While I’m a design freak, I’m a frugal sort of design freak. Which is why these 10 Tips to Decorate Without Spending a Dime were relatively easy to articulate. The no-cost decor ideas are common sense reminders that we can make fresh changes around the house without getting ourselves in a tizzy. And I’m all for preventing the tizzy and welcoming peaceful living! You’ll also see peeks around our house, where I try to keep the mood natural, serene, uncomplicated, and minimal yet warm.
10 Tips to Decorate Without Spending a Dime!
Wondering about the paint color we used throughout our home? It’s the color shown on the bottom left of the infographic below:
BENJAMIN MOORE “WHITE”
In case you are considering white quartz for your kitchen…see this.
Tip #1
Get Pumped.
Shopping your house and using what you already
have is not an earth-shattering new concept;
yet we sometimes feel paralyzed
and clueless as to where to begin.
We may feel overwhelmed about confronting
all the “stuff” stored in a basement, garage, or closets.
It’s okay if you feel less than confident about beginning the process.
As you move through the discomfort, your confidence will grow. If it helps, think:
MICHELE SAYS I CAN TOTALLY DO THIS,
AND IT WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Because it will.
Tip #2
Pick One Room.
You’re going to begin with just one room,
so maybe pick the one you have dreaded addressing.
Why that one?
Because it can only get better, and that added confidence
just may carry you into the next project.
Tip #3
Identify Your Style and Color Scheme.
I know this may sound oversimplified, but it’s a way to get started.
Okay, first begin by sitting down with post-it notes, and a pen.
On a post-it, note the decor style you’re after for the room, and on another, the color scheme.
Going neutral? Tone on tone? All-white? Colorful and bold?
Don’t worry about the colors of your existing furniture at this point.
If you want to use pastels yet have a huge brown sofa
in the space, don’t freak out.
You can work with it!
Unsure about what interior design style you desire? Take time to peruse inspiration from the archives of Hello Lovely or Pinterest to identify the best fit.
Identifying the design style you’re shooting for makes it possible to execute the next steps.
Tip #4
Prep the Room.
1.
Step One: Clear as much as you can from the space.
Clear out small furniture, accessories, art, lamps, etc.
to be able to see the space in its barest state.
If you plan to paint, this is the time to do it.
Shop my home
2.
Step Two: CLEAN that room
Clean that room as if George Clooney, Princess Kate, and
the Dalai Lama are coming for dinner.
Make it sparkle!
3.
Step Three: Snap a photo.
Take a photo of your clean room.
4.
Step Four: Study the photo,
and you may be surprised how it guides you.
For example, you may see from the photo that
the furniture arrangement lacks symmetry or balance.
You may decide your curtains aren’t hung at the right level or the wall color is wrong. (Changing the height of your window treatment takes a little effort but costs nothing and could make a significant impact!)
On a third post-it note, jot down specifics with
which you’re unhappy and that disturb your eye
(i.e. coffee table is out of scale).
Also, note whether you feel better or worse
about the room in its minimal state.
Your emotional response at this juncture will
help to guide you in the next phase.
If you suddenly feel much better at the
minimal décor stage , this is important information.
i.e. You can still create an English cottage style
look for the room with florals, vintage, and country
accessories, but maybe it will be
“modern cottage style” with less clutter.
If you feel uncomfortable and as if you can’t wait to
layer on the art, books, and objects in the room,
this reaction too informs your next moves.
5.
Step Five: Decide on furniture placement.
Do you have a friend who has a knack for this?
Are you tired of its current placement and
anxious to try a new arrangement?
Go for it!
Tip #5
Shop Your Home.
As you shop your house for décor items,
decide whether the object/accessory/art is one
you want to see everyday…if it is, it will probably
work regardless of style since the last thing you want
is for every piece to say “I’m country,” “I’m modern,”
or “I’m rustic.”
An interesting mix is always going to be preferable.
Tip #6
Consider tweaking items that aren’t quite right.
For example, an inexpensive painting you picked up
at a garage sale years ago may be the wrong color,
but if it’s the right size, maybe paint over it!
Tip #7
Get Creating.
Creating original art for the room is a great way to put your personal stamp on the room and add interest.
