Have you grown tired of the space you live in? Has your bedroom looked the same for more than five years? Are you looking for ideas to breathe new life into your family room?
My husband and I are renting the house we live in right now, but I can’t wait until we own one again. Decorating a home can be so much fun. It can also be a huge pain-in-the-butt. There are so many things I’d love to do with the space we’re in, but for now, I can only make minor adjustments and daydream….
Here are some quick and easy ways to spruce up your home when you don’t have a lot of time, energy or resources.
Rearrange your furniture. It may take a while to get used to a different furniture configuration, but it might just be the change you’re looking for. Create a new focal point or consider using slipcovers to give the pieces you already own a fresh, new, custom look.
Paint an accent wall. This will not only add interest to an otherwise tired room, but it can also open up a whole new color palette for your space.
Wall paper is also making a big comeback! If you’re looking for texture, if you’re looking for warmth, or if you’re looking for personality, wallpaper might just be the way you should go.
Add some life. Visit your local farmer’s market or supermarket for an inexpensive flower arrangement or plant. This will add color and texture to any room. I buy fresh flowers every other week for our dining room table and they make a huge difference.
Window coverings. All too often, curtains remain hanging around for decades because people feel they are too expensive to replace. Just because you are working with a budget does not mean that you cannot have fresh new drapes. The truth is that you can easily make curtains out of inexpensive flat sheets for around $5.00 per window.
Valances and hardware can also make a big impact on the look of a room. New tiebacks to hold open drapes or curtains will also add a stylish new look that can help update the living room without breaking the budget.
Other simple and inexpensive changes include updating your lighting and/or lamp shades, adding accent pillows and working in a new carpet. You might be surprised how changing out these little decorative items can make an entire room feel brand new.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, but if you are unsure about the changes you’re making, try living with them for a few days, poll your family members, invite trusted friends over to get their opinions and no matter what, always save your receipts!
Ideas can come from everywhere! For even more inspiration, flip through your favorite magazines, tune into one of the dozens of design programs on HGTV and visit websites such as Nate Berkus or Martha Stewart.
Photo credit: chaquetadepollo
