Decorate Chic on the Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas to Help Now

Decorate Chic on the Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas to Help Now nudges you to think more creatively about your approach to personalizing and beautifying a space. But it also demystifies the process with concrete steps. It just may make your bank account love you. As we tiptoe around my home, you’ll get pep talk from a thrifty soul who has learned more than a few chic yet cheap tricks over the decades. 

Serene breakfast nook in kitchen with window seat. Belgian linen pillows and slipcovered arm chairs. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #serenedecor #breakfastroom #windowseat #belgianlinen
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space.

I’m also sharing shopping resources from my own house since I know I’ll be asked!

Decorate Chic on the Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas to Help Now

Why We Need These Ideas

Let’s talk budget. Sweet cozy Moses, it took a fair amount of cash to breathe life back into the neglected and forlorn fixer upper we renovated DIY style and call home! Decorating it became a supreme adventure in frugality. Instead of buying new, I shopped my house.

White Scandi Christmas decor in my farmhouse kitchen with Frasier fir wreath and Swedish candelabra at the farm sink in our white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #christmaswreath #hellolovelystudio #scandichristmas #christmaswreaths #candelabra #swedishchristmas

I’m sure plenty of renovators can relate to a common pattern of events: expensive disasters inside walls and underneath floorboards unexpectedly spring up. Invisible though they be, they take precedence. Paying for repairs inevitably cuts into the decor budget.

Christmas decor in Hello Lovely's entry is as simple as red boots, plaid scarf, and pom pom wreath. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating #simplechristmas #pompomwreath #redboots #holidayhomes and

You can indeed trust the low cost decorating ideas here since girlfriend has lived it. She also has a doctorate in decorating while student-loan-poor! Before becoming homeowners, we were macaroni-and-cheese-in-debt forever with student loans.

Lean years train your eye, spark creativity, and teach dollar-stretching, chic yet cheap lessons.

Serene white modern farmhouse kitchen with Euro modern French country style. Vintage Flower Market sign from Urban Farmgirl. Viatera quartz (Minuet) countertops and Louis linen upholstered bar stools. Round breakfast table and two linen slipcovered arm chairs. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #serene #timeless #tranquildecor #frenchcountry #modernfarmhouse #whitekitchen
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space. Choosing the right white quartz for our kitchen was challenging indeed. To learn about the process of arriving (finally!) at the right choice, see this.

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

Resources from Our Fixer Upper

Devana 4-Light Candle Style Chandelier - come learn how to decorate chic yet cheap with these no-cost ideas.
Devana 4-light candle style chandelier…in case you need a romantic ilghting idea
French Louis Bar Stool
French Louis Counter Stool…in case you love French country design.
Folmar 30" Bar Stool
Set of 2 Louis Bar Stools…hello charming indeed.

Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE “WHITE”

Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors! #benjaminmoorehalo #behnjaminmoorefrenchcanvas #benjaminmoorewhitedove #bestwhite #whitepaint #choosingwhite #paintcolors #benjaminmoorewhite #benjaminmoorewhitedove #benjaminmooreclassicgray #benjaminmoorecollingwood #benjaminmooreacadiawhite #benjaminmoorefrenchcanvas #benaminmoorehalo
See this story for choosing the best white paint colors.

Just in case you care to know the paint color we coated walls, ceilings, and trim with…see it at bottom left of the infographic above.

Weathered white farm table with cheeseboard, red wine, rustic branch in blue bottle, and peely shabby chic door in background. Come discover how to decorate chic yet cheap! #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #tablescape #cheeseboard #vintagedoor
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space.

PIN THIS POST to save it for later!

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 1

Choose One Room

No need to trigger an anxiety attack by tackling more than a single room at a time. Is there one space that torments you and is long overdue? Which one space have you wanted to most address?

Come discover how to decorate chic yet cheap with these no cost ideas. My living room and dining room with Belgian style, and timeless tranquil decor. #hellolovelystudio #belgianstyle #belgianlinen #europeancountry
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you love simple, laid back decor.

