17 Ways to Refresh Your Home on a Budget

Are you in need of a refresh for your living space but don’t want to spend a lot of money or time? Whether you want to create a new focal point or add pops of color, here are 17 quick and easy ways to refresh your home on a budget.

Fresh cut lilacs in a beautiful pitcher refreshing my dining room for spring.

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The good news, there are many inexpensive ways to give your home a fresh look and a new life with just a few small changes. I guarantee you’ll be amazed by just a few simple steps your space could feel totally brand new and full of life.

Achieving a comfortable home feel can seem tricky, especially in small rooms. But even if it isn’t the start of the new year, it’s a good resolution to have. And I’m here to assure you, it can be done on a very small budget.

So, before you run out and purchase anything new, let’s talk about some great ideas to try.

Start Here: Before You Spend Any Money Try These Ideas First

When it comes to refreshing your living space, there are 4 simple ways to make a big difference. With a little change and without spending a lot of money or taking up too much time! Here are some of our favorite ways to make your space feel new and inviting, in very affordable ways.

Clean Your Walls

It might not be the first thing you think of, but clean walls can make a big difference in how your space feels. Over time, walls can collect dirt, grime, as well as dust, leaving your space feeling dull and dingy. Take a little time to wipe down your walls with a damp cloth or sponge, and you’ll be amazed at how much brighter and cleaner your space feels.

Rearrange Your Furniture

Sometimes all it takes is a good idea and a little bit of effort to make your space feel new again. So, try moving your furniture around to create a new layout that feels fresh and different. Even small changes, like moving your sofa to a different wall or swapping out your accent chairs, can make a big impact.

Add a Pop of Color

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add some life to your space, consider adding a pop of color. Whether it’s a bright throw pillow, a colorful new area rug, a new wall color, or a vibrant piece of artwork, a splash of color can instantly transform your room and make it feel more welcoming.

Declutter your space

One of the easiest ways to make your room feel new and fresh is to declutter. So, take a few minutes to clear out any clutter or unnecessary items from your space. This is a good way to really open up your space, you’ll be amazed how airy your room feels.

In conclusion, before you reach for your wallet, consider trying these simple and inexpensive ways to refresh your living space. From cleaning your walls to decluttering your space, small changes can make a big difference in how your room feels.

17 Ways to Refresh Your Home on a Budget

Revamping your living space doesn’t have to break the bank. So, with a little creativity and effort, there are plenty of ways to refresh your home on a budget.

Now that you’ve tried cleaning, rearranging, adding color, and decluttering here are 17 more ideas to refresh your home on a budget.

1. Throw Pillows

Add throw pillows or a throw blanket to your living room for an easy way to add a pop of color and a playful pattern to your décor.

Click on any photo for more information on each specific project!

Throw pillows are a versatile and budget-friendly way to refresh any living space. They can instantly add color, texture, as well as pattern to a room. Also, they can be easily switched out to update your decor with the changing seasons or your evolving style.

Also, they’re widely available at affordable prices, making them a go-to choice for those looking to refresh their home on a budget. With so many styles and designs to choose from, throw pillows offer endless possibilities for creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Pillow covers are more budget-friendly than replacing entire pillows as they allow for easy decor updates without buying new inserts.

2. Refinish Your Furniture

One big way to change the look of your dining room is by updating your dining table. That goes for pretty much every space in your home that has furniture!

Click on any photo for more information on each specific project!

Refinishing your furniture can transform your living space on a budget.

  • Start by cleaning the piece and making any necessary repairs.
  • Then consider paint or stain, which can give new life to an old piece.
  • And always, look for used furniture stores or online marketplaces for affordable pieces to refinish.
  • Also, consider adding new hardware or replacing the legs for an updated look.

With some effort and creativity, refinishing your furniture can be a fun as well as cost-effective way to refresh your home decor.

3. Add an Area Rug

Area rugs can make a huge difference in any room, and they’re a great way to create a new focal point in small spaces.

Click on any photo for more information on each specific project!

