Open space living and dining room interior with flat tv, grey sofa and wooden table with trendy chairs
Ever feel that decorating itch and then get a shudder at the thought of how much a full-on update would cost?
Yes, we’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to dish out boatloads of cash or know a contractor to make your home look fresh and stylish.
All it may take is one simple swap, say, swapping out an upholstered armchair with a leather swivel chair in a neglected living room corner, to totally up the ante. Because, as the saying goes, work smarter, not necessarily harder.
Focus on One Area at a Time
Taking on the whole house at once is a fool’s game — and scarily expensive. Instead, think incremental. Maybe it’s the living room — the place where your family lives and congregates and where friends crash. Maybe it’s the bedroom. The place you consider your domain, and that domain only.
Dip your toes in the water by starting small. Add a cozy throw, a couple of textural pillows, and a standout swivel chair. Just what you need for designer digs. No need to tackle redecoration on all other fronts.
Rearrange What You Already Have
Sometimes, change involves nothing more than moving around what you already have, shaking things up by borrowing a piece here and there from other areas of your house. Afterward, that tired old space you never use will feel like ground zero.
Find a space’s strong suits and make sure the room’s layout capitalizes on that, whether it’s the room’s fabulous corner windows, a newly whitewashed accent wall, or a new favorite painting, or — if all else fails — go for the swivel chair.
Pro tip: Stick a mirror in the mix to help reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space.
Mix High and Low
There’s nothing that says “I’m an adult now” more than integrating both lower-cost options and well-thought, totally worth-the-money investment pieces. Don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty. Some of the coolest items out there can be found at flea markets, thrift stores, and even estate sales.
Play With Color and Texture
Paint is so cheap and quick and makes such a difference, there’s really no excuse for not experimenting. If all else fails, you can always paint over it again. Start with a single accent wall, and go from there.
Different tones and fabrics add up to a lot of look and feel. So don’t be afraid to layer your leathers with your meltons, your velvets, and wovens. It’s about creating a space that feels layered, cozy, and personal.
Light It Up (Right)
Good lighting is a game-changer. A room with well-layered light — think overhead fixtures, soft table lamps, maybe some twinkle lights — has a way of feeling cozy. If you ask me, a swanky chandelier doesn’t hurt either.
Install a dimmer switch or toss up some string lights to give your room a warm, soft light. Lighting is another one of those sneaky elements that can evoke a mood far faster than wall color can. Plus, let’s be honest, everybody looks good in good lighting.
Think Function and Flexibility
Home décor should be more than just a pretty face, it should work for you, too. Enter the swivel chair. They’re stylish, functional, and small-space-friendly. Use it to read, hang with guests, or swivel around to gaze out the window. These chairs give your room a little extra flair and functionality, all in one swoop.
Maybe a fun swivel that is a fun pattern, or maybe a neutral tone that can lighten up your room. Brands like Serena & Lily offer pieces that pair style and function so well. They make the whole-home thing seem so much more attainable.
Green It Up
Adding in a few plants is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make your place feel fresh and alive. Snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and other greenery are great options. If you lack a green thumb, don’t worry. There are some fantastic faux plants out there these days. Grab one and set it up next to that swivel chair of yours for a little reading nook. Or in that tiny corner that could use some love.
Curate, Don’t Clutter
Remember, when you are trading up, less is more. Instead of adding in a ton of ‘things,’ think about what really sparks joy. A couple of framed photos. A vase you love. A textured throw. The small details can help tell your tale.
Decorate your space with intention. Make room for what sparks joy. You don’t need a big renovation or a big bank account to feel totally at home in your space. With all the right moves, some small investments, and a little space swap (like a chic swivel chair or an updated furniture positioning), your home game can look elevated while staying easy on the wallet.
Keep it simple. Keep the inspiration. And remember that a home that looks incredible is one that feels like it is exactly you.
