Big Impact, Low Budget Home Decorating Ideas

Update your home and make it a space you love with these big-impact, low-budget home decorating ideas! 

When it comes to updating and decorating my home, I'm all about low-budget projects and affordable decor that make a big impact.  Why spend a lot of money to update and decorate your home when you can create the look for less? 

Today, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorite budget-friendly home decorating ideas that make a big impact for less.  Whether it's a complete room makeover or a quick room refresh, there's no need to spend a lot of money to create a beautiful home you love. 

Some of these big impact budget decorating ideas involve a little DIY, but I promise they are completely doable and worth the effort.  

1.  DRESS UP YOUR WINDOWS

Custom window treatments can quickly blow a budget, but there are ways to get the custom look for less.  Sourcing curtains from more affordable stores such as HomeGoods, IKEA and Overstock are great alternatives to more expensive options.  I have white curtains from IKEA and green curtains from Overstock that I love and highly recommend.    

Are you looking for more of an impact?  Consider painting interior windows deep charcoal gray or black (mine are painted Iron Ore) and adding bamboo shades. 

DECORATING TIP:  Hang curtains halfway between the top of the window trim and the base of the ceiling (or crown molding) and wide enough so the edge of the curtain skims the side of the windows.

2.  CREATE AN ACCENT WALL

I'm a big fan of adding drama with accent walls.  Great options are painting the end of a hallway, adding bold and colorful wallpaper to a bedroom or creating a custom wood wall treatment.   Are you renting?  Removable or temporary wallpaper is a fantastic way to update walls without the long-term commitment.  

Have you considered painting your ceiling?  Ceilings are a great place to have fun with color or wallpaper.

3. ADD WALL MOLDING

Board and batten style molding and plank walls are my go-to wall treatments to give a room an affordable and drastic style boost. 

4. INCORPORATE A UNIQUE PIECE OF FURNITURE OR DECOR

I have nothing against big box stores for home basics, but shopping vintage is the best way to give your decor the extra boost it needs for a custom look.  Opt for a unique piece of furniture over a basic TV stand, replace ordinary art with a one-of-a-kind vintage oil painting or replace builder-grade lighting with a cool antique alternative.

See my favorite ways to mix vintage and modern for more effortless decorating. 

5.  ADD PLANTS

Incorporating plants is a super simple way to add life, and texture and instantly brighten a space.   Need help transitioning from faux to real plants?  These low-maintenance house plants are my go-to plants for easy care and maintenance. 

6. PAINT 

I've painted everything from windows, doors, and walls to furniture and decor and I'm always amazed at the power of paint.   A simple can of paint can drastically change the look and feel of a room or breathe new life into a dated piece of furniture. 

7. CHANGE LIGHTING OR CEILING FANS

Swapping out a dated fan or light fixture for one that's more your style is a DIY project even a beginner can do.  I'm a huge fan of adding vintage lighting to my home.  If you also love the look of vintage, this round-up of vintage-inspired schoolhouse lights may be helpful. 

8. UPDATE HARDWARE

Don't just limit yourself to cabinets.  Swapping out the hardware on furniture can make just as a dramatic difference as replacing a few bathroom knobs or kitchen cabinet pulls.  

9. CHANGE THROW PILLOWS

I constantly rotate and change decor, especially throw pillows from one room to another.  It's one of my favorite ways to change and update a room for minimal cost.   

10.  UPDATE DOORS

Update your curb appeal by painting or replacing your front door or if you're feeling a little more daring and ambitious, try adding a barn or vintage door to a closet, pantry, or laundry room.

Facebook Marketplace, Habitat for Humanity, and auctions are fantastic sources for unique and affordable vintage and antique doors. 

11. ADD A RUG

The right size area rug can instantly bring a room together, ground furniture, and complete the overall look and feel of a room.  Not to mention, it's a fantastic way to add color and texture. 

I know it can be discouraging when your home isn't where you want it to be, but remember, creating a home takes time and should be enjoyed, at every stage of the journey.  

     

    

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