#1. Paint is the classic makeover option. Instead of repainting a whole room, try focusing on one wall in a focal/bright color or paint a contrasting rectangle over a sofa to use as a “gallery” space. You can also paint the insides of bookshelves in an unexpected color or paint your ceiling a lighter version of the wall color. You can also use sponges or stencils to give a plain wall a little bit more of an eye catching look.
#2. You can try something as simple as replacing your bathroom shower curtain and curtain hooks, for an instant fresher look for even the most dingy bathrooms. Try picking a style or color that was completely different from the one you had previously, just to keep you surprised and your guests guessing on what your next look will be!
#3. Here’s a trick made famous by Woody Allen in Annie Hall: Change the lightbulb in your bedroom lamp with a pink one for a rosy, romantic glow. Or you can replace the entire lampshade in any color you desire, which can produce somewhat of the same affect!
#4. Spruce up your entrance by painting your front door a cheerful color. Pair it with a new lighting fixture, a season coordinating wreath, mailbox and house numbers - all available at stores like IKEA, WAL-MART & RONA.
#5. Take a stroll in the park, woods or venture down to the beach and pick up interesting (and free) seasonal accents for your home. A tray filled with pinecones, a tall vase of dried pampas grass stalks, a bowl of colorful pebbles (which you can also paint to match any existing home décor you may have already), beach glass or shells also make eye-catching home decor accessories.
#6. Replace overhead lighting with thrift-store (or box store) chandeliers. (Note: it’s recommended to hire a professional electrician to install them.) A dated-looking chandelier can be painted white. You can also add extra crystal drops, available at lighting stores. This idea may be a little more costly but still less expensive then purchasing brand new.
#7. Peruse Craigslist, eBay or Kijiji regularly for finds. It’s amazing what shows up at a bargain or even free – but like any good second hand shopper, be sure to check regularly, as good things go fast! One plus of buying second hand is that if you want to change/add/repaint/sand/stain or recover with fabric, you don’t feel as bad to make those changes, then buying something brand new and end up not liking it later on.
#8. A great area rug is another eye catching decorating idea. Carpet stores often have remnants of high-end carpet at rock-bottom prices that make a great area rug. The store may bind the edges for you, or you can do it yourself with carpet binding tape and some tidy hand-sewing.
#9. Purchase an inexpensive but attractive frame, or rescue an old one from an antique store or your parents’ attic. You can paint it a flat white or again any color you want and attach small rings to the upper corners. Place hooks on the wall to correspond and hang. Hang a couple of vintage plates or smaller framed pictures artfully inside, or leave the framed space as-is, for an artful and simple focal point. The great thing about this idea is you can literally hang/attach anything you want to make it your own master piece!
#10. Sometimes it’s the small details that can make all the difference: Beautiful coasters, interesting desk frames, a small but exquisite crystal vase filled with fresh flowers, fake fruit in a wooden bowl on a coffee table or sofa table. Little things that make the room pop!
Let your imagination run wild & enjoy recreating your home with these simple & cost effective ideas!
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