8 easy and cheap home decor ideas anyone can do
You don’t need to spend big to brighten up your home. Put down the power tools because these switches promise big impact for little effort.
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If spending more time at home has made you want to go completely House Rules on your home, might we suggest another option?
Instead of dragging out the power tools, there are easier and less drastic ways to upgrade your space. Think simple spruces and swaps that promise big results for a minimal investment.
1. ADD A BEDHEAD
From luxury quilted velvet numbers to intricate and unique designs, a bedhead (also known as a headboard) is an easy way to jazz up your bedroom. Headboards give you the option to buy a cheaper bed frame and spend a little extra on a headboard that matches your design tastes instead. While some need to be attached to the wall, others are simply mounted to your existing bed base with a bracket.
Artiss Queen Size Fabric Bed Headboard, $169.95 (Queen), from Amazon
A bedhead has the power to completely change the look of a room. It can add a pop of colour, bring warmth to a space and add a touch of luxe. It can make your bed look much more expensive and there’s also nothing nicer than leaning back against a lovely soft bedhead. This one from Amazon is padded and has a luxury hotel look. Add some crisp white bed lined and your update is done.
Home Republic, Bahama Rattan Bedhead Honey Half Moon, $399.99 (Queen)
Ratten is absolutely everywhere this season as we all try and bring a little bit of resort-style living into our homes. Match this bedhead with your favourite coloured summer bedding and you’ll feel like you are on holidays already.
Brosa Furniture, Atherton Queen Size Bedhead in Taupe, $239 (currently on sale $179)
This simple velvet bedhead will work with most bedroom styles making it an easy piece to add to your room without needing to do a complete overhaul. It also comes in slate grey and if this one isn’t quite right, there are plenty of other options.
2. CONSIDER AN OTTOMAN
A versatile and trendy buy, ottomans are an easy way to decorate your space. They’re functional too. Depending on your space it could double as an extra seat for guests, a footrest for your sofa, or as a coffee table or side table in your bedroom.
Artiss Storage Ottoman Velvet Blanket Box, $99.95, Amazon
Imagine eveything you can hide inside this stylish ottoman. It would be the perfect place to stow extra bed cushions and pillows overnight, or your winter quilt and blankets during the warmer months. In the living area, just open it up at the end of the day and throw all of the kids’ toys inside to bring some order back to your room.
The tufted seat and velvet finish make this piece feel that little bit luxe while still being able to fit in with most decor styles.
This versatile piece can do double duty as an ottoman or an extra seat in your lounge area and would look equally good in a bedroom. It comes in nine colours in addition to the rose one pictured here and you can even order free colour samples to make it easier to choose.
Mercer + Reid, Kensington Ottoman in Sage, $249.99
Anotherpiece that you can move around the house depending on your needs. From a bedside table to putting your feet up, you’ll probably find yourself needing more than one.
Freedom, Retro Velvet Ottoman, $329
3. LET THERE BE LIGHT
Good lighting is key to getting the most out of any space. Choose something with an architectural or sculptural design and it’ll be a functional and aesthetic buy as well.
Bermuda Table Lamp, Myer, $149.95
Freedom, Graham Table Lamp in Antique Brass, $129
Interior Secrets, Odette Bamboo Floor Lamp, $269
Harvey Norman, Cohan Table Lamp, $199
Lexi Floor Famp, Harvey Norman, $181
An oversized floor lamp can be a statement piece of furniture as well as creating mood lighting and task-based lighting for reading.
Leo Arc Floor Lamp, Brosa, $139
4. ADD A STATEMENT CUSHION
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you go rogue and cover every surface with a throw pillow. For a doable design hack, get one fancy statement cushion (think something with embroidery, fun textures or tassels) and surround it with some simple, plain and more paired-back options. It’s a wallet-friendly way to bring warmth, colour and texture to a space.
Adairs, Mustard Velvet Novelty Round Cushions, $39.99
Bed Bath n Table, Nordic Faux Fur Cushion, $29.95 (from $49.95)
Colour Drop Cushions, Gorman
Fiesta Llama cushion (59.95) and Amazilia cushion ($49.95), Bed Bath N’ Table
5. GET SOME ART ON THE WALLS
You don’t need to empty the bank account to inject some flare and personality into your rooms. Sites like Red Bubble, Etsy and Society6 let you buy prints, posters, cushions and more using designs from independent artists. You can choose from a range of different size dimensions or opt to have it framed too.
Typo, Mini Hoop Wall Art, $6.99
Paul Fuentes Photo, Palm Springs Tigers Art Print, from $49.17
HeloBirdie, Marrakech Riad Art Print, from $43.25
6. CLEVER STORAGE OPTIONS
Make your furniture work even harder by picking pieces that give you extra storage space. Think items like bar carts that organise your glassware, an ottoman with a hidden storage compartment or a ladder shelf to display your favourite books, photos and knick-knacks.
For easy kitchen and fridge organisation quick fixes, take a look at our previous article here.
Artiss, Wooden Hallway Console Table, $95.95
A console is a great piece to help streamline the entry area of your home. Choose one with drawers to stash essential items that clutter up your benchtops or get lost in the clutter. You can add a mirror above for a last minute check before you dash out the door or hooks to keep hats and umbrellas within easy reach.
Silver Mirrored Rectangular Bar Cart, Catch, $199
Time to break out the “good” glasses sitting in the back of the cupboard and show them off. It also comes in silver and black.
Ladder Storage Unit, Freedom, $89.95
7. MAXIMISE SPACE WITH A MIRROR
A mirror will automatically make your space seem bigger by giving your room the illusion of depth. Place yours facing a bright window or lamp and it will also make things brighter and airier by reflecting the light … All the better to catch that stray piece of lettuce in between your teeth.
Southhampton Mirror, Harvey Norman, $349
If you are aiming for a coastal or stylish Southhampton’s look this white wooden mirror will do the trick.
Maine & Crawford, 50cm Bagi Round Wall Mirror, Copper, $86.99
Interiors Online, Zeta Cheval Mirror Antique Gold, $359 (from $600)
Freedom, Solene Leaner Mirror 80x180cm, $399
8. QUICK FURNITURE UPDATE
Often big-ticket items like lounges have plenty of wear left in them but look a bit worse for wear or you are just tired of the colour you choose years ago. Recovering can get expensive but a much cheaper fix is a slip cover. They come in lots of colours and shapes to suit many popular lounge styles.
Printed Sofa Cover, Amazon, $34.99
Love nabbing yourself a great deal? Check out our coupons page for savings on top home brands like Bed Threads, Adairs, House and more.
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