You’ve found your perfect home and created the life you’ve always dreamed of. Let us be one of many to say congratulations!!
Your home looks, feel, and smell how you’ve always imagined. It is a space you’ve invested in with warmth, intention, and plenty of money. You have done the hard part, actually getting the home of your dreams.
But, what happens when you’ve been in your home for a while, and it starts to look dated? Maybe you’ve been pulling inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest, and it’s time for a refresh? Not to mention getting it done on a budget!
Here are a few ways to add a new feel to your home without breaking the bank.
What is your budget?
Before we can jump into anything else we have to establish our budget. What is the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on your refresh? How do you want to allot your budget? Is your focus on one room or do you want to do a total home refresh? If you go over budget what is a sweet spot and what is non-negotiable?
When you establish your budget you are better equipped to tackle your projects. Keep in mind this is a refresh and not a complete renovation! Depending on your home, your vision, and your income your budget for your refresh will vary. Have your budget and how it will be used clear at the beginning ensuring a smooth process.
Say you’ve been thinking about refreshing your home for the past six months and have put 5% of your $5,000 monthly income aside for this project. You now have $1,500 for a refresh.
The key is to be realistic with what $1,500 can get you: reusable wallpaper, new textiles like bedding, pillows, and curtains, wall paint, and maybe a rug. If that is not enough money for your overall vision maybe you need to set aside more money per month. Another option is to refresh your home on a budget in phases – a little now a little later.
Whatever your approach, be clear on your budget and stick to it!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Now that we’ve established our budget and desired timeline, what do we want to do?
You’ve been scrolling on Instagram and come across Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, and The Junaglow. I get it the inspo is happily overwhelming your feed not to mention the vision boards in your Pinterest, saved links on your browser, and paint swatches from Home Depot.
Before your happiness turns into anxiety hone in on a clear vision of what you want your refreshed home to look like? What’s your aesthetic? What do you want your home to feel like? Smell like? Transform into? Because it’s your home, you have full range to play, get creative, and create whatever you want (one of the many luxuries of having your own home)!!
Your home could have a bold splash of color in the living room? Your refresh could include removable wallpaper. There is an endless supply of designs, colors, and sizes of wallpaper for you to choose from. You can even create a removable wallpaper design! If you’re not sure where to start, take a gander online or in the decor store and take notes. What do you feel drawn to? Are you looking for modern finishes or maybe a rustic touch? With limitless options, the possibilities are truly endless!
DIY or Work for Hire?
With your budget and style in tow, it’s time to get to work. But the million-dollar question is, who will be doing that work? I love a DIY project but sometimes I like to handle the creative side and leave the construction side to the hubby or a contractor. If it is within your budget to hire a contractor for bigger projects, go for it. That way you are saving time and money later down the road by steering clear of DIY mishaps and mistakes.
Your home refresh can easily morph into a weekend family project when you hand everyone a paintbrush, crack open the windows, and get to work. Or maybe your partner wants to whip out his toolbox and replace your kitchen hardware! Moving your furniture around and adding a new statement rug in your sitting room is an easy enough task to accomplish in a few minutes. Versus updating the guest bathroom shower tile which may take an expert a few more hours.
Don’t forget your budget when tackling your projects. And another word of encouragement: don’t be afraid to test out your creative and handy skills! If you’re still not sure, check out my interior design studio, Joy Meets Home as we’d love to help you!
You were able to refresh your home on a budget, and created a whole new space with just a few intentional touches. Hats off to you! Now kick back, pour a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and enjoy your humble abode with the affordable refresh!
Show All
