Getting the designer look for less is something to aspire to, especially when decorating and updating your home. The task itself is seemingly endless and with that lengthy timescale comes anticipated costs, but there are a few ways you can tap into upmarket chic without decimating your budget.

Don’t underestimate candles

A few simple little votives or plain church candles will add instant ambience and classic elegance to a home, without requiring a huge financial investment. The colour of candle you choose will change the look and feel of a room, and Harper’s Bazaar has some good advice on how to make them last longer. Once you’ve decided on colour and style, go online and see what’s available from brands like vidaXL and you’ll be well on your way to a savvy investment.

Shabby chic yourself

Everybody loves charming shabby chic furniture, but it does seem to cost a fair amount. Save yourself money by finding a preloved furniture set and simply painting it yourself. There are countless online tutorials and style guides, plus more paint colours than ever to choose from.

Display your Picasso

If you have children that are budding artists, encourage their talent by using coloured masking tape to ‘frame’ large pieces of paper on the wall and then let them decorate as they please. Not only will they love having their art on display, you can rest easy that your walls won’t need another coat of paint and enjoy a bright display.

Curtains to outdated window dressings

Don’t throw our perfectly good curtains, just because they are a bit boring. Dig out your sewing machine instead and add pom-pom trim to tiebacks and the curtains themselves for an instant on-trend vibe that all ages will love. Ric Rac works well, too, though your sewing skills will need to be a little more advanced to attach it neatly.

Plant an idea

Houseplants have always had a knack for injecting oodles of style into any home but the way you display them can take things up an extra notch. Forget expensive plant stands, and instead look for old ladders and other interesting items that you could repurpose instead. Add paint for a colourful twist or leave natural for more of a Scandi feel.

Make a note

A big noticeboard in your hallway can add instant oomph to an otherwise uneventful space and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Simply grab a few packs of cork floor tiles and use an instant-grab adhesive to fix them to the wall. Add colourful drawing pins and even some homemade bunting for added wow factor or go the whole hog and string some fairy lights around the edge.

Throw cushions around

Old throws don’t need to be put in the bin, as they can easily be cut up and turned into cushion covers, with added design touches. Sew ribbon scraps, buttons or beds onto the front before completing the envelope back and et voila! New cushions, no waste and excuse to buy a brand-new throw for the new season. Your sofa will be unrecognisable, saving you even more money as you won’t want to buy a new one. Of course, if you are wanting or needing any new furniture (after all, not everything can be salvaged!) you might want to look at ElDoradoFurniture.com and other websites to find furnishing options that could speak to you and the home design you’re looking to complete.

Hang up your boring storage

Coat hangers can be given a new lease of life using simple washi tape. Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, it is similar to masking tape in that it can peeled off without leaving any damage, so you can refresh as often as you like. It’s perfect for hallway coat racks that need a spruce.

Budget home-furnishing hacks are a fun, easy way to inject a little more life into your house without committing to a full design overhaul. For the sake of a few hours and a small budget, you could create some eye-catching and impactful new additions that have guests asking you to make them some, too.