Tip #8
Repurpose.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of furniture meant for other rooms…maybe that bedroom dresser can function as a
console table or bar and that stool can serve as a side table.
Tip #9
Don’t Forget the Garage.
When shopping your house, don’t forget to check the garage.
You may find an industrial object, ladder, or something weathered and rustic to bring contrast into an otherwise pristine space.
Know what’s awesome about shopping your house?
When in doubt, simply try it out!
Plus it burns calories to shop, doncha know.
Tip #10
Consider These No Cost Decor Ideas.
Flowers and Branches From the Yard.
A stack of books can become a side table,
Craigslist “Free” Section.
Castoffs from family/friends.
Original Art (or prints from magazines
or books for prints slipped into existing frames).
Lazy No-Sew Slipcovers
(dropcloth, bedspread, quilt, coverlet, or fabric
as a casual, unfitted “slipcover” for a sofa or chair?)
With certain design styles, (cottage, shabby chic, boho, etc.)
this loose fit look may work.
Pile on the pillows (experiment with unexpected color combinations)
BONUS no cost decor ADVICE FROM AN INTERIOR DESIGNER FRIEND of HELLO LOVELY:
“When I had my interior decorating business, it turned out most of my clients had rather small budgets which meant a “shop your home” approach. I actually loved doing that more than a ‘from scratch’ room because what the clients currently had gave me great insight into who they were.
My favorite times were when I’d say “May I have permission to shop your home?” and I’d find things they’d forgotten they had! I would often place accessories and furniture in rooms they’d never thought of using them or repurpose their use, making them look and feel new. Sometimes, with their permission, I’d paint all sorts of items.
One of my favorite stories: A new client said the only room in her home she truly liked was the bathroom. Immediately, when I saw it compared to her other rooms, I could see what she loved about it. A great starting point. The first big thing we did was to completely repurpose two of her rooms. We moved the too-big-for-the-space table and chairs into the adjoining room that had nothing but a small piano, a wicker chair and footstool in it. That room became the formal dining room, which was wonderful because it had a French door to the backyard. I purchased floor to ceiling soft, wispy semi-sheer curtains, a few new accessories, and the room was transformed! She was so excited because now she had a true dining area to entertain family and friends.
The small area that was previously unusable because the table was too large in the kitchen space, now held the wicker chair, footstool and a little side table I ‘confiscated’ from another room. For under the wicker furniture, I also borrowed a beautiful sisal rug from another room to define the morning coffee/quiet time area we’d created. She loved it all! And eventually I re-styled every room in her house. She worked in a very stressful occupation so it was imperative for her to come home to calm. (I must add that eventually I’d “shopped-out” her house and had to buy a couple things! Haha!)”
Thanks for touring our home and considering these decorating tips. Please share any tried and true no cost ideas in the comments!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Wow, another great post Michele! I have always considered myself a “More-Is-More” person when it comes to decorating, but seeing your beautiful, serene home, inspires me to make some changes….I was also just reading the other day about getting rid of all your “fillers”….the stuff you don’t really love….Anyway, I think the universe is trying to tell me something! Also, this is such GREAT ADVICE for shopping your own home….The steps seem really doable…This is the first time in a while that I feel like I can actually tackle some of my spaces that need help. Thanks Again for the beautiful encouragement and inspiration!!
Author
Thanks so much for the feedback!! I always find it helpful when someone demystifies the process a bit so I’ll try to do the same as a self-trained un-decor-ista as much as possible. I love so many ‘more is more’ rooms so I know the power they have when done right. Everyone responds differently, and that’s what makes thing interesting. Hope you can tackle a space and let me know!
This is excellent advice. Changing the furniture around can give you a completely different view of a room and make everything feel fresh. The same with taking away small items–it’s kind of like with Christmas, where having lots and lots of decorations feels special but it would be too much to live with all the time. When you put some things away and take them out again later, they feel new.
Author
I agree! The comparison to Christmas is spot on and especially hits home with me. I’m a personality who is very sensual and easily overwhelmed by Christmas decor even if it’s for a a few weeks. My parents will tell you I was mostly miserable as a child during the Christmas season and felt such shame about it. It’s interesting to consider what happens when a minimalist shacks up with a non-minimalist! In my case, my husband is as much a minimalist (if not more!) when it comes to interiors. You’ve inspired great thoughts here, friend. Thank you!
