While decorating a home is an opportunity to flex one’s creative muscles, it can also be incredibly expensive. But with a few simple tricks up the sleeve, it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, discover 8 simple ways to decorate a house using existing belongings or objects that can be affordably sourced.
For inspiration, you don’t have to look far, with people around the world showcasing their simple interiors online. This source is one among many that highlights what can be achieved with a little know-how. Discover how apartment owners in Stockholm are bringing Scandi chic to their dwellings without breaking the bank or how homeowners in the Cotswolds are recreating that country charm. Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to decorate a house. It’s all about creating the aesthetic and atmosphere you desire.
Pile on the Pillows
A simple and affordable way to liven up any living space is by adding cushions and pillows, ideally in a variety of colors and patterns. It doesn’t require any expensive furniture upgrades, just a few cushions that are already lying around the home or a quick trip to the local thrift shop.
You can mix and match by adding pillows in different shapes to sofas and armchairs or even arrange a few large cushions on the floor for an inviting place to recline with a book.
Display Objects as Collections
Rather than displaying a photo frame here and a knick-knack there, look to combine objects as “collections”. It helps to create a focal point in a room and attract the eye while allowing you to pack more of your favorite belongings into a select space. This might mean hanging three or four frames together on the wall or displaying a candle beside a figurine and a potted plant. Consider yourself a “curator”, with your personal objects as the “collection”.
Add a Mirror
Mirrors are often used by interior designers to create the illusion that a space is bigger than it is. But they are also a simple and cheap way of adding drama to a room and reflecting your interior design aesthetic. Rather than going with a stock-standard mirror from a local department store, hunt around for a vintage treasure that will bring character to the home. Look for gilded frames for a splash of luxury or frameless art deco mirrors for old-world charm.
Rearrange Your Existing Furniture
Once your furniture is in place, there are no rules stating it has to stay that way forever. By playing around with positioning, a room can be instantly transformed and take on a whole new feeling. When moving furniture around, take into consideration not only how the space is used practically but also the overall comfort of the arrangement. It might be as simple as moving a sofa away from a wall or turning armchairs to face a fireplace to create a cozier feel.
Redefine the Meaning of Wall Art
Traditionally, “wall art” is a painting, print, or photograph that’s framed and hung around a room. But wall art can be so much more, with everything from vintage plates to woven baskets becoming statement pieces in the home.
For inspiration, head to a local museum or gallery to see how professional curators showcase their wares. The best part is, there’s no need to fork out a fortune on new objects – simply use what you already have.
Give Furniture a New Lick of Paint
A can of paint in the back of the shed is the perfect no-cost solution to turning a drab and dated piece of furniture into a modern marvel. All it requires is a bit of muscle to sand back the existing paint or wooden surface, then a couple of coats of colorful paint. For an added “wow” factor, consider investing in new handles and hardware, with plenty of patina-infused options available from thrift stores.
Create Glass-Bottle Vases
Old glass bottles filled with flowers (dried or fresh) are a gorgeous way of adding a botanical element to the home, without having to purchase additional vases. Rather than sending bottles to the recycling bin, keep any that have a unique shape or tinted color and arrange them as a collection on a mantlepiece or shelf. For those with a green thumb, glass bottles can also be used as a propagation station to grow new versions of your favorite indoor plants.
Fill Abandoned Fireplaces
Old homes often have fireplaces that are no longer in use, with many left as a big, gaping space in the living room. Instead of leaving it abandoned, consider filling it with treasures, such as a collection of your favorite books artfully arranged. To create a rustic ambiance and give a nod to the fireplace’s former use, arrange wooden logs with their cut edges facing out.
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