When looking for a refresh, one of the main questions is how to give your space a boost without breaking the bank. The good news is that some of the most effective and easiest ideas may cost little or nothing at all.
Here are some top tips.
--Shop your home. Before purchasing anything new, consider rotating accessories, artwork and accent pieces from one room to another. A vase from the bedroom or a lamp from the den can feel brand new in a different setting.
--Lighten up your textiles. Swapping heavy throws and dark pillow covers for lighter fabrics such as linen and cotton can help to signal the season. New pillow covers are an affordable way to change the look of a sofa without replacing the pillows themselves.
--De-clutter surfaces. Few things freshen a space faster than removing what does not need to be there. Try limiting countertops, coffee tables and consoles to just a few favorite items for a clean, minimal look.
--Edit shelves. When styling bookshelves and displays, less can truly be more. Leaving some open space around the objects you love helps each piece stand out and gives the entire room a calmer feel.
--Organize. Baskets, trays and lidded boxes can be inexpensive options when it comes to organization. Grouping remotes, chargers, mail and other small items in one attractive container can make a room look instantly tidier.
--Refresh and rearrange. One of the most effective free updates is simply moving your furniture. Angling a chair, floating a sofa away from the wall or repositioning a rug can make a familiar room feel entirely new.
--Bring the outdoors in. Fresh greenery is one of my favorite ways to enliven a space, and it can be completely free. Clippings from your yard, a few branches in a vase or a pot of herbs on a windowsill can add life and color to any room.
--Bring in light and fresh air. Never underestimate the power of clean windows and open drapes. Adding a lightly scented candle or a bowl of fresh lemons can also help a home feel brighter and more welcoming.
--Create an outdoor lounge. You do not need a full patio set to entertain outside. Pulling a few indoor chairs onto a porch or patio, layering an outdoor rug and adding pillows can help to create an inviting space for guests.
--Set the mood with lighting. String lights, lanterns and candles are budget-friendly ways to make evenings outdoors feel special. Soft, layered lighting can help guests relax and encourage everyone to linger.
--Welcome guests with small touches. A pitcher of iced water with lemon, a stack of pretty napkins or a tray of glasses ready to go can help entertaining feel effortless. Thoughtful details often matter more than expensive ones.