We moved into our new home at the end of May, and we’ve managed to make our way through a fair few DIY jobs and decorating updates since then. When I say ‘new’, our little beach house was built in 1953, so while it’s new to us, it’s got a few years of living under its belt!
So we still have a long (and ever increasing…) list of things we’d like to tackle at some stage (show me a homeowner who doesn’t!), and a lust-list of furniture and furnishings I have my eye on.
However, updating your home doesn’t have to mean buying new things – especially in the current climate when purse strings are a little tighter – as there are plenty of things you can do to refresh your abode without dipping into your savings.
Shop your home
While I am saving for some large artworks for our home, and we still need some key furniture pieces too (I’ve been frantically Pinning dream dining tables lately), we do have some lovely items that myself and Mr Blonde have collected along the way, so I’ve been getting creative with what we’ve already got.
Moving art from one wall to another, or leaning it on top of a dresser or against a wall can give a piece and a room a new vibe. I’ve found that photos grouped in a new way or artworks can look so different when placed in a new spot in the house just because of the change of light in a room.
It’s the same with soft furnishing and rugs. Swapping bedroom and lounge pieces around can create a whole new look for absolutely nothing.
Even the many piles of yet-to-be-read books I have around the house have been made into interesting vignettes, which have spiced up a room’s design. And all for free!
Ditch the clutter
It’s true, there’s nothing like a fresh, clean, decluttered space for making it feel new.
I’ll hold my hands up: I do find it hard to let go of ‘things’ and I am a sucker for buying too many little objet d’art. But lately I’ve finally realised that excessive amounts of even the best trinkets can look cluttered, and so I’m only holding onto the really special ones.
Aside from the one in, one out rule (which we are very good at sticking to when it comes to buying new clothes), once a month I work room by room and look for things we no longer use that we can get rid of – either to charity or to sell.
Mr Blonde is a supreme tidier, and in general I try to keep things neat, too – although my desk is another matter. Well, you know what they say about people with creative minds…
Clear the hallway
While we’re talking cleaning and tidying, if there’s one spot to clear that’ll make the best impression it’s the entryway.
We don’t have a separate hallway at our house, and we are still searching for the perfect console or bench seat (something else I’m Pinning!), but until I find one, I try to keep the shoes from piling up and make it a clear space and create good feng shui.
Pick your own garden
I love fresh flowers, but the price tag, not so much. By taking cuttings of the greenery and blooms from the garden, I’ve been able to make simple little posies and bring the prettiness of outdoors in.
Australian natives, like banksia and eucalyptus leaf, also look great when dried. So I’ve been keeping hold of the best ones, and making some dried arrangements too.
Rethink your layout
Moving furniture from one room to another can give pieces a new lease of life. While it’s probably not practical to have our bed anywhere other than where it is positioned in the bedroom, the lounge and dining areas can be laid out in multiple ways.
We recently swapped out a large chair from the lounge into the sunroom to create a reading nook and it’s freed up so much space.
Have you any tips on how to create a new home vibe on a budget? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
