The DIY Home Edit: How to update and refresh your space on a budget

Variety is the spice of life, true, but when it comes to your home, it’s not possible or practical to keep purchasing new furniture every few months. Or undergo a renovation every now and then. Big (and expensive) household items are usually one-time buys, so what do you do when you want a change?

The answer is in simple, inexpensive yet effective edits around the house. Small changes like moving the furniture around, adding a new carpet or shutters or giving a room a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Here are some DIY ideas for your very own home edit.

1. Reposition your furniture

You don’t always need to buy new furniture to refresh your space; simply change the location and/or position of existing furniture and see how different your room will look! Move the sofa to a different corner, position your dining table at a different angle, make a cosy lounge area in your living space or bedroom (all you need is a bean bag or pouffe and a carpet); just think outside the box and don’t be afraid to experiment. Worse case, you can always swap back if you don’t like it!

(Like I did here – I keep moving my favourite yellow rocking chair around the living room, so as to get a spark of colour in different places).

2. Add a splash of colour

One bright object can make a world of difference to an otherwise dull room. It could be a painting, a bright carpet, a piece of statement furniture or even a wallpaper on a feature wall.

Plants and flowers are another easy way to add colour to a space. If you want an even more hassle-free option, get some artificial flowers and plants.

3. Make a statement with statement shutter blinds

Shutter blinds can add character and depth to a room, and are another smart and cost-effective option to refresh the look and feel of a space. Bay windows are quite a common feature in most houses and often become the focal point of a room. Shutter blinds offer a great finishing touch and lend timeless style besides also offering privacy, light control, insulation and noise reduction.

4. One small change… a big step for your home

Yes, sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference. Here are some ideas…

• Paint a wall bright red or olive green or mustard yellow. Let it scream for attention. Or, even a fresh coat of paint can give a new lease of life to your room.
• Swap two dining table chairs for a bench and instantly open up your dining space.
• Put up photo frames around the house.
• Decorate your kid’s bedroom with wall stickers.
• Mirrors reflect light, so mirrors are a great option for rooms that get minimal sunlight.
• Put up string lights inside or outside your home (especially during the darker winter months) to add colour and light.

5. Accessorise with soft furnishings

Sometimes, you don’t even have to change the big stuff… just a few decorative additions with furnishings can make something old look new.

• Windows looking bare? A colourful blind or pretty curtains will solve the problem.
• Bored of your sofa but can’t afford a new one? A couple of funky cushions and cosy throws will instantly update your sofa.
• Want some more spice in the bedroom (we’re still talking furnishings!!!) – invest in some new bedding and bed cushions. Make your bed a luxe-bed.

6. Update your garden too

If it’s nearing Spring/Summer and you plan to use your garden more, a little refresh there is a good idea too. Add colour with potted plants, get some garden furniture or perhaps even a hammock, or even a good clean out and freshly mowed grass will make it look fresh and inviting.

All these updates and edits can be made with zero cost or a minimal spend. All you need is inspiration, creativity and some moving around!!!

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