Living room with dark colored couch in front of white wall and large framed picture of a tree and flanked by side tables with lamps. Decorative books and a wicker tray holding a plant and candle sit on top of a large striped ottoman next to 2 stools — *Photo Credit: Amber Interiors*

We all know that interior design can get expensive, and the domino effect is quite real. It’s tough to stop the upgrades once you start them and you never want one space to look renovated while the rest of the house still need repair. The thing is though…this doesn’t need to be the case every time! Below are some easy ways to ball on a budget and create that cohesive, elevated home for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.

1. Paint!

We all knew I was going to say this, but it’s still important to discuss. A fresh coat of paint throughout your home can really go the distance during an interior redesign. One trick I always like to do is paint the walls, trim and casing all the same white color – This really lightens up a space, cleans up the base trim and window casing and creates a beautifully fresh new envelope for your furniture. Now picking the correct white is tough – I typically like to select a few different whites, paint each on a 2x4 piece of wood or really any wood/foam core/poster board/cardboard you have laying around. Leave these self-made samples around the room for an entire 24 hour period and check on them periodically throughout the day. The best one for the room will speak to you.

A white hallway with hardwood floors and a runner rug. Two framed pictures on the wall below a sconce. A wooden stool is on the floor next to a brown flower pot with greenery growing out. — 2. Area Rugs, Pillows & Hardware

Photo Credit: *Boxwood Ave. Interiors*
Area Rugs, pillows and hardware are all great ways to change up a space. Layer a few area rugs on top of each other just for the heck of it! Change up the sizes or pile of rug. Move those pillows from your bedroom to the living room and vice versa. Seriously, it sounds so small but can really elevate a space. Same with hardware – Move different cabinet pulls and cabinet knobs around your house. Area rugs, pillows and hardware are all items that you can keep as well – For example, I have a million pillow covers. Multiple for each season. I love to switch out different covers when I’m starting to feel that new season refresh.

3. Backsplash

Photo Credit: *Jean Stoffer Designs*
I know this sounds expensive, but if you go with a really simple subway tile you can 100% ball on a budget while adding depth to your space. This idea will obviously require labor but it’s easy enough to DIY or hire someone for just a days work (or even half a days work). I have done this is my bathroom and kitchen, just a simple white subway tile adds depth, character and interest to a space without completely reworking the design.

4. Lighting

Changing that ceiling fan for a chandelier in those winter months or updating the sconces over your vanity in the master bathroom are great ways to change up your space. You can either save what you’ve replaced or resell on Facebook Market Place for a few extra bucks. Also, another hack that even more simple…Change out the lightbulbs. Go for an edison bulb or a really low lumens light bulb – This will add such ambience to your space.

Wallpapered hallway with hardwood floors, antique chest and framed painting on the wall, runner rug, wooden duck and vase with dried flowers — 5. Wallpaper

Photo Credit: *Wildflower Home Interiors*
Similar to paint, wallpaper or wallcoverings can add so much character to a room. A powder room could be completely transformed with a moody wallcovering or a kid’s bedroom could have there theme of the year on the headboard wall. You can have someone come install professionally or you could get peel and stick wallcovering that is super fun and actually looks really great!

A hallway with hardwood floors and an area rug, a wooden side table holding a grey vase with branches from an olive tree, a framed painting on the wall, a small bowl on top of two books. — 6. Stick Some Twigs in a Cool Vase

Photo Credit: *Shoppe Amber Interiors via Anthropologie*
Seriously…Any vase that you have, go outside and grab some really long twiggy branches and stick them on in there! It’ll actually add a lot of character to a space.

All of these ideas are great budget friendly design concepts that will elevate your home and create a fresh new envelope for your furniture pieces. If you’re getting tired of the same sofa, switch out the pillows and area rug – Believe me the sofa will take new life. If you feel your master bathroom needs a full reno, paint the cabinets, change up the hardware or switch out the vanity sconces – Again, this will seriously elevate the space and have you thinking it’s brand new. Get creative with your space, have fun with it – It doesn’t have to punch a hole through your wallet.

With Love, Annie

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