14 Simple Updates That Will Transform Any Room

Updating a room doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This post is full of ideas that can breathe life back into your favorite spaces. 

It’s the new year. All of the Christmas decorations have come down and your house is feeling a little…empty. Or maybe you’ve had the same decor for awhile now and it’s just time to spruce things up a bit.

Well you’re in the right place. This post is full of ideas on how you can satisfy the decorating bug without spending a ton of money or having to change everything.

Redecorating doesn’t have to be extensive. A few simple touches are all you need to breathe a little bit of life back into your favorite spaces.

1. NEW THROW PILLOWS

Throw pillows. You either love them or hate them. But they’re a decor item you definitely don’t want to ignore.

Finding the right combination of them can make a space look both dressed up and inviting. Whether you’re doing up a cozy bed or giving your couch a makeover, throw pillows can easily transform a space.

Try mixing up patterns, textures and sizes to give your space the right balance. Maybe you’re going for a guest-ready and put together look. Or maybe you want a more natural, lived-in feel.

Any way you style them, throw pillows complete a look. And the best part about them is that you can change them up whenever you’d like!

Money saving tip: You can REcover pillows you already have! There are so many cute sew and no-sew DIY options out there. Or you can order pillow covers on places like Etsy or on any home decorating website. The options are endless!

2. NEW CURTAINS

Changing out your curtains can completely change the look of a room. Explore your options in materials and patterns to really customize your look.

Updating a major focal point like curtains can give a room a completely new feel without having to redesign the whole space. It’s an easy upgrade that doesn’t even require a paint brush!

Decorating tip: Hang your curtains high and wide to make your windows appear even bigger!

3. REPLACE LAMP SHADES

Did you know that you could give an outdated lamp a completely new look just by changing out the cover? It’s true! Picking out a brand new shade could be just the update you need.

On a tight budget? Try finding a cute DIY tutorial to update a cover you already have!

4. ADD A FLOOR LAMP

Or maybe your current lamps are just fine, but you have an empty spot that could use a little extra light.

Floor lamps are a beautiful and functional addition to any room. And they don’t have to be expensive or fancy to do the job.

A new floor lamp may be just the thing your future favorite reading spot needs.

5. ADD GREENERY

Nothing livens up a space more than a bit of greenery. And it doesn’t even have to be real!

Faux greenery has come a long way throughout the years and if you choose well, you can’t even tell the difference. There are some amazing faux stems out there. Grab a few along with a beautiful vase and voila! You have an easy addition that requires no maintenance. And it’s easy to change whenever you want.

Try olive or eucalyptus for a look that works well with any season.

Maybe you’d like a tree instead? Artificial fiddle leaf figs and ficus trees are popular options.

6. LIVEN UP A BORING WALL

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, how about making a statement with a blank wall?

Accent walls are a great way to personalize a space. You could keep it simple or go crazy, but the best part is that it’s just ONE wall.

I have a whole post about accent walls if you need ideas!

Or how about a gallery wall?

You could try the increasingly popular grid-style gallery wall. Or you could come up with your own pattern for your picture frames. You could even mix frames, clocks and other decorative pieces. However you style it, a gallery wall is a great way to transform a boring space while also showcasing your pictures and other artwork you love.

Budget hack: You don’t have to go out and buy matching frames. Gather up some frames you already own. With a can of spray paint, you can create a whole new set of frames! (Just be sure to remove the glass before painting.)

Maybe you want something less busy on the eyes.

Go for either a giant mirror or piece of art. If you don’t have a huge budget, that’s ok! There are some pretty classy DIY ideas out there! (Check out how I made a large piece of art for my dining room for super cheap!)

You could also DIY some abstract art or order large prints on Etsy. 

7. PAINT THE WALLS

If it’s a more dramatic change you need, then painting is the perfect solution.

This option is a little more work. But if you’re room is needing some change, this will definitely get the job done.

Bonus tip: Try adding in these unconventional painting supplies to make it easier!

8. PAINT THE FLOOR

Paint the floor? Yes!

Replacing your tile or linoleum floor can be an expensive and tedious project. So why not paint it instead! This upcoming trend will instantly update your room without emptying your wallet.

9. UPDATE PICTURE FRAMES

Here’s an easy update that requires a lot less work.

If you already have picture frames hung or on a shelf, try simply changing them out! Maybe it’s time to update family pictures. Or maybe you’re ready for some fresh art.

New pictures and art will give your eyes something new to look at and could be just the pick-me-up your space needs.

Inexpensive art hack: Look no further than your old magazines. Perhaps there’s a beautiful picture in there just waiting to be displayed in a frame!

10. NEW BEDDING

In the bedroom, one of the things that will have the biggest impact is changing out your bedding. Just that one change will make it feel like a brand new room. So if you’ve had your bedding for awhile and want an easy way to change up your room, give this a try.

Pillows can also completely change the look of a bed. Find some new ones or rearrange the ones you already have if you want a less drastic change.

11. NEW SHOWER CURTAIN

Sprucing up your bathroom could be as simple as hanging a new shower curtain. Go one step further and grab a new floor mat and you’ve got a whole new look!

12. NEW RUG

This may not be the cheapest way to get a fresh, new look, but it’s certainly simple! If you don’t already have an area rug, this could make a big impact. And if you already have a rug, swapping it out with a new one will definitely bring the change you need.

Or maybe it’s just time to get your current rugs or carpets cleaned. You’ll be amazed at how clean rugs and carpets make everything feel brand new all over again.

13. UPDATE YOUR PORCH

Ok, this isn’t inside, but updating your porch is a great way to change things up. Bring some of your personality outside.

Get a new door mat. Or even layer a fabric one under a cute coir mat. Next, add a decorative wreath or welcome sign to your door.

You could even finish the look with some plants. Just make sure to get ones appropriate for the lighting your porch provides.

14. REPURPOSE ITEMS AROUND THE HOUSE

You may already have everything you need to spruce up a room.

Try rearranging the furniture. Update your shelves by switching items around. Or try rotating in different items from around the house. Get creative with what you can find.

Being able to display things you already own in a fresh new way is a great way to achieve a fresh new look.

Breathing life back into your spaces doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Adding a few simple things in, or even taking a few things out, can be just the pick-me-up your home needs.

What spaces in your home could use a little sprucing up?

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