Vinyl plank flooring is another affordable option to consider. Like laminate, it’s easy to install, and the latest designs are incredibly realistic, replicating the texture and appearance of natural materials.
Introduce indoor plants
Greenery can breathe new life into any space. Indoor plants add a splash of colour and promote better air quality. From trailing ivy to robust snake plants, there’s a variety of indoor plants to suit any home decor style.
Lighting matters
The right lighting can dramatically alter the ambience of a room. Consider swapping out harsh, direct lights for soft, warm, indirect lighting options. Multiple light sources at different levels can create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
While a complete home makeover can seem intimidating and expensive, these budget-friendly strategies can help you achieve your desired transformation. The key is to plan carefully, prioritise what matters most to you, and not be afraid to get your hands a little dirty with some DIY. After all, your home should be a reflection of you, and with these designer tips, it’s possible to create a beautiful, personalised space without emptying your bank account.
Image Credit: Spacejoy at Unsplash
