Just because you don’t have a big budget to spend on your home doesn’t mean you can’t create a space that is magical and feels just right when you walk through the door.

Often we don’t realise what little gems we have around the house or in storage that can be reused with imagination. We always say, shop your home first as often you don’t need to make that extra purchase.

Inexpensive items like paint and stencils can refresh the style of your rooms and create a new look without breaking the bank.

Here are our ideas for areas that give the most impact!

Before you embark on any project yourself it’s important to make sure you are physically in good shape and ensure you lift things correctly. Household DIY injuries are on the rise, so take care with each task and get a professional if you need to. If you do start to get aches and pains search for help in your local area such as ‘chiropractor Charleston’.

Entrance hall

First impressions matter, both for your visitors and most importantly for how you feel when you arrive home.

So begin by looking at your entrance or hallway. This is a high traffic area and so is easily scuffed or looks tired because it works hard. Consider painting it a warm, inviting colour. If the area doesn’t get much natural light warmer colours work better such as whites with a yellow or creamy tone. If you've not got the time to dedicate to the job, or just want it done right first time, you could bring in someone like a handyman near me in Fort Wayne in to get it done as quickly as possible and see what a difference a new colour makes.

If the entrance is large enough, move an old sideboard or console table into the space. This can be spruced up with a lick of paint. Or accessorise it instead. Choose a pretty bowl for keys. A vase with some real or faux flowers depending on if you have green fingers!

Line the drawers with scented paper and use them to hold lipstick, a comb, gloves, hats, scarves and masks! We have one drawer now just for post-covid necessities such as mini sanitisers, tissues and masks.

Finally hang a mirror above so you can do a last-minute check on everyone’s appearance before leaving and a lovely rug works well placed just in front of a console table or bench.

Upcycle Furniture

Do you have some older furniture which is useful but not looking its best? These type of items are perfect for a spot of upcycling. This is where you improve an item of furniture with a little work but no extra cost to you. You give it a new lease of life and it’s pretty satisfying.

For example, if you are looking for some extra seating in the kitchen or a place to sit in your hallway. Grab an old stool or bench and paint it with a bright and cheerful shade. Even if you don’t like too much colour. Keeping your walls neutral and your furniture or accessories playful is a great way to update your home.

After painting distress the edges by gently sanding with a fine grit paper. Use the new piece in your entrance hall so the kids have a spot to put on their boots. Or have it pride of place in the kitchen with some cosy cushions.

If there’s space underneath you can style it with wicker picnic baskets or great hats hung overhead.

Should you be the creative type and a little paint is not enough. Use stamps or stencils to embellish the furniture with motifs. This is a lovely ideas for furniture in a child’s bedroom.

If you’re quite adventurous use painter’s tape or frog tape to mark alternating stripes. Then paint these contrasting colours. There’s no limit to what you can achieve if you just give it a try.

Update your Windows

Cleaning your windows is always a good start and something we all forget to do. Vinegar and water with some newspaper is the most economical way to do this and gets good results.

For window dressings seek out white lace curtains at your local markets or antique fairs. These are often picked up quite cheaply and look on-trend.

Curtains and blinds can be found in charity shops very cheaply and then dyed to suit your tastes.

If you’re struggling with curtain rods or poles, the cheapest option is a plastic curtain track. Whilst these aren’t as pretty as poles they are easier to install without any help. To make them look more impressive you can add a pelmet over the top of the track to cover them.

Many people are going back to this option as heavy poles don't always suit the walls and can often fall out over time leaving unsightly plaster. They are also better for bigger and bay style shaped windows.

Instant New Accessories

Scour your home and turn a favourite object into something else. This could be a new lamp, vase or side table.

This works well with pitchers, ceramic coffee or teapots, watering cans, wooden spindles or urns and birdhouses. It may sound a little crazy but you will be surprised what you can repurpose.

There are even possibilities with plastic containers which used to be used for laundry detergent. Clean and empty them, cut the top off leaving a smooth edge. Paint a colour you love in a matt finish. Make sure the paint can cover the material you are painting, for example, plastic needs specific types of paint.

Now you have some new accessories to display. Remove clutter from your coffee or side tables. Then display just one great item on each table or a group of odd items. Odd numbers look better together.

Ideas could be to fill a clear glass bowl with shells or fruit or pine cones. Contrast the colour of the container with the items inside.

If painting is just too much effort head out to your local charity shop and find some wonderful vintage crockery which you can give a new lease of life.

Stylish storage

If you live in a house with very few closets, create your own storage. Use old chests of drawers or dressers and repurpose them for whichever room they’re in.

You could use one in a bathroom for towels. Another in the hallway for gloves and scarves. Think about how each item could have a place and be more flexible. Our homes are not as formal as they used to be so furniture can move around more now and fit in well.

Clear out any clutter, see which boxes, cupboards are being used and if they are still needed. How can you use them differently…

We have used old bookshelves for toys. Cupboards for shoes, toy cabinets were repainted and made into great living room furniture. Once you start to see your furniture as fluid you can save a lot of money and still bring instant style and personality to your home.