Redecorating your home is pricey, right? Wrong! Or at least it doesn’t have to break the bank with our money-saving tips and expert guidance.
In this round-up, you’ll find lots of simple, low-cost ways to refresh your space, such as upcycling furniture, painting tiles and do-it-yourself hacks.
So, read on for 16 ways to update your décor in an affordable way, without skimping on style or quality, and check out our favourite online homeware stores to discover the best budget-friendly homeware accessories on the high street right now!
How to glam up your home on a budget
Switch up soft furnishings
If buying a new sofa is out of the question at the moment, then that doesn’t mean you can’t change up the style and colours of your soft furnishings in the meantime.
You can find cushions and throws in colours and patterns to suit any taste in high street stores like Dunelm, Wilko and Oliver Bonas.
Lay down a rug
New flooring can be a costly expense, so rather than forking out a fortune for a real oak finish, why not cover the room with an area rug or a few smaller rugs in strategic places instead?
It will add a whole new look to your living space - plus your purse will thank you for it!
Upcycle your furniture
A £10 pot of paint is a small price to pay when it means you can do-up your old furniture to make it look as good as new.
Whether you want to redecorate a chest of drawers or a dining room table, all you need is a lick of chalk paint to give it an upcycled upgrade. For a professional finish, check out our guide on how to use Frenchic paint here, or take a look at this tutorial on how to upcycle a dresser with Annie Sloan chalk paint.
Upgrade your door handles
It may be a small change but adding a new set of doorknobs can make a big difference to worn-out doors and cabinets in an instant – especially if they’re as beautiful as this colourful design from Homebase.
Repurpose a ladder
Have you got an old ladder hanging around? Don’t just reserve it for climbing into the loft – make a feature of it. Wooden ladders are the most versatile, but even a silver metal one can work, as there’s no reason why you can’t paint it to co-ordinate with the rest of the room.
Or, if you don’t have a ladder to hand, you can buy an affordable stylish wooden one from Cuckooland or Amara – they’re just the thing for quirky towel storage in the bathroom or using as a display shelves in your lounge.
Tile a splashback
Investing in a new splashback can be expensive, so save a few pounds and give your kitchen bespoke style by tiling it yourself.
Be as creative and colourful as you like – will you opt mosaics or metro? Understated or eye-catching? If you don't know where to start, take a look at our guide to kitchen tiles for every style and budget here.
Paint your tiles
Bored of your plain white bathroom tiles but don’t want to spend a fortune on new ones or deal with the hassle of retiling? Then have a go at painting them instead. Frenchic has a huge selection of paints that are suitable for this type of surface.
Plus, if you feel like getting even more creative then you can buy some of the brand-new stencils and make a completely original design. When you've mastered it, you can even try giving your floors a makeover with this tutorial on how to stencil a wooden or concrete floor!
Organise with stylish storage
When it comes to your home efficient storage is a must.
Adding a few budget-friendly but clever storage solutions - whether it's pretty seagrass storage baskets in your living room, quirky coat storage in your hallway, extra towel storage in your bathroom or even some decorative hooks in your kitchen - will help you to keep clutter to a minimum and completely transform your space.
Hang wonderful wall art
Whether it’s a textured wall hanging, a gallery wall or a few one-off pieces, strategically placing some unique wall decor around your home can make a big difference when doing up your digs.
If you really want to inject some personality into your space, why not be creative and make your own wall decor? Personalised initial wall art will look amazing on a feature wall, or why not have a go at making your own macrame wall hanging?
DIY with wallpaper
Save money on getting a professional to decorate your walls and learn how to wallpaper like an expert yourself.
Add personality with open shelving
A display of carefully curated ornaments and sentimental pieces is a cheap and cheerful way to redecorate with items you already have.
Go shopping in your own home for any forgotten treasures – look for pieces in co-ordinating colours and contrasting textures for a harmonious result. Need inspiration? Take a look at our favourite open shelving ideas here!
Shop second-hand
Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure, so you may be surprised with what you discover in second-hand stores. Charity shops are great for finding items that are still high-quality but for an affordable price.
Plus, if you shop second-hand then you’ll not only be giving money for a good cause, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet by recycling preloved furniture. If you can't find exactly what you want, why not transform your budget finds with some clever upcycling hacks? This guide shows you how to upcycle bargain buys into chic accessories!
Create a feature with paint
Often people think they need to paint a whole room, but if you only want a little refresh then you can just paint a small area. Your eyes will be drawn to this update when you walk into the space and it helps breathe life into a room.
DIY painted wall arches have become super popular in recent months, and we love the idea of using a graphic shape at the end of a hallway or beside a bed to provide a burst of colour whilst giving your room an architectural and contemporary feel.
Chalkboard walls also make interesting focal points and work especially well in kitchens - all you need is some chalkboard paint and some masking tape to create a wipe-clean doodle pad!
Update your kitchen cabinets
Set aside a weekend and give kitchen cabinets a fresh lick of paint. To break it down into manageable steps, tackle the wall cupboards one week and the base units the next. With chalk paint there’s no need for sanding or priming so you can crack straight on!
If paint just won't do, check out Custom Fronts. They design and make stylish fronts to fit a range of units. Choose from wood veneers as well as coloured options, all made from FSC certified, eco-friendly Nordic birch ply!
Invest in some new houseplants
Bringing the outdoors in with some new luscious houseplants is the quickest way to give your space a lift.
If you're looking for plants to spruce up your kitchen, look out for plants that can handle humidity and low light. Display them in interesting ways (check out these five interesting ways to style houseplants in your home) to make budget-friendly purchases look expensive and luxurious!
Change your window dressings
Fitting new window dressings is an easy way to give your rooms a whole new vibe in minutes.
For a professional look, pick up on accent colours within your room to bring the look together. In need of inspiration? Check out our five favourite pieces from Orla Kiely's new blinds and curtains collection with Terry's Fabrics.
