Simple ideas to refresh your space

*This is a collaborative guest post

Want to refresh your home, but don’t want to break the bank? With a few simple changes, you can totally transform a space, and all it requires is a little DIY.  

DIY home decor can be as easy as rearranging the furniture or as significant as repainting the walls or installing all-new floors. Refreshing a space with some DIY is also a fun way to add personality to your home.  

So if you’d like to get handy, here’s a few creative, budget-friendly ideas you can use to help make old spaces feel like new again:  

Update your flooring

Your home flooring can dramatically change the look and feel of your space, making it one of the more popular options for updating. There are a range of different flooring options that are affordable, while also making an impactful change. 

One stylish option is hybrid flooring. Coming in different shades and tones, hybrid flooring is durable and easy to keep clean – perfect for withstanding everyday foot traffic. Another popular flooring practical option is luxury vinyl plank. Providing a realistic wood-look while also being easy to clean with a waterproof surface. 

Spruce up your walls with creative accents

With your flooring sorted, it’s time to turn your attention to your walls. The colour or pattern you choose can play a huge role in setting the right tone for your space. 

For an accent wall, use a solid colour or create a bold pattern, like stripes or geometric shapes. If you’re using a bolder colour or pattern, make sure to tie it into other subtle elements in the room, like throw pillows or patterns on a vase or lamp. Wallpaper can also create interest, coming in a variety of textures or patterns. Like paint, it’s important to consider your decor, so match it with curtains, cushions and other accessories for a cohesive feel. 

If you don’t want to commit to a full wall makeover, why not experiment with wall decals or a gallery wall? Wall decals are great for those who love to regularly change up their style, according to taste and mood. Gallery walls, meanwhile, can be an ideal space for self-expression. Fill your gallery wall with artwork or with family photos and other mementos that hold special significance.  

Creative lighting solutions to brighten up any room

Good lighting is essential to home decor, helping to set the mood, create ambience and to elevate colours and textures. Plus, it’s a super easy way to spruce up your space for minimal cost.

Ambient lighting in the form of large candles, floor lamps or fairy lights can give your space a warm, soft glow, creating a more relaxing atmosphere.  

Or match lighting to your overall colour scheme with custom lampshades, selecting from a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes. Create a lampshade that matches the same colour or fabric as your sofa or complement smooth textures with a lampshade made from rougher materials such as rattan or straw. 

You can even repurpose old pendant lighting by using items like wire baskets, metal bowls or glass jars, perfect for farmhouse-style decor. Go for modern elegance by painting an old chandelier in a bright colour or add a little character by submerging brass or copper lanterns into a mix of salt and vinegar, giving them an aged patina. 

Personalise with unique accessories

While home decor trends change regularly, the key to creating a timeless space is by making sure it has your personal touch. Filling your space with personal items can tell the story of who you are and what you love. 

Make your mark with custom-made pillows featuring meaningful words or quotes, or with colours or patterns you love. Capture heartfelt memories with photos of family and friends or elevate your space with some classic photography, a framed poster or chic artwork.  

To add personality with textures, try throwing a chunky knit blanket across a leather sofa or pairing a porcelain heirloom vase with a weathered coffee table. 

Or why not get creative with a few DIY art projects? Choose your favourite quote and print it onto a custom-cut piece of wood or create a wall of smaller artworks all connected by a common theme, like colour, motif or texture.  

Vintage stores can also be a great source for personal treasures. Hang a beautiful mirror or piece of art in an antique frame on your wall. Make a statement by placing an antique chair in the corner of the room or use vintage baskets for extra storage. By incorporating classic charm into existing decor, you create timeless style with a personal twist. 

Small details that make a big impact

With just a few small changes, you can end up making a big difference to your home decor, giving it a more polished and cohesive feel. 

Swap out old hardware and replace with new knobs or handles that complement existing decor, e.g. ornate knobs for a traditional look or streamlined handles with matte finishes for a modern feel. Add a splash of colour by updating cushions, throw blankets or rugs, or by incorporating textures like glass or wood into your decor for visual contrast. Even something as simple as rearranging the furniture can change the entire look of a room.

Bring it all together for a refreshed space

Adding DIY decor to your home is a fun way to personalise your space. No matter how big or small you go, with a few simple changes you can create a home that feels like new.  

So take the plunge, get inspired and start planning how you’ll improve your space with a little DIY!