10 Tiny Things You Can Do to Refresh Your Space
Sometimes it's the little things that count. Check out these easy tricks for revamping your home – in mere minutes!
Bryna Howes
7 November 2014
Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer with a laptop jam-packed with home and decor ideas for next home update,
Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer... More
The way we act is quite often a reflection of the things we have around us. Likewise, the things we have around us quite often reflect our current mood. But what happens when our mood changes and we don’t have the time, energy or budget – or all of the above – to change our scenery?
Well, that’s when these decor tricks will come in handy.
Even those without a minute or cent to spare will be able to find a quick decor fix for their space – whether you bring in a plant, change themes or styles, try something totally different, or simply bring the outside inside. Either way, there’s a trick here for you.
Well, that’s when these decor tricks will come in handy.
Even those without a minute or cent to spare will be able to find a quick decor fix for their space – whether you bring in a plant, change themes or styles, try something totally different, or simply bring the outside inside. Either way, there’s a trick here for you.
1. Swap lampshades
A simple lampshade swap can give your room a new feel. Try changing direction by choosing something in an entirely new colour, or an entirely new style – such as switching from an eclectic aesthetic to a contemporary style.
A simple lampshade swap can give your room a new feel. Try changing direction by choosing something in an entirely new colour, or an entirely new style – such as switching from an eclectic aesthetic to a contemporary style.
2. Add curtains
Whether you are a renter or owner, making the most of your curtains can go a long way. Again, it’s all about changing the vibe of the room, so try to do the exact opposite of what is currently in place. These bright pink curtains would be the perfect pick for a room that once had neutral drapes.
Whether you are a renter or owner, making the most of your curtains can go a long way. Again, it’s all about changing the vibe of the room, so try to do the exact opposite of what is currently in place. These bright pink curtains would be the perfect pick for a room that once had neutral drapes.
3. Add wall art
Even for those on a budget, wall art is a quick way to give your space a new look. Stores, such as Target and Kmart, always have a selection of canvas prints to choose from, as well as a wide selection of budget-friendly frames if you want to frame your own pictures.
Even for those on a budget, wall art is a quick way to give your space a new look. Stores, such as Target and Kmart, always have a selection of canvas prints to choose from, as well as a wide selection of budget-friendly frames if you want to frame your own pictures.
4. Go green
Whether you go for fake or real plants, adding a green touch will definitely bring life into your space. Better yet, you can add a little character to your set-up by choosing colourful or fun vases or pots for your plants to live in.
Whether you go for fake or real plants, adding a green touch will definitely bring life into your space. Better yet, you can add a little character to your set-up by choosing colourful or fun vases or pots for your plants to live in.
5. Get thrifty
When you’re on a budget, second-hand stores should be your go-to. This piece of Charlie Brown wall art was sourced at a local thrift store. Other places to look might include local weekend garage sales and markets.
When you’re on a budget, second-hand stores should be your go-to. This piece of Charlie Brown wall art was sourced at a local thrift store. Other places to look might include local weekend garage sales and markets.
6. Start small
While a total revamp might not be in the cards, you can certainly change the vibe of a room by making the small things matter. For example, look at your vases, photo frames, coasters, placemats, cups, candle holders, and trinket boxes. You can look for a common theme among your pieces and change the ones that don’t “fit in” accordingly.
While a total revamp might not be in the cards, you can certainly change the vibe of a room by making the small things matter. For example, look at your vases, photo frames, coasters, placemats, cups, candle holders, and trinket boxes. You can look for a common theme among your pieces and change the ones that don’t “fit in” accordingly.
7. Add coloured light bulbs
While this is actually a suspension pendant with a colour filter, you can DIY your own version of this simply by replacing your regular light bulbs with coloured light bulbs. A pink light bulb in the bedroom will give it a soft and romantic glow.
While this is actually a suspension pendant with a colour filter, you can DIY your own version of this simply by replacing your regular light bulbs with coloured light bulbs. A pink light bulb in the bedroom will give it a soft and romantic glow.
8. Change slip covers
If you have a removable slip cover on your couch, you can consider getting a custom slip cover designed for a whole new look. Even Ikea couches, which already come in a variety of slip covers, can be customised with the help of third-party companies.
If you have a removable slip cover on your couch, you can consider getting a custom slip cover designed for a whole new look. Even Ikea couches, which already come in a variety of slip covers, can be customised with the help of third-party companies.
9. Create a decor tray
Trays full of highly stylised decor items are a current decorating trend – and for good reason. Not only are they easy to put together, but they are also easily changed, which means you can constantly rotate your look with minimal effort.
Trays full of highly stylised decor items are a current decorating trend – and for good reason. Not only are they easy to put together, but they are also easily changed, which means you can constantly rotate your look with minimal effort.
10. Get natural
If you really can’t spend a cent, it’s time to get back to nature. Take a nice long walk and look for interesting objects such as pinecones, pretty rocks and pebbles, and smooth ocean-worn glass fragments. When cleaned of any dirt and residue, and placed in a bowl, they are an easy decor fix.
TELL US
What quick decorating fixes have you implemented to give your space a whole new feel? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
How to Update Your Bathroom Without a Sledgehammer
20 Budget-Friendly Updates for Your Kitchen
15 Easy (and Wonderfully Creative) Bathroom Updates
If you really can’t spend a cent, it’s time to get back to nature. Take a nice long walk and look for interesting objects such as pinecones, pretty rocks and pebbles, and smooth ocean-worn glass fragments. When cleaned of any dirt and residue, and placed in a bowl, they are an easy decor fix.
TELL US
What quick decorating fixes have you implemented to give your space a whole new feel? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
How to Update Your Bathroom Without a Sledgehammer
20 Budget-Friendly Updates for Your Kitchen
15 Easy (and Wonderfully Creative) Bathroom Updates
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And, while I'm here, I'll reiterate the vote above for changing or adding statement art. As an artist myself, I say, PLEASE seek out original art rather than funding the big box stores if at all possible (shop smart and it can be much cheaper than you may imagine - think local Community galleries, competitions and shows, art and craft markets, art school/uni exhibitions, Etsy) or get creative yourself! Because I'm always painting, I like to change my displays regularly. An inexpensive pine moulding attached below my cornices and painted the same colour as the wall makes cheap picture rails so I can hang whatever I please and change at will for that desired new look without worrying about drilling holes in the walls or fretting about stick-on hooks and strips.