With 2018 well underway, many people will still be feeling the squeeze after splashing out over Christmas. If you’ve got a renovation planned and you’re looking to redecorate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost of it all. But, if you know the ticks of the trade, there are some simple ways to tighten your belt. Here’s our top tips for saving some cash when you’re revamping your home, and some advice on what not to do if you’re really determined to save long-term.
Get your dream flooring at a fraction of the price
Whilst paying for entirely new flooring may be costly, there are ways to get your desired look without breaking the bank.
If you’re set on having wood flooring in your home, you can find great deals with most online retailers. But if real wood is a little out of your budget, laminate is a great alternative that’s comfortable and cost-effective whilst still producing stunning results.
Breathe fresh life by adding some greenery
Plants can add another dimension to any room. They complement contemporary style by adding a splash of colour to rooms with a more uniformed colour scheme. If you’re concerned about your black thumb and not sure about looking after plants and flowers, small cactuses or succulents work just as well.
Add a touch of colour to dull walls
By focusing on only one or two walls in a room, you can at least halve the cost of your paint. If you don’t want to commit to re-painting an entire room, choose a colour that will match with what you’ve already got. You can even check out this handy colour scheme generator if you’re struggling for ideas.
Add extra light
There are a few ways you can do this, but the cheapest would definitely be giving your room a re-shuffle. Move any furniture that might be blocking natural light coming through.
If you’re taking our advice by adding a touch of colour by re-painting, use a light coloured paint on any walls that are facing the window. Another neat little trick is to add a few decorative mirrors, which help to make the most of the light your room gets.
Revamp your sofa with accessories
Rather than chucking out your sofa and forking out on a new one, why not accessorise? Add a colourful throw over your old furniture to give it a new lease of life, and complement with contrasting cushions to add extra style and comfort.
Buy furniture with dual purpose
If you are going to purchase new furniture, try and shave some pounds from your overall bill by finding pieces that serves more than one purpose. An ottoman or side table that has storage facility underneath or built-in drawers are common examples of using your space efficiently.
Ditch old curtains for a stylish roller blind
Old, worn curtains can ruin the look and feel of any room. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, consider ditching the curtains for a new roller blind. You can have one made bespoke to match designs already present in the room, or simply find a colour that matches your scheme.
Organise and declutter
Everything has its place, and you’d be surprised how much a room can transform just by moving clutter you’ve become blind to over the years. Organise your things and find a place for unsightly items, and you’ll quickly see a huge difference.
Repurpose and move items around
When you dive into your decluttering, you’ll most likely find some items and accessories you’d long forgotten about. See if there’s anything around your house that could be put to use in another room to change up the style. One decorative bowl, coffee table or a particular lamp can work wonders when placed somewhere new.
Use dividers to break up large spaces
If you’ve got an especially large room to deal with, decorating to make it feel homely can pose quite a challenge. By using dividers (which can also provide extra storage for your clutter), you can break the room up to incorporate different styles if you wish.
Sign up to mailing lists for discounts
If you’re in no rush to finish your revamp straight away, patience is key to finding the best deals. Sign up to your favourite retailers’ mailing lists, and keep an eye on any price reductions or sales. They could save you a pretty penny, whilst helping you out with ideas and style guides if you’re stuck on what to do next.
Look for furniture to upcycle
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a DIY-er, why not look for a bargain second-hand piece of furniture to upcycle yourself. Sand down and re-paint an old coffee table or cabinet for new-looking pieces at a huge discount.
The great thing about purchasing second-hand is that there’s always room to negotiate on price. Most second-hand stores are happy to move on their asking price, all you have to do is ask.
Do it all yourself
This should only be attempted if you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to handy work. Building your own shelving units, picture frames, chairs and tables may take time and effort, but you can make it exactly how you want it. Not to mention you’d only be paying for the raw materials. If this is for you, definitely go for it!
Giving your home a clear out and revamp isn’t easy. But, by using these tips, even the most strapped for cash will be able to do something new. What other tips have you got for saving money when decorating?
***Disclosure: This is collaboration post with Direct Wood Flooring. Please refer to my Disclosure Statement for further information. ***