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 2

Put On a New Mind

Here’s what I have observed over the years. Even though most folks totally understand on an intellectual level the concept of shopping their own home for decor, they struggle behaviorally and emotionally and get big time stuck.

Our master bedroom and bath have rustic knotty alder interior doors and liberal doses of French country. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #alderdoors #romanticdecor #rusticelegance

No wonder we become paralyzed! Getting started is truly the biggest hurdle because let’s face it…most of us have excess stuff. It is often spread out across rooms, closets, garages, basements, and storage containers.

Belgian linen club chair with industrial accent table in my European country living room with French fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #livingroomdecor #europeancountry #belgianstyle #serenedecor #interiordesign

Should you not feel empowered, equipped, or in the mood to BEGIN the process of shopping your house, you may need to first put on a new mind. You can also get organized by starting HERE.

Hallway in our modern yet traditional European country inspired home. Paint color is Benjamin Moore WHITE. Come discover how to decorate chic yet cheap! Belgian linen, white oak hardwood flooring, and gray accents. #hellolovelystudio #belgianstyle #europeancountry #belgianlinen #whiteoak #greatroom #benjaminmoorewhite
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space.

Pretend Dialogue

You: WHAT THE HECK IS SHE IMPLYING? Fake it til you make it, mindful manifestation yada yada and somehow a CHIC LOOK magically arrives?

Me: Nope. Not faking it. By ‘putting on a new mind,’ I mean leaning into a higher consciousness beyond your current mood, past failures, or lingering doubts. No need to be a slave to the old mind. Putting on a new mind is transformative business! It freshens the slate and shifts you into SWEET MOTHER, LET’S DO THIS like right NOW!

(Feeling more motivated? Because I highly doubt you’ll find this advice inside any of the shelter magazines you leaf through at Target.)

Charming French country inspired garden with pea gravel and boxwood. Come discover how to decorate chic yet cheap. #hellolovelystudio #gardendecor #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcourtyard #peagravel #outdoordecor

A new mind is golden. With your new mind in place, you can get to gettin’! Shop your stuff and look at your treasures with fresh eyes.

A 3-legged stool in my bathroom near the clawfoot tub has a Diptyque candle and a book of poetry. White roses in the background. How to decorate chic yet cheap? Come see! #bathroomdecor #hellolovelystudio #rusticstool #diptyque
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space.
Oyedo Candle by Diptyque
Oyedo Candle…not cheap, yet cheaper than flitting to Paris (and you WILL be transported by these complex Diptyque scents!).
Three legged rustic wood stool
Rustic Wood Stool…in case you need a sweet lil’ perch.
My living room with Benjamin Moore "White" walls, catwalk, and Belgian linen furnishings in the great room. Wanna learn how to decorate chic yet cheap? #hellolovelystudio #catwalk #greatroom #Belgianstyle #belgianlinen
Alder door opens into a neutral bedroom with linen upholstered egg chair and grisaille mural on wall - Hello Lovely Studio. Care to learn how to decorate chic yet cheap?
European country neutral decor in the dining room with round table, lantern, Belgian linen slipcovered arm chairs, and Louis wood oval back dining chairs. Ready to learn how to decorate chic yet cheap? Etagere is from RH and has vintage treasures and books. Original art flanking etagere is by me. #hellolovelystudio #europeancountry #diningroom #etagere #belgianlinen #lantern #rustic #neutral
How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas…certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without breaking the bank and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space.

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 3

Clarify Your Design Style

Dig in the archives here if you need inspiration to get started. Pin like a bandit! Consult Pinterest if you like.

Then grab a post-it note and write down the style you’re after. Narrowing down the design style primes the path for the next steps.

Subdued, understated, and serene, a tone on tone wall covering with gray trees sets a calm tone in a bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio. Ready to learn how to decorate chic yet cheap? #wallcovering #photowall #treewallpaper #hellolovelystudio
See how a mural transformed this guest bedroom HERE.

