Sometimes we all get too used to the way our home looks. The day comes when you just feel like it needs some sprucing up if not a full-scale renovation.
If you're currently looking for ways to update your living space but don't want to break the bank, there are plenty of budget-friendly interior design tips that can help transform your space. Whether you want to just redecorate your home, simply add a few new touches, or are just surfing the internet looking for new ideas, these tips can help you achieve a stylish look, have fun and stay within your budget.
Below I’ve collected the most popular and budget-friendly ways available right now on the market. So get your pen and paper or bookmark this page to come back to it when you’re ready to transform your space!
1. Starting with a Plan
Before you begin redecorating, it's important to have a plan in place. Take the time to think about your goals and what you want your space to look like. I always advise my clients to create a list of things that don’t work for them in their house before starting a renovation, so they can see the amount of work they actually want to do in their house.
If you live in a flat and you’re thinking about a light refreshing of the space, you can mentally divide your home into several rooms and start with the one that bothers you the most. Consider the colors, textures, and styles that you want to incorporate. Create a vision board or a Pinterest board, which will help you to visualize your ideas and to better understand the style you are looking for, as well as give you new ideas and let you create you’re living cohesive aesthetics.
If you’re living in a larger house, I advise you to divide the space into areas of the most use, day/night areas, whether the or more public vs private areas of the house, and work from there. This way you can not only choose which part of the house you will start refreshing first, but it will also help you to understand whether the layout of the space itself works for you, what should be improved or changed, etc.
2. Painting the Walls
One very easy and affordable way to transform a room is by painting the walls. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a space. Choose a color that complements your furniture and accessories, and opt for paint with a matte finish to help hide imperfections.
Nowadays you can find platforms that will help you create color pallets for your renovation, show colors that go with each other, or help you find the shade you need. You can visit Colormind, for example – an AI-powered colored generator that works fantastically if you’re just beginning to select colors for your project. With this platform, you can also use images to find needed hues and shades.
Another great option for those who just starting to figure out what they want is Visualize Color, a web page that will help you to create a pallet for any room in your house by using images of your space.
3. Rearranging Furniture
You don't have to buy new furniture to give your rooms a new look. Simply rearranging some furniture can create a fresh perspective and a new flow in the space. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that works for you.
Before moving anything, take measurements of your place and create a rough sketch or a floor plan. This will help you visualize different furniture arrangements and ensure everything fits properly. Try to draw several layouts, taking into the account dimensions of the room.
Consider moving your furniture to highlight a different focal point in the room. It could be a fireplace (if you have one), a window with a nice view, or a piece of your favorite artwork. Seating area can be created with armchairs and a coffee table to encourage conversation and interaction. Place chairs and sofas facing each other to create cozy conversation nooks.
When moving stuff around, be sure to leave enough space for easy movement around the room. Avoid blocking doorways or creating obstacles that disrupt the natural flow of the space. Combining various pieces can create a unique and eclectic look.
Remember: you can experiment with different furniture sizes to add depth and visual interest to the room. Mix larger pieces with smaller ones to create a balanced composition.
I always tell my clients to pay attention to the zoning of their homes. Dividing a larger space into distinct zones for different activities will help you to take advantage of every square meter of your space. For example, in a living room, you could have a seating area, a reading corner, and a media zone.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with trying new angles and corners (they can be great spots for functional and decorative elements). Consider placing a reading nook, a small desk, or a floor lamp in a corner.
4. Add Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are an affordable way to add color, texture, and pattern to a room. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and colors to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can also switch out your throw pillows seasonally to keep any space feeling fresh.
Choose pillows in bold or contrasting colors if you’d like to create visual interest and make a statement. Opt for patterns that complement your existing decor or add a touch of whimsy to the room. Using pillows with velvet, faux fur, knitted fabrics, or embroidered covers will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Experimenting with different pillow sizes will help you to create a layered and dynamic look. For example, combining larger pillows with smaller ones adds variation and creates visual balance. Place larger pillows at the back and smaller ones in front for an attractive arrangement. You can add pillows in bedrooms and any seating area: sofas, armchairs, reading nooks, balcony areas, etc.
Remember not to limit yourself to square or rectangular pillows. There are many different shapes, including round, cylindrical, or even asymmetrical pillows, which will help to create a specific aesthetic and to bring the style you have in mind to life.
5. Hang Artwork
Artwork is an easy way to add personality and style to a room. You don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive pieces – you can look for affordable prints and posters, or even create your own artwork. Hang art at eye level and experiment with different arrangements until you find what works.
Consider the size of the wall and the room when selecting artwork. Large walls can accommodate larger pieces, while smaller walls might require smaller or medium-sized artwork. Balanced and proportionate arrangement is what you need to look for.
Choosing the right spot for art to be on display is very important. Some items can be hung above a fireplace, behind a sofa, or on a blank wall to catch attention. By creating a focal point, you draw attention to the artwork and make it a centerpiece in the room.
Don’t forget to coordinate the colors of your chosen works with the existing color scheme of the room. This can be done by selecting artwork that complements or contrasts with the wall colors and furnishings. Harmonious color schemes help create a soothing atmosphere while contrasting colors can add drama and impact.
