Do you love a January reset? Getting organized, finally cleaning out the closet, and updating your home’s interior all may be on your 2025 to-do list. But, if you’ve committed to a no-buy year or are just serious about underconsumption, updating your space may seem out of reach. However, there are plenty of ways to update and refresh your home that won’t cost a single penny. All it takes is a keen eye and a new perspective. Here are our top ideas to get your started:
Time to Declutter
After the excesses of holidays, a fresh slate feels oh-so-good. Decluttering not only makes our space feel fresh and new, it’s actually good for our mental health, too!
According to Psychology Today author Diane Roberts Stoler in The Many Mental Benefits of Decluttering, “Clutter creates chaos, which impacts your ability to focus. It also limits your brain’s capacity to process information. Clutter is a form of visual distraction, which increases cognitive overload and can reduce working memory. If your space is unorganized and filled with clutter it can be difficult to focus or concentrate. Research has shown that people are less irritable, less distracted, more productive, and better able to process information with an uncluttered and organized work area.”
So, get out the donation boxes and trash bags and make some space. (Click here for more Advice for Decluttering your Home.)
“Shop” Your Home
What treasures may be lurking in your attic, basement, or garage? Do you have boxes of Aunt Hazel’s vintage porcelain collection simply gathering dust? How about your mum’s silver candlesticks? Wedding gifts still in the boxes? Or various décor items that you purchased yourself and then simply tired of?
Polish the brass, wash the crystal, and use these fab finds, relegating other, less exciting items to storage. Rotating (especially seasonally) keeps your space from becoming stale.
Simply Rearrange
When you rearrange furnishings and art, you trick the eye into seeing something “new.” And this doesn’t cost anything (although your family may become weary from moving the couch… again!).
When I was just starting out on my own, my Great Aunt gave me some wisdom which I never forgot. She told me to make sure each home purchase would work in several spaces. So, a side table in the library could do double duty as a hall table, or a pretty lamp would work in both a bedroom or a den. This makes rearranging so much simpler.
(Note: When changing artwork, be sure to use Command Hooks whenever possible to avoid damaging walls.)
Host a Décor Swap
The saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” really is true. For example, my adult daughter regularly hosts clothing swap parties. This is a great chance to get together with her friends, drink a little wine, and leave with something new-to-you. Why not do the same with home décor?
The swap can be set up by category (everyone brings a few vases), by dollar amount (home décor items under $50), by holiday or theme, or by intended use (kitchen gadgets for example).
Textiles Add Color and Interest
Is your dining table generally naked? Add one of your prettiest tablecloths for an instant update. Swap couch pillow covers (or the pillows themselves). Toss on a throw, quilt, or colorful blanket from your linen closet at the foot of your bed (or an end of bed bench).
I also change drapes seasonally. On the main floor living area, I have a floral pattern for spring-summer and deep blue velvet for fall-winter. And, while I don’t always feel like I have the energy to take down the old drapes, iron the new ones, and hang them, I am always so pleased with the end result!
Embrace Upcycling to Refresh Your Home
Especially in the dark days of winter, when we are trapped indoors, getting the creative juices flowing and upcycling existing pieces can be fun.
One of my favorite You Tubers (Sherry from Canterbury Cottage) regularly posts upcycling projects that are simple and only require materials you probably already have at home. The bonus is that your upcycled piece is completely unique – and often a real conversation starter.
Do you have more ideas for updating your home, without spending a cent? Please share in the comments!
Liked this “Refresh Your Home … Without Spending a Cent” post? For more great ideas, please visit Fabulous Interiors for inspiration. And, while you’re here, please take some time to enter our current home, garden, beauty and style giveaways.
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