Determine Color Scheme

On another post-it note write down the color scheme that sings to you. All white? Moody? Bold? Tranquil greys?

White linen slipcovered Belgian style chairs and a moody abstract painting in a bedroom by Hello Lovely Studio. Want to learn how to decorate chic yet cheap?

Don’t get distracted thinking about the color of the furniture in the space at this juncture. There are creative ways to incorporate colors that make you feel good.

Hello Lovely Studio. How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas...certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without spending a penny and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space without breaking the bank.
Propeller Arm Maritime Table Clock
In case you need a pop of metallic on your bedside table…Howard Miller Table Clock.
My bedroom with white oak wood floor, French country furniture, bronze overscaled lamp, and Stikwood (Hamptons) reclaimed wood plank statement wall behind bed. Let's learn how to decorate chic yet cheap! #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #frenchcountry #rusticdecor #whiteoak #stikwood #hamptons #cottagestyle #shiplap
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you love decorating ideas on a low budget.
Marchant Crochet Cotton Bed Skirt
Crochet Lace Bed Skirt…in case you’re looking for a similar look.
Hello Lovely Studio. How to Decorate Chic Yet Cheap: 9 No-Cost Ideas...certainly lovely indeed! Decorating without spending a penny and interior design help as well as concrete ideas to spruce up your space without breaking the bank.
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you’re in the mood for more decor ideas.

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 4

Empty the Room

You’ll want to clear everything from the room or at least as much as you can. So empty the space of small furniture, accessories, lamps, and decor so you are able to clearly see the room in its bare state.

Hello Lovely Studio's serene white bedroom with Stikwood (Hamptons) statement wall, cottage style furniture, knotty alder door with oiled bronze hardware, and white oak wide plank hardwood flooring.  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!

Paint if Necessary

Does your plan involve changing the paint color? Now is the perfect time to paint those walls! Check out these stories for paint color inspiration:

Calm Paint Colors

Tranquil Blue Grey Colors

Choose the Perfect White

Classic bathroom with modern farmhouse fireclay console sink by DXV. Wallpaper is Thibaut. Venetian mirror. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdecor #thibaut #dxv #consolesink #venetianmirror
Find the resource guide for this bathroom we created from scratch here too.
Venetian Mirror - let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Venetian Mirror…in case you love romantic decor

Shop my home

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
Antique Brass Floor Lamp
Helmsley Bronze Door Hardware
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Laurel Wreath Mirror
San Jose Handleset for Front Door
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Silver End Table
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Knotty Alder Interior Door
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Alabaster 30″ Lamp
Louis Ghost Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Linen Dining Chair
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
PARIS Framed Print
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
Tulip Style Modern Round Dining Table
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Holborn Lantern Pendant
Tray Side Table
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Bridge Kitchen Faucet (Stainless)
Jute Area Rug
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
Venetian Etched Mirror (24″ x 36″)
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Polished Carrara Subway Tile
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Antiqued Sunburst Mirror
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Round Marble Side Table
Linen Slipcover Dining Chair
Wicker Patio Chair
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Belgian linen upholstered chairs, white oak hardwood flooring, and a French fireplace in our European inspired country living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #interiordesign #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchfireplace #serenedecor

Clean Like a Clean Freak

Go ahead and dust, scrub windows, and vacuum that sweet little space as if Ryan Gosling, Suzanne Kasler, and the cast of Downton Abbey is coming over. You will not believe what a difference a deep clean will make to your attitude!