Adding an area rug is an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh any living space. It can add warmth, texture, and color to a room, and can also help define different areas within an open floor plan.

Plus, rugs are widely available in a range of sizes, materials, as well as styles. This makes it easy to find an affordable option that fits your decor. With so many benefits, an area rug is a smart choice for those looking to update their home decor without breaking the bank.

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.
  1. The rug in my entryway is 4×6′ and washable!
  2. The beautiful red and blue rug in my dining room is 7’6″ x 9’6″.

4. Indoor Plants

Freshen up your home with indoor plants, which are a great option for adding a new signature scent and a touch of green to any room.

Fresh flowers planted in repurposed vintage dishes.
Fresh flowers planted in repurposed vintage dishes.

Adding indoor plants is a great way to refresh your home on a budget. Not only do they add a pop of color and texture, but plants also have air-purifying benefits.

It’s a good time to embrace your green thumb with low-maintenance plants like succulents or spider plants. These plants are affordable, easy to care for, and also can be placed in any room for a quick decor refresh.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Add even more charm to the space by repurposing vintage dishes and using them as pots for your indoor plants!

5. Gallery Wall

Create a statement piece with a gallery wall by displaying your favorite works of art, family photos, or wall art.

A vintage frame Gallery wall in antique wooden frames.
Vintage peter rabbit art in vintage metal frames put together like a gallery.

Creating a gallery wall is an affordable way to add visual interest and a personal touch to your home decor. You can use family photos, works of art, as well as even colorful prints to create a playful pattern on any wall.

This is a great option for small spaces because it doesn’t require much time, effort, or money. Therefore, with a little planning and creativity, a gallery wall can be a focal point that adds a fresh look to your living space.

Download a whole library full of exclusive free printables!

6. Statement Wall

Paint an accent wall in your living room or home office with a bold color for a big impact that can change the look of your home in just a few hours.

Handmade faux brick wall made with joint compound and painter's tape.
Focal wall of faux brick wall handmade with join compound and painter's tape to refresh your home.

Creating a statement wall is a good way to refresh your home on a budget. You can also use stick-on wallpaper or a different color paint to create a bold statement.

Different wall colors can make a big impact without spending a lot of money. Because with just a can of paint and a few hours, you can transform any room. Therefore, creating a focal wall is a simple and effective way to give your home decor a fresh look.

Here are a few other great focal wall options for you to consider:

7. Accent Furniture and Decor Pieces

Adding accent furniture and decor pieces to your living room, such as a coffee table or floor lamp, can give your space a fresh start without breaking the bank.

Beautiful and ornately carved mirror painted and hanging in my dining room.
Beautiful antique wooden mirror that is an accent on my statement faux brick wall in my entryway.

End tables are also a great option to add some functional decor. If you don’t have the budget for new furniture, then consider adding smaller items like throw pillows, candles, or decorative objects to update your old furniture.

And yes, even spaces like your laundry room can be refreshed by adding a few choice pieces of functional decor!

Therefore with just a few carefully chosen pieces, you can create a new look for your living space.

Accent furniture to add to refresh your space:

  • Coffee table
  • End tables
  • Floor lamps
  • Accent chairs
  • Bookshelves
  • Console tables
  • Storage ottomans
  • Decorative mirrors
  • Nesting tables
  • Bar carts
  • Accent benches
  • Poufs or floor cushions
  • Plant stands
  • Wall shelves
  • Room dividers

These pieces can add both functionality and style to your space. Also, they can often be found at affordable prices at discount stores or online retailers.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Throw pillows, area rugs, wall art, indoor plants, as well as decorative objects like vases or candles can all add a big impact to your home decor on a small budget.

8. Create a New Color Palette

To create a new color palette for your home, consider painting your walls or home décor items in bright colors.

Vintage pink wall painted next to a stark white shiplap wall with a little door. A beautiful area rug on the floor.

This is an affordable way to refresh your space, especially if you’re in a new place and want to make it your own. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the overall look of your home.