When I had my interior decorating business, it turned out most of my clients had rather small budgets which meant a “shop your home” approach. I actually loved doing that more than a ‘from scratch’ room because what the clients currently had gave me great insight into who they were.
My favorite times were when I’d say “May I have permission to shop your home?” and I’d find things they’d forgotten they had! 🙂 I would often place accessories and furniture in rooms they’d never thought of using them or repurpose their use, making them look and feel new. Sometimes, with their permission, I’d paint all sorts of items.
One of my favorite stories: A new client said the only room in her home she truly liked was the bathroom. Immediately, when I saw it compared to her other rooms, I could see what she loved about it. A great starting point. 🙂 The first big thing we did was to completely repurpose two of her rooms. We moved the too-big-for-the-space table and chairs into the adjoining room that had nothing but a small piano, a wicker chair and footstool in it. That room became the formal dining room, which was wonderful because it had a French door to the backyard. I purchased floor to ceiling soft, wispy semi-sheer curtains, a few new accessories, and the room was transformed! She was so excited because now she had a true dining area to entertain family and friends.
The small area that was previously unusable because the table was too large in the kitchen space, now held the wicker chair, footstool and a little side table I ‘confiscated’ from another room. 😉 For under the wicker furniture, I also borrowed a beautiful sisal rug from another room to define the morning coffee/quiet time area we’d created. She loved it all! And eventually I re-styled every room in her house. She worked in a very stressful occupation so it was imperative for her to come home to calm. (I must add that eventually I’d “shopped-out” her house and had to buy a couple things! Haha!)
I’ve done all of these 10 fabulous tips you’ve listed and give a wholehearted thumbs up to your great post!
Author
You’re such a fabulous designer! What a gift to your clients when you re-introduce their treasures! Can I have permission to add some of your commentary here to the post? I think the professional experience and wisdom offered would be helpful to a lot of people! “Shopping your house” is a compelling topic for me with my background in psychology. Since objects have energy, I find it intriguing to consider what we store away behind closed doors, what we choose to see everyday, and how living with all these things affects us on subtle levels. Merci for adding all this beauty. xox
Of course, you may add any of my comments.
I like that you mentioned “energy” of objects. There is energy all around us and I have a very direct connection to that because of my degree and continued work in music education coupled with my training in interior decorating. There are some things I’ve bought, thought I would love and/or use, stored them away after trying them out in a space, and ultimately donated to a thrift shop (most likely a different thrift shop than where I originally purchased them… 😉 )
My business motto was “Love the Home You’re In….Again!” because we all hang onto things that make us not as happy as we’d like. Getting rid of those unloved items or changing things up, is often one of the best keys to loving your home…again. 🙂
Author
Yay! Thanks so much. Keep bringing the seasoned experience and wisdom, please! I love your business philosophy and have much to learn from it. xox
Oh…… I wanted to add that every time I see photos of your home, I feel very relaxed and refreshed. To me, light interiors are a healing space and your home is one I could easily spend a lovely time in. To paraphrase what one of my friends said when seeing our home “I feel I can breathe!”
Every post you share is a much-welcomed start to my day. So very very happy I found your blog. 🙂
Author
I’m so flattered and humbled. A healing space is what makes me come alive. xox
Love the chandelier over the breakfast table (2 chairs). Do you have a source please?
Author
I will see if I can find it – it’s an antiqued silver chandelier from 2006 so let me do some digging, and I’ll circle back here. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Lovely, thank you. I am moving into a new a new home in downtown Charleston, SC and I think it will be perfect, somewhere. I am not sure exactly where at this point as the house is still empty and I have not really started the design process but, I will find a place for it … somehow it seems the chandelier needs to be (wants to be?) in the house, even before me!
Author
You’re so welcome. I am dying to visit Charleston – what a delightful place in store for you, friend. I love your intuition – you simply know this sparkly source of light is meant to be near you. Who can argue with the heart? xox
Author
Still haven’t found the exact chandelier and even checked eBay, but this is a similar silver leaf one: http://fxo.co/5k8k and I added it to the post. 🙂