10 Ways To Change Up Your Home On A Budget

When it comes to home improvements, there are many things that you’ve always dreamed about changing. Your kitchen, your living room, your bathroom… sometimes, things are just looking a little tired, and you’re sick of seeing that same old stuff.

However, you may have written off any hope of your decor changing after looking into the options out there, and seeing the prices. How are you ever supposed to afford that? Luckily, there are some things that you can do on a budget, and home improvements don’t always have to have a huge impact on your bank balance.

Try out these ten simple tips!

1. Get painting

Aah, painting. This is the cornerstone of cheap home improvements, and the best thing is that you can do this yourself. Cover up all of your furniture (especially if you’ve never painted before…) get some old clothes on, and change up the paint colours in your rooms. It may seem like it won’t make much of a difference, but even a slight change in tone can really shake up how your room feels, so don’t underestimate the power of the paintbrush!

2. Change the lighting

Sometimes, your space doesn’t feel quite as homely as you’d like, and it may just be down to the lighting. Whatever you’re interested in using, from chandeliers to vintage lamp shades, changing it up every now and again can really make your home feel like a completely new place. Of course, you’re pretty limited when it comes to kitchen lighting (especially if you have spotlights) so it’s best to try this out in the living room, or in the dining room if you’d prefer.

3. Invest in some plants

If you’re thinking about changing your home but you’re really on a budget, don’t underestimate what a few plants will do. Not only will they improve the air quality in your rooms, but they will also bring a bit of life and nature inside, which you can’t really go wrong with. If you’re not too good at looking after plants, go for something that is a little more low-maintenance, and doesn’t require a lot of TLC. You’ll be glad that you did when you forget about watering it for a few days!

4. Extend your home

In the modern age, getting a conservatory isn’t as expensive as you might think. Whilst it is only the addition of a few metres onto your home, they will bring in a lot more light (and warmth) and it really makes you feel as though your home is integrated with the garden space. Is there anything nicer than sitting in the conservatory during the summer, enjoying a good book? If you’re thinking about this, look into asbestos removal, as you may be disturbing parts of your roof that are dangerous to your health.

5. Paint your old furniture

Don’t put that paint away just yet! Not only are your walls going to look better with a lick of paint, but those old pieces of furniture will, too. Take them out into the garden (to avoid a lot of mess) and upcycle them by painting them a different colour, and changing the handles on the doors or drawers. You’ll be proud of your new piece of furniture, and it will also look great back in your home, with a totally new look and feel. Get your DIY hat on, and try this out!

6. Invest in some throws

Sometimes, you’re just tired of seeing your old sofas, but you don’t really want to face the expense that comes with buying new ones. However, you don’t have to splash out on this, all you really have to do is invest in some throws. You can put them over your sofas to make them seem brand new, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also sew your own cushion covers to change up the look, too. This is a cheap way to really change the focal point in your living room!

7. Buy some paintings

There is nothing that makes your home look brand new (and pretty high-end) than investing in a few paintings. Sure, you don’t have to go out and buy an original Leonardo da Vinci, but even purchasing prints and framing them yourself can make a real impact in your home. Think about where they would be best positioned (again, it’s good to have a focal point) and turn your spaces into artsy and interesting rooms. Make your personality shine through!

8. Declutter

Roll up, roll up! A free way to change up your home is incoming, and it’s easy as pie. All you have to do is get rid of some of your old junk (and be pretty strict about it) and your home will feel like a totally new – and bigger – place. If you haven’t used something in a few months, and it no longer ‘sparks joy in your heart’ as Marie Kondo would say, it’s time to give it to charity, and open up your space for something new. You have to be pretty tough with yourself here, but it will pay off.

9. Buy from charity shops

Whilst you’re dropping off your old stuff at the charity shop, why not have a look around for some new pieces of furniture that could change your home up? Whilst a lot of these items are vintage (to say the least), that look is certainly back in style, and you could find something that really makes a room in your home look different. Not only this, but these items are usually very cheap, and you’ll also feel great about helping the environment (and a charity, too).

10. Use candles

OK, we know what you’re thinking. Getting a candle isn’t really a breakthrough when it comes to home improvements, but the smell of a room (and that lovely night-time vibe that you get from lighting a candle) can really influence the way that it feels. There are plenty of different fragrances out there, from those who love the scent of fresh linen to people who prefer something a little more sweet (read: the smell of cookies. Yum).

So, try out these ten simple tips, and see whether they can make a difference to your home, without breaking the bank!

*Collaborative post*