Refreshing a room on a budget? Here’s how to make it look brand new

The literal age of your home doesn’t matter as much as the way it feels. Is it fun and fresh? Or old and tired? As you look around your rooms, do you feel like they’re firmly in the latter category? Time to breathe new life into your space with our budget-friendly home makeover ideas.

Transform dull walls with paint

Believe it or not, a simple solution can make a big impact. Just brush a new coat of paint on your walls, and your room will feel completely different. Don’t worry about following the latest color trend to bring your home up-to-date. It’s more important to choose a color you like — and one you will still enjoy in six months.

If you’re not sure, think about what colors you naturally gravitate to in furnishings and decor — and even your clothing. It also helps to consider the mood you want your room to evoke. Cool colors can make a small room feel more open. Rich jewel tones lend an old-money vibe.

Take your furniture color into account as well. If you have a gray couch, you probably don’t want gray walls.  To make your walls pop even more, add a texture with wainscoting.

Choose a paint color that makes you happy.

If your project is small — just a room or two — you could save money by doing it yourself. You will need supplies, such as paint trays, paint rollers, tape and plastic sheeting. For rooms with extremely tall ceilings, or for multiple rooms, consider hiring a pro. They’ll have the equipment and supplies to do the job quickly.

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If you’re in a rental, your landlord may not allow new paint. But you can still spruce up your walls with a temporary solution. Try peel and stick wallpaper to add a new look to your boring walls. Just remember to remove it when you move.

Personalize your home decor

Sometimes all you need to refresh a room is some new decor. Remember when homes had iron scrollwork everywhere? If you haven’t swapped out pieces for a few years, yours could be a little outdated. 

Create ambiance with artwork

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to art pieces you should choose, it’s about the ambiance you want to create. For example, if the room is your sanctuary for calming down after work, you might like neutral colored landscapes. If you want to infuse energy, consider abstract art. The only hard and fast rule: You should like it.

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Place plants around your home for subtle bursts of natural color.

Revive tired decorative pieces

How to refresh a room on a budget? Keep what you have and rework it. Neutral vases, baskets or other containers become trendy again when you replace their content. Where potpourri and word signs once ruled, today softer, natural elements breathe life into a home. 

Choose live plants — or realistic imposters — to subtly transform your home into a serene space. Place a tall tree or plant in the corner and place smaller greenery on side tables and bookshelves.

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Spruce up your floors with rugs

Rugs can add a splash of color to the room or a bit of texture. A thick pile will create a cozy ambiance, for example, while a fiber rug brings a bohemian vibe. Depending on the style, a decorative pattern can make a space feel refined or playful.

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Unique lighting fixtures bring more character to your room.

Use modern lighting to brighten your home

Aside from changing a lightbulb, you may not think about your lighting fixtures. But old lighting can make your house feel outdated. Today, there are loads of unique shapes and colorful shades to choose from. Switch up your bland lights to something that gives your room a bit of personality.

If you aren’t a DIYer, hire an electrician from KSL Services to help you install the new fixture. If you are attempting it yourself, remember to turn off the power before touching any wiring.

Renters don’t have the luxury of making significant changes, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to bland lighting. Spruce up your space with a decorative floor lamp or table lamp.

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Choose furniture to fit your style

While that hand-me-down couch from Aunt Carol was a blessing when you first got married, it no longer looks the part. Kids jumping on the cushions, late-night spills on the armrests — it’s just not too pretty anymore. Give your room a quick facelift with some new furniture.

How can new furnishings fit into a budget? You don’t need to spend a lot on generic new pieces to make your house feel beautiful. Secondhand furniture and decor from Utah’s KSL Classifieds is not only more affordable, it can give your home more character. 

Revamp your dining area

Elevate a tired dining table with a coat of paint, or sand it and restain it in a new color. If your chairs include seat cushions, recover them with a more modern fabric. Tighten all the bolts and you’ve got a new dining set on a budget. Add a centerpiece of fresh flowers for the finishing touch.

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Choose furniture in different shapes and fabrics to make the room more dynamic.

Make your living room more livable

Who says you need a matching couch and love seat? Believe it or not, your living room will feel more charming and put together if you mix and match furnishings. A velvet couch would pair well with boucle armchairs, for example. Or choose bright complementary colors such as a peacock blue couch and apple green chairs. Pull pieces together with coordinating pillows.

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What to look for when shopping secondhand furniture and decor in Utah

Before you get too excited about a particular piece of furniture you discover on KSL, be sure to measure your space so you know it will fit. When you go to look at a large piece, bring along a tape measure to double check all measurements. 

When you’re shopping for secondhand furniture, here are a few things to check for:

• Moving parts that work smoothly and close correctly

• Wobbly or loose legs

• Stains, tears or holes in upholstery

• Strong smells such as smoke or mold

• Water damage

Small nicks and dents can often be repaired if the furniture is made of real wood. If you find a piece you love but it needs a bit of work, consider hiring a pro to bring it back to life.

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Restyle your home on a budget with KSL

You can upgrade your home on any budget with help from KSL Classifieds. From weekend touchups to total makeovers, we can help. We have the unique pieces to furnish your home, and local trusted pros to help you finish your projects, all in one place.

Start your project today with help from local sellers and professional services on KSL Classifieds.