Belgian linen slipcovered arm chair (RH) with animal print faux throw, antiqued silver campaign table, and knotty alder interior door. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #belgianlinen #alderdoor
Smart and sensible no-cost spruce ups for your home as well as resources from my house.
Cirebon Silver Accent Table with rectangular top.  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Silver Cirebon Table…certainly charming.
Abequas Metal End Table - let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Black Metal Accent Table…certainly one of my favs!
Seshadri Throw Blanket
Animal Print Plush Throw Blanket…in case you need a little edge.
Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle -  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Aveda Shampure Candle…in case a complex scent irresistibly reminiscent of Paris appeals.
Knotty alder front door with speakeasy opens to a pea gravel French inspired courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #entry #courtyard #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #interiordesign
Smart and sensible no-cost spruce ups for your home as well as resources from my house.

Photograph & Analyze

First, take a photo of that sparkling clean space. Next, analyze the photo and take cues from seeing the room in this medium. You may be surprised by how this method guides you. Is the furniture arrangement in the room balanced? Does your eye travel to a particular focal point, and is it desirable? Is the room too dimly lit?

Christmas decor in Hello Lovely's entry is as simple as red boots, plaid scarf, and pom pom wreath. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating #simplechristmas #pompomwreath #redboots #holidayhomes and

Are curtains hanging at the proper level? (A quick change could pack a huge punch.) Do the drapes appear too heavy?

How is the wall color working?

Serene white kitchen with Shaker cabinets, fireclay apron front farm sink, bridge faucet, Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet), and marble subway tile backsplash -hello lovely studio. Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap! #kitchen #whitekitchen #serene #classic #quartz #subwaytile #viateraquartz #minuet
Smart and sensible no-cost spruce ups for your home as well as resources from my house
Kohler Bridge Faucet - let's have a chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Kohler Bridge Faucet…in case you like my kitchen faucet.

Jot Down Specifics

Write down specifics about what you’re less than happy with on another post-it note. Maybe the coffee table seems the wrong scale or the bed should be relocated. Would the space look fresh and airier without the area rug?

Serene white kitchen decor. Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet). Louis French linen bar stools. Carrara subway tile taken to ceiling. Fireclay farm sink. Modern Italian range hood. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #classicdecor #serenedecor #frenchcountry #viateraquartz #Minuet

Note whether you feel better or worse (on an emotional level) with the room cleared and spare. Do you feel lighter and more at ease? Feel anxious and jittery?

Your emotional response will help to guide the rest of the process.

Serene whit kitchen with windowseat. Countertop is Viatera quartz in Minuet. Paint color is Benjamin Moore WHITE. Belgian linen French bar stools and slipcovered arm chairs with round wood dining table - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #frenchcountry #serene #belgianlinen #europeancountry #neutral #windowseat #breakfastroom
Romantic and white French country bed reflected in a leaner mirror in the bedroom. Floors are white oak hardwoods. White crochet lace bed skirt, Rustic three legged teak stool holds pink roses. Knotty alder closet door is full of character and oil rubbed bronze egg knob. Stikwood (Hamptons) reclaimed wood statement wall. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #stikwood #hamptons #knottyalder #alderdoor #whiteoakflooring
Diamond Matelasse Cotton Coverlet - come chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Diamond Matelasse Cotton Coverlet…hello lovely indeed.

Arrange Furniture

Decide where the furniture should go to best FUNCTION for your needs. Have a friend with a good eye for such matters? Feel like changing it up? Have fun with this part of the process!

White serene kitchen with Minuet quartz countertop from Viatera. Marble subway tiles were taken to the ceiling. Louis French linen bar stools and window seat. Come chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap. #hellolovelystudio

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 5

Time to Shop Home Sweet Home

Shop your house for décor items when you are well-rested and feeling confident. You’ll be making determinations about whether the decor item is what you care to see on a daily basis.

French doors from kitchen to dining room with Belgian style. Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet sheap! #hellolovelystudio

This may be a great time to have a bin or garbage bag at the ready for donations! Find a mix of treasures old and new for the most interesting and personalized result.

