What are the best budget-friendly ways to update a space?

You don't need to spend a fortune to refresh your home and create a more inviting and comfortable space. With some creativity, planning, and smart choices, you can update any room without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget-friendly ways to update a space, whether you want to make a small change or a big impact.

Key takeaways from this article

Refresh with new paint:

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform a room's ambiance. Choose a color that complements your decor and watch how it revitalizes your space without stretching your budget.### *Rearrange for impact:Simply moving your furniture around can create a more dynamic and functional layout. Experiment with different arrangements to find the most pleasing and practical setup for your room.

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1 Paint the walls

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to transform a space is to paint the walls. You can choose a new color scheme, create an accent wall, or add some texture or pattern with stencils, sponges, or brushes. Painting the walls can also make a space look bigger, brighter, or cozier, depending on the shade and finish you choose. You can also paint other surfaces, such as cabinets, furniture, or doors, to give them a new look.

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Carol Annabel Stephenson

Abstract Artist - Founder of Victoria Bel Art | Interior Designer - Victoria Bel Interiors
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There are several budget friendly ways to update a space and give it a fresh look. First, consider rearranging the furniture to create a new layout and improve the flow of the room. This doesn't cost anything and can make a significant difference. Next, apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls or even just an accent wall for a pop of color. Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to transform a room. Additionally, updating the lighting fixtures can have a big impact. Look for affordable options that match your desired style and swap out outdated or boring fixtures. Also, Incorporate new textiles such as curtains, throw pillows, or rugs. Final touch, consider adding some DIY artwork or framed prints to the walls for a personal touch.

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2 Change the lighting

Another simple and effective way to update a space is to change the lighting. Lighting can affect the mood, ambiance, and functionality of a room. You can swap out old or boring fixtures for more modern or stylish ones, or add some lamps, sconces, or candles for extra warmth and coziness. You can also experiment with different types of bulbs, such as LED, halogen, or incandescent, to create different effects and save energy.

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3 Rearrange the furniture

You don't need to buy new furniture to update a space. You can rearrange the furniture you already have to create a more spacious, balanced, or dynamic layout. You can also move some pieces from one room to another, or swap them with friends or family, to give them a new purpose and style. You can also use furniture as focal points, dividers, or storage solutions, depending on your needs and preferences.

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4 Add some accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches that can make a space more personal and appealing. You can add some accessories, such as pillows, rugs, curtains, art, plants, or mirrors, to inject some color, texture, pattern, or character into a room. You can also mix and match different styles, themes, or seasons, to create contrast and interest. You don't need to spend a lot on accessories, as you can find many affordable options online, in thrift stores, or even in your own closet.

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5 Declutter and organize

One of the best ways to update a space is to declutter and organize it. Clutter can make a space look messy, cramped, and stressful, while organization can make it look tidy, spacious, and relaxing. You can declutter and organize your space by following some simple steps, such as sorting, donating, recycling, or discarding items you don't need or use, storing items in baskets, bins, or boxes, labeling items for easy identification, and creating zones for different activities or functions.

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Muthoni Ndungu

Lead Interior Designer at Zaria Interiors Ltd | Skilled in Space Planning | Colour Expert | Visual Merchandiser| Project Manager| Online Interior Designer
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Declutter! Declutter! Declutter! This is truly the first step to giving your space a a fresh look and it costs absolutely nothing. Give or toss away things that you really do no not love. When you do this (and organise) you are able to see your space for what it is and therefore, you can start to create a space that you love.

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Elena Tushina

President. Hospitality-Contract-Trade furniture supply. Hospitality Concepts curator. FF&E procurement. Interior designer 20+ years. Exclusive distributor of Morelato.it in the USA. Creator of an App for easy shipping.
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I’ve found accent wallpapers to be a cost-effective solution to bring new life to a space. But that works only AFTER DECLUTTERING! 😀

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6 DIY some projects

If you are feeling crafty and adventurous, you can also update your space by DIYing some projects. You can use your skills, imagination, and resources to create some unique and customized items for your home, such as a headboard, a coffee table, a wall art, or a shelf. You can also repurpose, upcycle, or refurbish some items you already have, such as a dresser, a chair, or a frame, to give them a new life and look. You can find many ideas, tutorials, and inspiration online, in magazines, or in books.

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Yogesh .

Founder at Studio Nest | Driving Business Growth with Architectural Expertise
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Revamp your space on a budget by diving into some DIY projects. Repurpose existing furniture with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware. Create personalized decor like wall art or throw pillows, adding a unique touch without breaking the bank. Explore thrift stores or online marketplaces for budget-friendly finds. Rearrange furniture to give the space a new layout and feel. Consider temporary solutions like peel-and-stick wallpaper for a quick and affordable refresh. With creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve a stylish update without straining your budget.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best budget-friendly ways to update a space?

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1 Paint the walls

2 Change the lighting

3 Rearrange the furniture

4 Add some accessories

5 Declutter and organize

6 DIY some projects

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interior Design

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