Home Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Creating your dream home takes time, but it’s possible to make significant improvements to the look and feel of your house on even the tightest budget. From adding fresh flowers to reorganizing a bookcase, there are many ways you can inject personality and character without spending a fortune on new home decor.

Taking inspiration from eclectic styles is one way to make decorating on a budget work for you, as it can be the most cost-effective and least time consuming. Country design is especially suited to this because mix-and-match items can be shopped at secondhand stores, flea markets and car boot sales for a bargain price. For example, a kimono or silky robe could be turned into a striking piece of wall art when framed with an inexpensive print from your local charity shop. Likewise, an old ladder could be cleaned up and hung in a bathroom to store spare blankets.

Another way to give your interior a quick facelift is by painting existing furniture. You’ll probably only need to use a tin of paint, so opt for lighter shades that won’t break the bank. Alternatively, you can give an item like a cupboard or bookcase a facelift by changing its knobs and handles. You can buy stylish handles for a fraction of the retail price on websites such as eBay and Craigslist, or you might find some vintage-looking ones at your local salvage yard or car boot sale.

You might think that adding a rug would be a major expense, but in fact it can make a huge difference to the look of a room, ground furniture and add a touch of luxury. The best part is that it can be swapped out in a matter of days if you decide you’re not a fan.

Lighting is an easy way to update your home and the right lamp or chandelier can be a great focal point for an otherwise bland space. If your house is a little dark or the light fittings aren’t quite to your taste, swapping out the bulbs is an inexpensive solution.

Artwork is a powerful accessory but large-scale pieces can be expensive. You can still achieve an impactful result by choosing a gallery wall or displaying photographs in nice frames. Or try a budget-friendly DIY art project, such as painting a simple canvas or using a patterned fabric to create a woven wall hanging (no artistic skills required).

The easiest and most effective way to introduce fresh decor is by adding a few plants to your living spaces. Plants can instantly brighten and bring a sense of nature into the indoors and they’re often cheaper to buy than a vase full of flowers. If you’re not keen on the idea of having greenery around the home, there are plenty of low-maintenance options such as faux plants or displaying glass or ceramic vessels filled with water and oranges, for a Palm Beach feel. Similarly, a few well-placed bowls or vases of fresh fruit can help to create the impression of a welcoming home.