Entry to our European country inspired home. Rustic alder front door with speakeasy from Pacific Entries. Oil rubbed bronze handleset. Vintage French prayer chair and dropleaf country table. Paint color on walls is Benjamin Moore WHITE. #benaminmoorewhite #hellolovelystudio #entry #rusticfrontdoor #prayerchair
Pacific Entries Rustic Alder Front Door With Speakeasy #alder #knottywood #rusicdoor #exteriordoor #speakeasy #oldworld
Rustic Alder Front Door With Speakeasy…in case you like my front door.

A BRIEF PAUSE FOR THIS quiet, peaceful, decidedly different LOVELY chic COTTAGE experience! (I won’t be surprised if you all immediately search FB Marketplace for an old ladder!)

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 6

Consider Hidden Potential

Try to look at the objects you gather from around your home with wonder. Find a piece of really bad art (or good art in a horrible frame) that has been gathering dust and is the right size for your space? Maybe you could give it a little makeover or tweaking.

Abstract seascape by me rests on reclaimed barn wood bench. Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap! White flooring and white linen curtains (RH). #hellolovelystudio
Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Bench -  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Bench…in case you like my bench.
In a classic bathroom, fireclay modern farmhouse console sink. Venetian mirror over sink. Wallpaper is Thibaut. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdecor #classicdecor #venetianmirror #consolesink #farmsink

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 7

Create New Art

Take some artful risks even if your masterpieces were never showcased on the gallery wall in third grade. Creating something original is an honorable, no cost way to inject your unique personality into the space.

Serene white kitchen with white oak hardwood flooring. Shaker kitchen cabinets, Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet). Carrara subway tile taken to the ceiling. Modern range hood - Hello Lovely Studio. Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
My white studio with Belgian style linen chairs and European country style - Hello Lovely Studio. Care to chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap?
White oak laminate flooring -  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
We recently installed wide plank, oak-look Montego Oak laminate flooring in my studio (above), and it is similar to the white oak real hardwood flooring throughout our home. The PRICE is insanely LOW at .99 per sq. foot!

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 8

Recycle & Re-purpose

Don’t forget you can steal furniture–not just decor–from other rooms in your home.

An unused bedroom dresser can become a console table or bar. A stack of coffee table books can become a side table.

Window seat in breakfast nook. Belgian linen pillows and vintage galvanized pail holding dried hydrangea.. #hellolovelystudio Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!

Chic Yet Cheap Decorating Idea No. 9

Consider 6 No-Cost Decor Options

1. Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for FREE items.
2. A branch from the yard in a clear glass jar or vase can create instant organic interest.
Rustic reclaimed wood coffee table in great room. Large glass vase with branch. #hellolovelystudio Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
3. Experiment with throw pillows you already own; try mixing unexpected color combinations. Discovering ‘chic’ is subjective and YOUR chic need not be your neighbor’s chic.
Belgian style living room with minimal yet coy charm. Belgian linen egg chair and club chair. French fireplace. Arch window and white oak flooring. Hello Lovely Studio. Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
4. Lazy, no-sew slipcovers were one of my go-to strategies in the lean Ramen noodle days and beyond! A canvas dropcloth, coverlet, quilt, or fabric yardage may hold chic potential on a sofa or chair.
Hello Lovely Studio's serene vignette in my studio with white reclaimed barnwood farm table, old mason jar as vase, colorful fruit, rustic cutting board, and peely weathered vintage door in background.  Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap!
5. There is a fine chance family members or friends have something you need in their cast-offs pile. Ask.
Rustic reclaimed wood shelves of etagere in our dining room. Vintage crucifixes from Europe on the shelf with other treasures. #hellolovelystudio #rusticdecor #reclaimedwood #shelves #vintagecrucifix
6. If you have magazines lying around, skim for potential art to frame in existing frames you own.
White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
Antique Brass Floor Lamp
Helmsley Bronze Door Hardware
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Laurel Wreath Mirror
San Jose Handleset for Front Door
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Silver End Table
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Knotty Alder Interior Door
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Alabaster 30″ Lamp
Louis Ghost Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Linen Dining Chair
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
PARIS Framed Print
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
Tulip Style Modern Round Dining Table
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Holborn Lantern Pendant
Tray Side Table
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Bridge Kitchen Faucet (Stainless)
Jute Area Rug
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
Venetian Etched Mirror (24″ x 36″)
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Polished Carrara Subway Tile
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Antiqued Sunburst Mirror
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Round Marble Side Table
Linen Slipcover Dining Chair
Wicker Patio Chair
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
 Let's chat about how to decorate chic yet cheap! Detail of Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet) with fireclay arm sink and bridge faucet (Kohler Parq). Hello Lovely Studio.

