Recently we wrote a blog about how to give your home a makeover without spending a dime. While writing, we also thought of many low-cost ideas… so many in fact, we decided to put them together for this blog.

It’s easy to dramatically makeover your home on a limited budget. We have found that often the things that make our homes look and feel really good cost little or no money. Below are tips for your low-budget makeover:

Consider life design.

A room best supports us when it not only looks beautiful, but also feels good and functions well. How we perceive and use our space is often more important than how the space looks, so we suggest decorating from the inside out—to us this means before considering how the room will look, think about how it will best serve you. Write down any goals or qualities you would like to bring into your life—for example, more harmony among family members or a career change. Include any life changes you’d like to make, such as creating more peace in your life or being more social—the room you create could be quite different depending on your answers. Writing down your intentions costs nothing, but it will help guide you as you design the room, therefore helping you align your inner and outer worlds. The qualities that you bring to your home will be the same qualities you bring to your life.

Alongside the list of qualities, make a list of what functions the room will need to support such as reading, working, exercise, playing for kids, arts and crafts, etc. Now that you have your lists, make sure whatever you bring into the room or use to decorate supports both your goals and needs.

For example, if you want to create more harmony in your family, create a room where everyone will feel good, including enough comfortable seating for each family member. Or, if you want to create a room where you can read, make sure you have proper lighting and a comfy reading chair.

Visualize your ideal space.

To help you get a clear vision for your space, cut out inspirational pictures from magazines and catalogues, you can even include fabric or objects from nature—just collect any visual representations of elements that you love. This process will help you will save money by creating a guideline that will help you cut down on impulse buys and mistakes. And the law of attraction will be working for you—what you think about and put your attention on, will be drawn to you. You will be surprised when you are clear in your intentions how things will fall together with little effort.

Use color/ paint.

When we look at a room our eye tends to notice color first. Painting a room or wall is often the least expensive thing you can do for the biggest impact. Not only does color have great visual impact, but color also affects our mood. Each color holds a vibration and energy, so take time picking colors and notice how different colors make you feel. Also, as paint can contain unhealthy chemicals that off-gas into the air, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), be sure to use No-or Low-VOC paints or consider milk- or vegetable-based paints. Before you settle on a color make sure you test it first on a large area and view it at different times of the day. Paint will look very different depending on the light and on a large space versus a small sample chip. 

Decorate with art.

When working with a small budget consider making your own artwork. If you don’t consider yourself an artist, simply paint a large canvas your favorite color. Or frame postcards, gift cards, wrapping paper, or photographs. The key to making simple things, like a postcard, look like an expensive piece of art, is presentation—choose a simple, unadorned frame and a wide white, off-white or black mat for a gallery look (stores like Target and Ikea have frames that come with mats and are reasonably priced). Then hang a few separately framed postcards together to create a collection. To buy an original artwork try the following on-line art galleries where you can search by price: MixedGreens.com allows you to search for work under $500 and NextMonet.com offers a search for work under $150. But keep in mind if you buy a work on paper, you will have to frame it, and custom frames can cost as much as the artwork itself.

Use Nature. Fill an empty corner with a full, tall plant. Plants are an inexpensive way to bring life and energy to a room as well as make a room feel “finished.” Peace Lilies and Janet Craigs are hearty plants that are easy to take care of, in addition some research say these plants help reduce indoor air pollution by removing toxins from the air. Make choices that allow in as much sunlight as possible—sunlight can make a drab room come alive. Try flowering plants such as orchids or hydrangeas—the blooms won’t last forever, but over time it will be less expensive than buying fresh flowers each week. You also don’t need a lot of flowers. Float a few blossoms in a bowl or group vases together with a single stem in each.

Accessorize.

Accessories, such as colorful pillows, throws or vases, are typically less expensive items that can really change the look of a room. So instead of buying a new sofa—first see what new pillows do to change its look. 

Use mirrors.

Mirrors serve many purposes, are often less expensive than artwork, and can dramatically change the look of a room.  Mirrors brighten a space by reflecting light. Mirrors open up the space and “double” the size. If you hang a mirror so that it reflects a window, it’s appears as if you added another window. Or you can create a different type of view by making sure the mirror reflects something beautiful such as a work of art or plant or dining table. Because mirrors reflect light and capture movement, in Feng Shui, it’s also believed they add positive energy.

Reinvent what you already have.

Before buying a whole new piece of furniture sometimes it is less expensive to work with the one you have.  Refinishing, reupholstering, and repainting can entirely change the look of a piece. A coat of white paint will update a chandelier. Removing back cushions from a sofa or having a single cushion made to replace double seat cushions will result in a “new” couch.  

Comfort and function.

Before you buy, make sure you “test drive” your furniture. Sit on desk chairs and sofas—lie down on mattresses. Take into account the needs of all members of the household, large and small. 

 

Invest in quality and classic pieces.

When you do make a large purchase such as a sofa or dining room table, make a purchase that will last. Choose neutral colors and classic lines—it is less expensive to change a throw or pillow down the road than have to reupholster the whole couch. Make sure it is solid wood—not only will it last longer but it is healthier as well. Pressed woods and MDF can contain a host of chemicals that can off-gas for years.  Ask a store if you can take things “on memo,” which means you can bring it home and see what you think of it in your space before committing.

Consider where you will shop.

Try going to your local flea market. You may discover some great deals as well as some unique finds. And buying used is a great way to be eco-friendly. Mix furniture from large retail stores with flea market finds or pieces you’ve inherited from your family to add originality—this way the room will express your personal style, not just the style of the store where you shopped.