There’s no rule that says decorating has to mean buying something new. Try these tips to make the most of what you already have to dress up your space.
Book it
If you’re staring at a fireplace that doesn’t work and a pile of tomes you’re no longer interested in reading, tackle both by turning your library into an interesting fireplace filler.
Embrace Quirkiness
Eclectic is the style of the moment. Embrace this highly personalized design movement by bringing a few family treasures out of the attic. Thoughtfully select one or two pieces, rather than an entire curio cabinet full.
Make a Blanketed Bench
Fold a colorful blanket and use it as a bench seat cushion. Use belts to hold the blanket in place.
Update the Family Pictures.
Display favorite memories and photos in a vignette that is personal and welcoming. Get a streamlined look by using fewer photos printed at larger sizes. Use frames you have and paint them the same color for a unified display. Or invest in inexpensive, basic black frames for a polished look.
Love Your Decor Inside and Out
Bring outdoor pieces inside for an easy addition. Garden stools work just as well indoors as they do on patios and porches for extra seats and drink tables.
Remove Cabinet Doors
Sometimes decorating is just as much about subtraction as it is addition. Examine the inside of your cabinet boxes to determine if they are display-worthy. The insides may need a fresh coat of paint or just a good cleaning. Remove doors and fill any holes with putty and paint or stain to match the cabinet box. Display favorite dishes, utensils and cookware or large jars filled with pantry staples, such as flour, pasta and rice inside the newly exposed cabinet.
Add Height with Curtains
If your drapes have enough length, consider moving the curtain rod to the ceiling, which will give the room a greater sense of height. Before you make the move, measure your curtains to make sure they will still graze the floor if you move the rod. If you need a little extra length and your drapes currently hang by a rod pocket, invest in drapery clips, which will make the drapes hang a little bit closer to the floor.
Make Over the Pillows
Pillows can be pricey. If you are getting weary of yours, consider pillow covers in the same size as your existing pillows. The old pillow can act as an insert, and when zipped or buttoned into a fresh cover, no one will know that your new green pillow was once red. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, make your own pillow covers.
Display your Finds
Incorporate mementos from vacations or special occasions into your decor. The move will integrate your personality and life experiences into the spaces, where they can be admired by guests and family. Whether it’s a collection of shells from a beach vacation or a framed wedding invitation or birth announcement, even the simplest of items become display-worthy when they recall a special memory.
Create Paper Updates
Wallpaper, fabric and wrapping paper remnants are all perfect fodder for lining the backs of boring bookcases or built-ins. Score a discounted material and start lining for an easy, instant update.
Put Kids’ Art on Display
Kids bring home a plethora of finger paintings, construction-paper creations and carefully colored drawings. Instead of stowing away these masterpieces, put them on display in pretty frames. Plus, with the ongoing influx of artwork, you have a constant resource for changing up the gallery.
Display Jewelry
Take your baubles out of hiding and hang them along a bedroom wall on simple hooks. The colorful jewelry will add visual interest to your walls and keep items from becoming tangled.
Mismatch Your Plates
Turn a hodgepodge of plates into a fun display. Use items from your own collection and scope out inexpensive companion pieces at thrift stores. Plan out your arrangement before you start hanging to avoid making unnecessary holes in the wall.
Use Color to Update
Paint is a must-have tool for budget decorating. But this versatile medium is not restricted only to walls. It can also be used to give dated furniture and accessories a much-needed lift.
Go on a Household Hunt
For another way to wake up your bookcases, incorporate objects from throughout your house into the display. That serving platter you love, but never use? A horse figurine from your daughter’s past fascination with all things equine? Anything with an interesting shape or design can be a candidate. Look for objects that have commonalities, such as white finishes, to create a more unified display. And resist the urge to add “just one more” item. If you have a large collection, rotate objects in and out from time to time, rather than displaying everything all at once, to ensure the vignette stays away from cluttered territory.