In fact, the right paint color can be the best way to really bring life to a whole room in one project. We learned this recently when I painted my daughter’s bedroom a beautiful color called Retro Pink by Behr.

how do you choose a new color palette for your home?

Choosing a new color palette for your home can be a fun and creative process.

  1. Start by considering the mood and atmosphere you want to create in each room.
  2. Then think about which colors evoke those feelings.

You can also take inspiration from your favorite artwork, fabrics, or nature. Consider using color theory to help guide your choices, such as complementary or analogous color schemes.

And don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new!

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.

I typically like to paint my walls neutral colors so that I can use more colors throughout my space with accent pieces. But if you are more minimal a beautiful colorful wall can add a huge impact.

9. Upgrade the Hardware

Upgrading the hardware on your cabinets, doors, and drawers is an affordable way to refresh your home.

french antique server after being refinished.
Can you spot which is not original?
Drop down desk tiger oak empire style after being refinished.
All of these drawer knobs are from Hobby Lobby as this secretary desk’s original knobs could not be salvaged.

You can also spray paint your old hardware for a quick refresh. Don’t forget about the hardware on your washing machine or other appliances. Installing a new faucet can also make a big difference in the look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Both the Antique French Server and the Empire Secretary desk were missing hardware and I was forced to find replacements. But there are so many great options today to upgrade, but also keep your vintage flare.

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.

One of my favorite ways to refresh a space is hardware. Don’t forget you can change it on your furniture as well as any light switch and outlet covers!

10. Add in Seasonal Fresh Flowers

Adding seasonal fresh flowers is an affordable and easy way to bring life and color into your home. Because who doesn’t love a room with fresh flowers in it?

A beautiful green glass pitcher of queen anne's lace flowers.
Fresh cut lilacs in a beautiful pitcher refreshing my dining room for spring.

Dress up your fireplace mantel or any room with a few fresh blooms as a part of your seasonal décor for a festive touch. You can also use flowers from your garden or pick up a bouquet from a local market for a quick refresh.

11. Window Treatments

Updating your window treatments with bold colors or new fabric can bring a fresh and different look to your home decor.

Beautiful flowy shower curtains.
Refresh your home on a budget with some repurposed curtains into shower curtains and a homemade curtain rod.

Consider adding playful patterns or experimenting with new ways to hang your curtains for added interest and creativity. Because this is a super simple, easy, and budget-friendly way to refresh your space without breaking the bank.

But the best news is, you can do this in every room of the house, including the bathroom!

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.

If you’re not into bold patterns or colors, that’s totally ok! I personally prefer neutral curtains. But just having them with beautiful handmade curtain rods has added so much charm, privacy, and light to our rooms.

12. Wall Art

Wall art is an affordable way to add a personal touch and refresh your home décor. You can choose from a variety of prints, paintings, or DIY options to create a focal point on your walls.

Dark navy blue half wall in my dining room with a watercolor piece of art displayed.

Try mixing and matching different sizes, styles, and frames for a unique look. You can also opt for affordable frames from stores like IKEA or make your own using materials like washi tape or spray paint. Get creative and have fun with it!

13. Paint

Painting a room is an inexpensive and easy way to refresh your home. Choose a new paint color for a whole room or just an accent wall.

Freshly painted bedroom doors in a hallway refresh project.
Freshly painted hallway shiplap half wall.

Don’t be afraid to try bold or bright colors for a dramatic change. You can even paint old furniture or decor items to give them a new life and fresh look.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Sometimes simply a new coat of paint is enough to refresh the room. And it doesn’t have to be a wall either. In my hallway refresh I painted a half wall of shiplap a dark color and all of the bedroom doors Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams. It made a drastic change.

14. Add Fragrance

Adding fragrance to your home is a quick and inexpensive way to refresh your space. You can do this with homemade beeswax candles, essential oils, or even some freshly picked wildflowers!

Fresh cut lilacs in a beautiful pitcher refreshing my dining room for spring.
Fresh mixed wildflower bouquet sitting in a glass pitcher. An easy way to refresh your home.

