The beginning of a new year is always a big inspiration for change, especially around the home. Whilst redecorating from top to bottom is time-consuming and expensive, with a few simple tricks you can instantly cheer up a tired room without spending a fortune. Here are some creative, unique and low-cost ways to revamp your home in the new year.
Lighting
You can create a whole new ambience simply by changing the lighting in a room, and this doesn’t necessarily mean buying new lights. Different colored bulbs are cheaply available from stores such as Walmart, and can completely transform a room with very little effort, warming it up or cooling it down depending on the current color scheme. Alternatively, new light fixtures are a simple way to add style to a plain room without splashing out too much; opt for a crystal chandelier for a boudoir-chic feel, or a chrome pendant style for a more contemporary look.
Fabrics
They say a change is as good as the rest, and this is true of tired-looking couches. If you’re relatively creative, you can give your old couch a makeover by making new covers; all you need is some pretty fabric and a sewing kit – step by step instructions can be found here. New cushions – or cushion covers – work just as well, and are a quick and easy way to add color or pattern to an otherwise neutral sofa.
Artwork
Rather than spending excess time and money on new wallpaper, well-placed artwork gives any room an instant makeover. Depending on the style of the room, you can create your own artwork by making collages of fun family photos, or framing pictures the kids have drawn or painted. For a more sophisticated interior, sites such as www.lumas.com offer a wide range of unique and collectible art prints minus the excessive price tag, making it easy to create a chic and upmarket feel without spending a fortune.
Furniture
Furniture is another important feature of any room, and can be swapped or updated to restyle your living space. If you can’t wait to throw out your old furniture, second-hand pieces in reasonably good condition are the most cost-effective replacement, and the results are often surprising – see this post for tips on getting hold of good hand-me-downs. Customization is another way to create the illusion of new furniture; a lick of paint and the addition of pretty handles and doorknobs can make old wardrobes and drawers unrecognizable!
Mother nature
One last simple trick for freshening up your home is to bring nature indoors. There is nothing like a bunch of flowers to add color to the table, or an impressive floor plant to give a traditional room an exotic twist. For a more low-maintenance option, potpourri is both decorative and beautifully fragrant, and you can make your own using pine cones, herbs and a pretty bowl.