I’m all ears…do share design wisdom to ease the process of making over a room without spending a dime!

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

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
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White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
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Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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22 Comments

  1. April 4, 2019 / 12:44 pm

    Hi Michele!
    Great advice here! I love the idea of shopping your own home for items to repurpose and painting everything. You are inspiring, girlfriend!

    • Michele
      Author
      April 4, 2019 / 6:44 pm

      Hi Holly – yes and especially when it leaves more room in the budget to buy original art by you! 🙂

  2. Joanna
    April 4, 2019 / 3:30 pm

    Ha! I just did this exact thing last week. I took a painting of mine out to be re-matted with white and a thinner, lighter frame a couple of months ago. It had hung in my bedroom but was perfect (with the tweaking) for over my mantel. I removed everything small from the livingroom, dining room and kitchen, and then brought in white, some soft green and some organic bits. I shopped my guest room, office and even my shed to come up with enough to make fresh, light vignettes on the mantel, tv console, coffee table, etc. The only thing bought new were two lovely, soft white jug/vase from Italy. I tried some green cushions on my sofa/loveseat but ended up taking them away. I needed to keep to my neutrals. It is a refreshing change for little money wise.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 4, 2019 / 6:46 pm

      Mmmmm sounds like wonderful sprucing up. I too just bought a rustic jug I love – it looks wonderful but I need to figure out what to put inside it since it seems a little lonely. 🙂

      • Joanna
        April 5, 2019 / 1:31 pm

        I love simple cut branches from my garden. They cost nothing and add that little organic touch. Would that suit your rustic jug?

        • Michele
          Author
          April 5, 2019 / 1:41 pm

          Absolutely. I will post pics of it…it is large, and I’m wondering about white roses a la Pamela Pierce!

  3. Margarita W.
    April 4, 2019 / 5:45 pm

    Thank you so much for these great ideas I am about to tackle my guest bedroom/office. I will take your suggestion with clearing and cleaning the room first then, I plan to paint my dark colored desk in some shade of white and the walls a light grey. Hopefully I can find some cotton or linen bed coverings at Home Goods or similar stores so it won’t cost me a fortune. Next I need to pull out some books from my over crowded studio into this room so I would shop for some book cases on either Let Go or Craigslist. To complete the room I love the idea of shopping in your own home/garage to furnish other parts of your home!

    • Michele
      Author
      April 4, 2019 / 6:48 pm

      You are off to the races! You go! You have reminded me that I too need to find some book cases since my collection is overflowing. I struggle with dusty booksso I wonder if I should be thinking of a glass doored cabinet. Here’s to shopping our homes! 🙂

    • Michele
      Author
      May 1, 2019 / 9:12 pm

      Thank you so much, Bev! See you at the party! xox

  4. Robin
    August 31, 2020 / 10:10 am

    What a wonderful way to begin my week with your helpful and encouraging post! Your ideas and suggestions are spot on, and so appreciated. Sometimes it’s a little overwhelming looking at those beautiful little squares on Instagram and Pinterest and their perfection. As always, your suggestions are doable, encouraging and beautiful. Thank you! I’m looking forward to incorporating all your suggestions. On a side note; I am keeping your son and family in prayer. I hope his situation is improving ❤️

    • Michele
      Author
      August 31, 2020 / 10:22 pm

      Thank you so much for the feedback – I appreciate it so much! And the prayers. Oh, please keep us in yours, friend. I’m doing well, but it will likely be a long journey back to health and strength for our son. What a vicious toxin and disease…we are all doing our best and muddling through with faith and BIG LOVE. Sending peace to you right where you are.