Fresh flowers bring natural scents, while room sprays and essential oils offer a range of new scents to choose from. Experiment with different fragrances to find the perfect one for your home and enjoy the fresh and inviting atmosphere it creates.

15. Repurpose Old Home Decor

Repurposing old home decor is a great way to refresh your space on a budget. Now is a great time to explore new ways to use old items and breathe new life into them for the new season.

Cheap wooden file box upcycled and repurposed as this beautiful box with metal hardware added. Fun ways to refresh your home on a budget.
Cheap wooden file box upcycled and repurposed as this beautiful box with metal hardware added. Fun ways to refresh your home on a budget.

For example, an old vase can be transformed into a candle holder or a decorative centerpiece. Get creative and have fun giving your old items a new purpose.

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.

This cute little wooden box is just a cheap file box that was totally plain. I took it apart, sanded it down, stained it, and added these inexpensive metal accents to make it more my style.

For a little bit of effort and $4 in hardware, I have a beautiful box to display as decor.

16. Add Architectural Interest

Adding architectural interest is a great way to refresh your home without spending a lot of money.

Added architectural interest with brand new trim and a ceiling medallion next to a brand new light fixture.
A plastic ceiling medallion being painted to match the ceiling before installation. Refresh your home on a budget with fun accents.

Consider adding crown molding, baseboards, or wainscoting to give your walls a new look. You can also add decorative trim or accent walls using materials like shiplap, beadboard, or faux brick. These changes can make a big impact on the overall feel of your home.

You can even add details like ceiling medallions on a very small budget. I added mine purchased from Amazon for under $20.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

I have been painstakingly replacing all the builder-grade trim in my home using common lumber made to look pretty. All 1x4s were purchased at my favorite, Home Depot. The process takes more time, but the outcome is solid wood charm.

17. Add Some Ambiance

Adding some ambiance can quickly refresh a space on a budget. Candles and oil lamps can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Nothing quite compares to that warm feeling of old-fashioned lamp light.

Handmade three wick  beeswax candle in a crock lit and burning.
Add ambiance to your room with a beautiful glass oil lamp lit up in your room to refresh your home.

Use them to highlight a feature or create a new focal point. Consider switching up the color or scent to fit the season or your mood. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or entertaining guests, ambiance can make all the difference.

Vintage typewriter icon in a grey circle.

The best part about it is, using candles to add ambiance like homemade beeswax candles is actually even healthy for you! In fact, burning beeswax candles have many benefits besides being beautiful and relaxing.

FAQ

Refresh your house on a budget with these tips: add accents, repaint, add greenery, upgrade hardware, repurpose old decor, and add fragrance.

Refresh your home with minimal fuss by adding new accent pieces, changing up your color palette, adding new window treatments, and repurposing old decor items.

Update your home with new accent pieces, a fresh coat of paint, and some rearranging to give it a new look without breaking the bank.

You can rearrange your furniture, declutter, clean thoroughly, add new lighting, or paint an accent wall to make your house look better without buying anything.

There’s no set time frame for refreshing your home. It’s up to your personal preference and how often you feel the need for a change.

In Conclusion

These are just a few of the best and easiest ways to refresh your home on a budget, and it doesn’t take much time or money to make a big impact.

Start the new year off right with a fresh start and a new season of home décor ideas that will give your home a different look and feel. And, with affordable ways to make small changes, you don’t need to wait until the past year to make a difference in your home.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Julie

Meet the Author

Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→

14 Comments

  1. It’s so useful to look at our spaces with fresh eyes. Your tips to remove most things and rearrange before putting things back is so helpful, and probably something we should all do every now and then!

  2. Your space is adorable! I’ve been needing to spruce up our home for a while but haven’t had the funds to do so. Love all of these ideas, thank you!

  3. These are all such wonderful tips and great reminders it doesn’t have to be expensive! Adding seasonal fresh flowers is my favorite way to easily spruce up a space! 🙂

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