We often use our budgets as an excuse for not making our homes reflect what makes us happiest. But short of an HGTV makeover show, a "good" room doesn't happen overnight -- and a stylish space isn't always made up of a bunch of expensive items. Here's a list of easy ideas and updates that cost less than $50 a piece. Some are even free.
- Pick up a few cheap IKEA frames for your photos
- Put magazines in magazine holders
- Actually display pretty things on your coffee table
- Organize your bookshelves
- Try a gallery arrangement
- Roll out an inexpensive rug (IKEA and HomeGoods are your best bet)
- Rearrange your furniture
- Cover up an old sofa with a nice throw
- Hang curtains higher to create the illusion of a higher ceiling
- Turn cheap blinds into "custom" shades
- Reupholster a chair seat
- Add a ceiling medallion (Home Depot and Lowe's have lightweight, affordable versions)
- Or, paint the medallions in a contrasting color and hang them on the wall:
- Contain clutter in baskets
- Swap out a heavy blanket for a new, lighter throw
- Hang art ON your bookcase
- Paint the backing on your bookcase
- Stencil part of the floor
- Makeover an old table with neutral fabric and nailhead trim, like Bliss@Home did:
- Swap out light switch and outlet covers
- Hang up shadowbox-style shelves, like these from Etsy seller The807
- Display small items on a ledge-style shelf
- Arrange your books by color
- Decorate the top of your bookcases with a collection
- Bring in a houseplant or two
- Organize odds and ends in a pretty box
- Make a statement with bookends
- Hang up a few terrarium-style vases
- Install a candle sconce or two
- Arrange art around your television
- Fill in your (unused) fireplace with wood, candles or other small items
- Use a garden stool as an occasional table
- Hang plates on the wall
- Use colorful fabric as a tablecloth
- Mount a map on canvas and use it as art
- Turn burlap (or canvas dropcloths) into drapes
- Upgrade cheap mirrors with paint
