Decorating your home doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. At aIDyl, we believe that thoughtful, creative design should be accessible to everyone—no matter your budget. Whether you’re refreshing a tired corner or giving a whole room a mini makeover, here are 10 wallet-friendly tips to help you transform your space without spending a fortune.
Rearrange What You Already Have
Before buying anything new, take a look at what you already own. Check your attic—you might rediscover something that’s back in style. A simple furniture shuffle can completely change the energy of a room. Move a chair from the bedroom to the living room, repurpose a side table as a nightstand, or try your rug in a different space—you might be surprised how fresh everything feels.
Use Paint Strategically
Paint is one of the most affordable ways to make a bold statement or refresh a tired room or item. Try painting just one wall as a feature, give an old piece of furniture a new lease on life, or experiment with stencils to add interest. A single tin of paint can go a long way!
Add Texture with Soft Furnishings
Cushions, throws, and curtains can add layers of comfort and style without costing much. Look for budget-friendly options in neutral tones and mix textures—linen, velvet, cotton, boucle—for a curated look that feels luxurious. If you’re feeling crafty, you could upcycle an old cushion by adding a fringe, tassels, or other trims.
Shop Second-Hand
Vintage and pre-loved pieces not only save money but also add character. Browse local charity shops, car boot sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. You can often find hidden gems that simply need a little TLC. Plus, vintage pieces are often made from better-quality materials with superior craftsmanship—so they’ll last longer and are a great investment.
Switch Up Your Lighting
Lighting can completely transform the mood of a space. Swap harsh overhead lights for warm-toned lamps, fairy lights, or battery-operated sconces. Updating your lampshades is also a quick and inexpensive fix that can instantly modernise a room. For example—get rid of those dated ‘boob’ ceiling lights! Swapping the shade can make a huge difference to the feel of the room.
DIY Artwork
You don’t have to spend hundreds on wall art. Try your hand at abstract painting, print free designs online, or frame interesting fabric or wallpaper samples. A gallery wall made with inexpensive frames can become a stunning focal point. Can’t find a high-quality print for free? Try Etsy—you can buy downloadable artwork for just a few pounds and have it professionally printed for a fraction of the in-store price.
Update Hardware
Changing drawer pulls, cabinet handles, or door knobs is a small tweak that makes a big impact. You can find stylish options at budget-friendly prices online, in vintage or charity shops, or even refresh your existing hardware with spray paint. A basic IKEA Malm drawer can be completely transformed with new hardware—you wouldn’t even know it was an IKEA piece!
Bring in Greenery
Plants breathe life into any room and don’t have to be pricey. Look for low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos, or propagate new plants from cuttings. If you’re not naturally green-thumbed, faux plants still add a sense of freshness without the upkeep.
Declutter and Style Your Shelves
Sometimes less really is more. Declutter open shelves and display a few meaningful or beautiful objects—mix books, candles, and small pieces of art. You can also line the back of shelves with leftover wallpaper or contact paper for a quick pop of pattern and personality.
Create a Cohesive Colour Palette
Even the most eclectic spaces feel more intentional when tied together by a consistent colour palette. Use your chosen tones across soft furnishings, accessories, and wall art for a pulled-together look—no matter the mix of styles or sources.
You don’t need a big budget to create a beautiful home—just a bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment. At aIDyl, we love helping people turn their homes into spaces they truly love, whatever their budget.
If you’re looking to redesign your home on a budget, check out our Build Your Own Design service. It lets you choose exactly how much or how little support you need—so you stay in control of both the process and the cost.
Need more information? Book a free discovery call with us, where we’ll talk through your space and recommend what we believe will work best for you.
We work with clients all over the world—if we can communicate, we can design your space.