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Do you want to make your builder-grade home feel more like you? You don’t have to invest much time or money to give your home a custom look. These simple decorating ideas will instantly upgrade your home with minimal effort.
I do not enjoy DIY projects, so I look for other ways to add character to my home. You can have a beautiful home just by using simple decor pieces. Choosing the right decor is important and is relatively quick and easy, elevating everyday and average items.
I am inspired by classic coastal style, so many of my decor purchases incorporate wicker and rattan accents, scallop details, and accent colors like blue and green.
No matter your decor style, these affordable home decor ideas will help inspire your next purchase.
1. Wall Art
Wall art is a great way to add personality to your home. You can find affordable options at thrift stores and HomeGoods or work with an artist to create a custom piece.
I love the pop of color this framed dried limelight hydrangea print added to my dining room. Wall decor is the best way to fill up a blank space. I like browsing Urban Garden Prints because they offer prints and framing.
Do you know this simple wall art hanging trick? The first step is to place a strip of painter’s tape on the back of the frame long enough to cover where your nails/hooks need to go. Mark the spots for the nails/hooks on the tape and stick the tape on the wall where you plan to hang the frame. Use a leveler, add the nails/hooks, and hang the frame! This works for mirrors and picture frames, too.
One of my favorite budget-friendly ways to incorporate wall decor in my home is by making DIY intaglio art. You could also use a gallery wall or a large mirror. These are some of my favorite wall art options that you can shop online.
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2. Coffee Table Books
This may be an obvious suggestion but by far the most underrated! Coffee table books are my favorite way to incorporate pops of color in my decor. You can save a lot of money on designer coffee table books by shopping for them on Amazon. I’ve found the same books for a fraction of the price, especially if you purchase them used. Bonus points – they ship free!
Aside from the color of the cover, another thing I look for when buying coffee table books is the text written on the spine. This is a fun small detail to add to your home by incorporating a book from your hometown, your favorite author, etc.
3. Reupholstered Cushions
This is a simple way to make an average item look completely custom. I love the style of this chair, but wow – reupholstering the cushion with this fun blue and white blockprint fabric added a unique look to my home. This is my desk chair in my home office, but you could also consider reupholstering cushions on dining chairs, ottomans, and benches.
I mentioned I do not enjoy DIY projects, but this one was SO easy. I just followed this tutorial from the Ballard Designs website. This is also a wonderful way to give new life to an old piece of furniture and is highly recommended by interior designers.
4. Tissue Box Covers
Who knew tissue box covers doubled as decor?! This is probably my favorite home decor upgrade on the list. We keep tissue boxes in almost every room in our house, so I have purchased a few tissue box covers. I love this green and white blockprint one but I also have a few of these rattan tissue box covers. There are so many options out there that you can find one to match your personal style and color palette. This is a small change that makes a big impact!
5. Cordless Lamps
Cordless table lamps are a newer trending decor item that I love! I have several of these throughout my home because they are cute and functional. I have one on my kitchen counter, desk, console table, and a pair on my dining table. The best part about these lamps is that they are very convenient during power outages. Most come with a USB cable or a charging base.
They come in so many different colors and styles. Elevate the look by adding a fun shade.
Did you know you can cut (or tuck) the cord on almost any lamp and make it cordless using one of these lightbulbs? These are some of my favorite cordless lamps that you can shop online.
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6. Roman Shades
An often overlooked upgrade you can make in your home is with window treatments. I was pleasantly surprised when I started researching different options that many are not that much more expensive than standard blinds. I wish I had done this research before we purchased blinds, so now I am slowly switching out the blinds in my home for a more custom look.
I replaced the blinds in my primary bedroom first. I have always loved the look of the rattan and woven Roman shades and found these bamboo shades on Amazon! We have had them for a few years and I find them easier to clean than regular blinds since they don’t get as dusty. I paired them with these pinch pleat curtains also from Amazon. This gives an interior designer look but on a budget!
7. Tablecloths
A new tablecloth can completely change the look of your dining space. Whether you want something more traditional and classic or fun and unique, many beautiful and affordable options are available. A tablecloth is also a great way to conceal any wear and tear on your table so you don’t have to replace it as quickly.
I love pops of blue and green so this blockprint tablecloth from Amazon was an obvious choice for my classic, coastal dining room. It gave the space a new look!
Conclusion
Curated decor is an easy way to upgrade your home without breaking the bank. These decorative items elevate everyday and otherwise average pieces. The best part is that you can customize them to fit your design style.
Other simple ways to upgrade your home besides decorative elements include peel and stick wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint. You could add a pop of color to your laundry room walls, kitchen cabinets, or front door without having to paint a whole room.
Most of the changes I have made in my home over the last few years are decor-related. Taking the extra time to consider small details will give your home a more custom look.
