When it comes to interior design, it’s often the little things that make the biggest statements – and it doesn’t have to take up all your time or cost you an arm and a leg. From swapping light switch covers to re-covering your chairs, these quick and inexpensive changes will help you transform your space in ways you’d never imagined possible without blowing your budget.
First up is to take inventory of what you already have in the room or space you wish to transform. Find objects, art, books and other fun items you can switch around, reuse and make new again. Save your money for small, big-impact items you don’t have, such as a new mirror, vase or lamp shade.
Then it’s time to clean up and de-clutter. Too many items in a room makes the space look unclean, cramped and uncomfortable. A thorough clean on its own can make a huge difference to the upliftment of your home.
The walls
Colours evoke emotion and set the tone for your living space. If you’re looking for a small change with a big impact, you should change your wall colours – going from a basic white to a cool grey, calming blue or vibrant yellow can make a big difference in any room in your home.
Mirrors
Mirrors, large or small, can give the effect of more space in your house, especially your bedroom. If you have a wall in your home with a grouping of framed art, swapping it out with a gorgeous mirror can effortlessly bring a bold new look to that space.
Frames
Nothing says you have to ditch those adorable or treasured family photos. Just change the frames to create a new look, whether sleek or antiqued or DIY.
Lighting
Lighting is everything in interior design. The right amount of light in a room can make it look more spacious and inviting. Also, lights in the right spots can help to highlight some of the best features in a room. Changing your lighting (whether it’s an overhead pendant or painting a table lamp) makes a huge change in any room. Wherever you have windows, use this light to your advantage by replacing heavy curtains or dark drapes with lighter colours and lightweight window treatments. You can also include blinds or shades to allow more natural light in during the day. Choosing soft white bulbs and adding a dimmer can also make a big difference.
Light switch covers
Oh so boring, light switch covers are a great place to take a risk with a bit of colour. You can paint them yourself or with the kids if you’re brave enough and you can even DIY wallpaper them if you prefer a more sophisticated look.
Lamp shades
This is so easy to do. Whether you spend a buck or two buying something you’ve had your eye on for a while, or if you try your hand at DIY re-covering an existing lamp shade, this is a simple colour and style change that can bring a whole new look to a room. Change the entire lamp and get entirely different results in height, colour, texture and style. Match your accessories to the lamp to tie a theme together visually or contrast styles for a more eclectic aesthetic.
Doorknobs
Whether it’s the front door, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom, adding something different is a great way to make an everyday function a lot more fun. There are loads of home accessory shops that stock stylish and fun doorknobs, but of course we also love to shop at the SPCA and Hospice Charity Shops, as well as local flea markets for fabulous finds and other great ideas.
Line your drawers and bookcases
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. Lining the back of your bookshelves, your dresser drawers or the inside of a small cabinet is a great way to give your space a totally new look.
Rugs
Area rugs are another way you can add to the aesthetic appeal to your home. They come in various sizes, colours, patterns, and shapes and if you already have more than one, trying swapping them around. If the furniture in a particular room has a lot of patterns on it, bring in a simple single-coloured area rug to break things up. You could also try putting an area rug in the middle of your living room, underneath a dining room table, or even in a long hallway.
Window treatments
The simplest DIY window treatments can have a big impact on a space. Adding simple curtain panels or a Roman shade can completely dress-up a room and add warmth.