  5. Amy
    August 31, 2020 / 10:41 am

    So many great decorating ideas to be reminded of! Ditto to all the wonderful lessons the lean years teach us! I absolutely LOVE your original artwork…the moody pieces in your LR & spare bedroom & equally so the light & airy pieces in your kitchen and the one sitting on a bench! That is totally what I’m wanting for our home! One thing I’m learning I like by taking my time to decorate our new home and putting off hanging things on the wall is…I actually love the absence of things on the wall & elsewhere so far! It is very calming and allows the beauty of the structure of the home to shine through even more…the wood, tile, stone, marble, shiplap, calming shades of white paint color, and green plants. I’m also getting rid of most of my smalls (which I’ve had a lot of thru the years) For me @ this point in my life…fewer bigger items pack a better punch! We recently ordered a very large cabinet, large sectional, & even large TV (we are big movie watchers & SEC football fans) for our LR & I’m so loving the look and feel of lesser small stuff & fewer more substantial pieces that, Lord willing, we will keep forever! I’m sure I will add a few more things but am being very choosy! Plus less to clean up, dust, and be distracted by! Ha!

    • Michele
      Author
      August 31, 2020 / 10:19 pm

      Yer girlfriend here is nodding her head – yes to less smalls! Many of mine are resting in that giant sideboard in our living room! No time to dust all those littles. How nice to be able to simply use the vacuum attachment on tabletops. Thanks so much for the kind words about my art – it’s pure pleasure creating it, and I do love the meditative exercise it is for me. 🙂

  6. Cheryl Jardine
    September 1, 2020 / 8:06 pm

    Loved this article – thank you showing us how to shop our homes and not just rush to the nearest decor shop. I am doing a spruce up of our living room (very small as we have downsized) and especially interested to know if you painted or stained the drop leaf table in your entryway. I have been checking a lot of second hand sources for one about the same size and switching some “white” furnishings to wood tones. Thanks so much and look forward to many more posts.

    • Michele
      Author
      September 1, 2020 / 11:01 pm

      So happy to have you here! Oh that little table. One fall morning shortly after moving in, I thought: I need a petite entry table to drop keys at. I went straight to a junky antique mall nearby and saw it immediately in the front for $25. I did nothing at all. The stain has worn off from prior use and age. It has remained in that spot for 5 years so not a bad morning bargain! 🙂

  7. Amy
    August 27, 2021 / 8:18 am

    Always love seeing your beautiful home! So much to love. I especially love the little ceramic dog you have on your mantle, your rustic coffee table, & the wonky small table with wheels beside your chair. Of course your original artwork is spectacular …all of them! I absolutely love the video you shared today…where do you find all these wonderfully unique ones?!! The girl reminded me so much of you…her creativity, love of simple life, & her wonderful humor!! My fav thing was how she said “Hi” to everything!! 🙋🏼‍♀️Thanks for starting my Friday off with a smile!! Happy wkend, friend!

    • Michele
      Author
      August 27, 2021 / 8:30 pm

      You make me smile and feel ten feet tall. Thank you for the loving kindness, beautiful friend. xox

  8. Tradie Link
    October 1, 2021 / 2:39 am

    It sounds great. Thanks for your advice and tips. very helpful thank you. I appreciate your hard work.

    • Michele
      Author
      October 1, 2021 / 9:31 am

      Thanks so much for reading.

  9. Asset Resources Group
    December 21, 2021 / 6:33 am

    I do love reading your blogs, You did a great effort for these decorations, Continue inspiring us.

    • Michele
      Author
      December 21, 2021 / 10:12 am

      Thanks for visiting.

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