If you already have artworks that you want to use, be sure to keep them safe during any major renovations. If you are looking for pieces to add to your home, you can use such online art galleries as Artfinder or Saatchi Art to find the perfect fit for your space.
6. Use Plants
Another way to make your flat or house feel like a completely different space are plants. They not only add a pop of color to a room but also create a calming atmosphere. Choose plants that are easy to care for, such as dragon trees or spider plants, and place them in decorative pots or baskets.
Consider the lighting conditions, humidity levels, and available space when choosing plants for your interior. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others can tolerate low-light conditions. Select plants that are suitable for the specific areas of your home.
Decide whether you want plants to serve as decorative accents or create a focal point. Different plants have various visual characteristics, from small and subtle to full-sized indoor trees. There are even colorful plants out there in various shades of pink, red, and yellow! With a bit of love, classic flowering plants like moth orchids and Anthuriums will bloom again and again. Consider the overall design theme and the atmosphere you want to create when making your choice.
Integrate plants with other design elements to create a cohesive and balanced look. Combining them with natural materials like wood, stone, or rattan creates a harmonious feel. Mix in decorative objects, such as sculptures or candles, to create a curated display.
7. Mix and Match Textures
Mixing and matching different textures is a great way to add depth and interest to a room. Experiment with different materials, such as velvet, linen, wool, and more. Incorporate various fabric textures through upholstery or draperies, and combine them in your pillows, throws, and curtains. For example, pair smooth surfaces like glass or polished metal with rougher textures such as natural wood or raw stone.
Usually, my advice is to introduce natural elements and textures such as wood, rattan, jute, or bamboo. These materials bring a touch of nature indoors and add warmth and organic appeal to any space. They can be used in furniture, flooring, or decorative accents.
Textured wall treatments will also help add dimension to your space. There are many options, including textured paint, wallpaper, reclaimed wood paneling, or textured tiles. These treatments can create a focal point or an accent wall that adds visual interest and depth.
8. Use Mirrors
Mirrors are especially great for creating the illusion of a bigger space, a tactic that can be very effective in smaller spaces. You can place mirrors strategically across from windows or light sources to maximize the reflection of natural light. This helps to brighten up darker areas and create a sense of openness and airiness. You can also use smaller mirrors with wooden frames to create a gallery wall, creating a composition: a great way to not just “expand your living space” but also create a focal point.
Sometimes a mirror can also become a reflection of a stunning view outside, allowing you to position it to capture and reflect that view indoors. This brings the outside in and adds an extra layer of visual interest to your space. Playing with mirror placement and angles, or positioning them strategically to reflect artwork or architectural elements (a beautiful chandelier, a grand staircase, or a striking sculpture…) is a great way to make your space more interesting. Consider using mirrors in unconventional ways, such as on the ceiling or as a decorative element on furniture. These unexpected placements can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
My advice is to experiment and see what you like the most. Create a visual board that will help you to pick a style and to see the end results and just try different things. You might just discover something completely new about your apartment!
9. Add Lighting
Natural or artificial lighting is everything… always remember this. It is an all-important aspect of interior design that can completely transform a room and make a design look its best - or, alternatively, completely destroy the visual aesthetics. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Add table lamps, floor lamps, and even string lights to create a cozy and inviting space.
Make the most of natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light-colored curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through. Natural light is free! It can create a bright and inviting atmosphere in your space.
Instead of relying solely on overhead lighting, incorporate task lighting in specific areas where you need focused illumination. Use desk lamps, floor lamps, or adjustable wall-mounted lights to provide targeted lighting for reading, working, or performing specific tasks. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. While they may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they save you money in the long run due to their energy efficiency and reduced frequency of replacement.
For some, rewiring their space is not an option, so consider plug-in wall sconces. These can be mounted on the wall and plugged into a nearby electrical outlet. They add both functional and decorative lighting without the need for complex electrical work.
10. Declutter
Finally, one of the most affordable ways to transform your space is by decluttering. I’m sure it won’t come as news to anyone that getting rid of any items that you no longer need or use and organizing your space will help you keep the place clean and fresh.
I understand that not every person wants to be a minimalist: we all have things we love and want to keep. Sometimes people misunderstand the idea of decluttering and think they have to adopt a minimalist style in their space. No worries, this is not the case! De-cluttering doesn’t mean throwing away everything and transforming your house into a monk’s chamber.
When your flat is clutter-free, it becomes easier to navigate and use each room to its fullest potential. Removing unnecessary items frees up space for essential activities and allows you to enjoy the functionality of each area without feeling overwhelmed or restricted. Use storage baskets and boxes to keep items neatly stored and out of sight. By sorting, categorizing, and storing items properly, you can find what you need more easily and reduce visual chaos, making the space more breathable.
Apart from being a great idea for your space, decluttering can play a big part in your mental health. A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. By decluttering, you create a more serene and peaceful atmosphere, which can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Decluttering is a powerful and effective way to improve the overall appearance and functionality of your flat. And remember: this is a process that takes time and effort. Break it down into smaller tasks, tackle one area at a time, and be patient with yourself. The results will be worth it, as you’ll create a more visually pleasing, functional, and peaceful living environment.
These ten budget-friendly interior design tips can help you transform your space without breaking the bank. By incorporating these tips, you can create a stylish and inviting living space that reflects your personal style and makes you feel right at home.
Good luck!
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