{Redecorating with what you Have}

We are on a budget.

A tight budget.

I am working part-time again, but since that is not our long-term desire or plan, we are saving every penny.  Even with me working, things are not cushy in the financial department.

For that reason, spending money on home decor items is not really an option.
However, I often get the urge for a change.  Whether it is the change in seasons or my creative spirit, I don't know, but sometimes I get restless.

So, with a budget in mind, I made a few simple updates to freshen up our main living area.  I did it all for $3.25!  I only spent that because I allowed myself to visit the thrift store and I came home with one vase.

I have a few more plans:

• A chair I have been meaning to paint and reupholster for over a year . . . oops. (I already have the fabric).

• Adding two or three more pillow to the couch in a bright coral ikat (I already have the fabric and am looking for some pillow forms at the thrift store).

Here are my tips for updating your home and giving it a fresh feel.

1. Move the furniture.

I have very few options as far as this is concerned due to the size of our living area.  the couch and piano are pretty much locked in place.  However, I can move a few of the smaller tables and chairs.  It definitely can open up a room and make it feel new.

Her is an in-progress picture.  This side table was a Christmas gift.  I painted it white.  The mirror was my parents forever.  The picture still needs to be hung.  The baby is adorable and I pray she never changes.  All items on the side table were elsewhere in the house a few days ago.

2. Shop your house.

Think of items you have in your home and move them around.  I definitely get comfortable where things are placed and have a hard time changing it up, especially if it means taking an item from a different room.  However, when I do, I am pleased with the new feeling our home gets.  My vases, banners, and candles are constantly changing location.

The blue vase was my $3.25 thrift store find.  The painting was about $8 from a thrift store a few months back.

3. Change up your art.

I change the location of frames, add a new one that has been tucked away, or change the pictures in the frames in order to keep things fresh.  I also like to print out free printables that work well with the current season.  This definitely keeps a space from feeling stagnant.

4. Give something old new life.

Two magic words: spray paint.  This wire basket has been mine since I was 15.  It was black with green and yellow sunflowers and was most recently sitting outside.  I wanted something to place our Bibles in, so they could sit out all the time while still looking neat.  A little white spray paint and wala: a new basket and a new look.


5. Try something new.

My friend Emily color coded her books awhile back and I copied her.  While this goes against everything my organized and Literary brain understands about book organization, I am liking the look it gives my bookshelf.  I tend to think bookshelves are cluttered no matter what, but this draws my eye away from clutter and to the colors.

6. Make something.

I made this sign out of old pallet wood, stencils, and paint I had on hand.  It is seasonal and, better yet, it was free! Win! (I think it needs another coat of paint to be more readable).

7. Bring the outdoors in.

I haven't really gotten into the terrarium craze (although I may consider it), but every once in a while I will buy some flowers.  I still have the greenery from my Valentine's bouquet displayed.  I also plan to use this pin to add some greenery to our home.  

I make a change in our living space about every month or so.  

Not only does it keep the house looking fresh, but these seven steps keep me from thinking I need to buy something to change up the house!  

{How do you update your home decor?}

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This post is linked with:

The Thrifty Home
Domestically Speaking
Creative Share
Savvy Southern Style