The new year is the perfect time to hit refresh on your home décor. And you can make big changes for a small investment. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Pick a paint
Painting an accent wall can make your living room or bedroom feel brighter or cozier, depending on the hue. And a small can of paint won’t break the bank. Creamy colors like lilac, soft gray, or sandy pink are soothing and subtle, while bolder shades like bright green, blue — even black — lend depth and drama to a room. If you can’t commit to an entire wall, paint a door for a pop of color. And don’t forget the trim! A fresh coat along the baseboards is an essential seasonal update.
Upgrade your kitchen
Paint also works to make your kitchen feel new. Add a coat or two to the outside or even the inside of your cabinets. Switch out your hardware with new knobs or pulls — inexpensive options can be found at discount home-improvement stores — for an extra stylish accent.
Dress up your couch and windows
Using the color of your new wall as inspiration, change up the look of your upholstered furniture with new pillows or throws. Or try a cotton or linen slipcover in an eye-catching print. New curtains in a lighter fabric make any room feel airier.
Move things around
Shifting your art — and your accessories — can give rooms an updated look without having to buy any new pieces. Move pictures, lamps, or tabletop accessories from the bedroom to the living room. If you need a real change, but don’t want to spend a bundle, look into new accent pieces, such as a chair or a TV stand. Moving around your furniture is another easily achievable — and free — update.
Spring clean
Get things clutter-free by storing winter clothes and shoes, tossing out or mending broken items, and organizing your closet. New storage boxes, drawer dividers, and hangers can help your storage spaces feel more organized in a flash.
Make over your bed and bath
Swap out heavy covers and flannel sheets for a fresh new set of linens. January is when most white sales occur, so it’s the perfect time to invest in a duvet cover, bright pillowcases, or plush new towels.
Don’t forget the floor
A flat woven rug adds style and color to any room — even the bathroom or kitchen. Try a new hallway runner or living room rug, or clean the rugs you already own. Because your doormat is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at your home, a new welcome mat is a fun and affordable accent you can update every season.
Plant a beautiful future
Final touches such as a scented candle, a vase of dried or silk flowers, or a new houseplant can go a long way to revamping your home. An accent of greenery in a pretty pot instantly dresses up a coffee or dining table, helps purify the air, and livens up your space for spring.