I’m not the type who has boxes full of seasonal decor up in my attic (other than Christmastime, of course). I just love to move things around a bit and sometimes spend a few dollars to make things feel fresh again as the seasons come and go.
I like my main living space to match what’s going on outside. If it’s fall, I love my space to feel cozy and warm. In winter, I love plenty of light. In spring, it’s color I love. And in summer, I’m all about fresh and fun.
Based on my own style of “get it cheap and get it cute”, and how I love to use what I already have, here are some ways I’ve found to make my home feel fresh again for nearly nothing.
1. Use books to decorate.
There isn’t a room in our home that isn’t packed full of books. We’re big fans. Books serve many functions. Other than the reading of said books, I adore decorating with them. Whether I’m leaning a book against a wall on a shelf, strategically placing a small stack in a certain color, or putting them out based on the season they pertain to. I’m crazy about using books as a centerpiece for my decorating.
2. Shop your own house.
I’m not sure if I learned this in one particular place or not, but for years I’ve been moving things around from room to room giving framed pictures, baskets, candleholders, pillows, furniture, and lamps new life. Try it — you’ll like it.
3. Buy inexpensive items that make a big statement.
A few months ago I bought two pennant banners made from thick brown craft paper for $1 each. Right now they’re making a fun and light-hearted statement in my living and dining spaces. Houseplants are also an inexpensive and beautiful way to bring in some color (if you can manage to keep them happy and alive too.) Have I ever mentioned my love affair with washi tape? Cheap and fun. Go ahead and tape something to the wall!
4. Bring the outdoors in.
I make it a point to try and use whatever rocks, branches, pinecones, and flowers (dead or alive) my kids bring in from the outside. Pinecones made a great “wreath” at the base of a glass votive candle holder and pussy willow branches are gorgeous placed in a jar atop a stack of books!
5. Spruce up your throw pillows.
Changing out throw pillow covers can make a huge impact. Several times over the years, I’ve sewn my own pillow covers to change things up. I use pillows I already have, thrifted pillows, or pillows that are crazy ugly but are so cheap on clearance I can’t help but cover them with a print I love. If you can sew a couple straight lines, you can make your own throw pillow covers. Tip: I line my covers with fusible fleece, found in the interfacing section at the fabric store. It irons onto the inside and makes your covers look like they came on the pillow. No more floppy cases.
6. Collect fun and timeless pieces that will work for any season.
My favorite pieces in my living room are ones that have either been handed down to me, I’ve gotten for free, or I’ve paid $26 or less for. One is a dresser that has been in my family since before I was born (which now holds homeschooling books and supplies.) Another is a stump my husband lovingly chopped down, peeled, sanded, and dried out for me to use as an end table or seat. One is a magazine rack that was refurbished and painted a fabulously distressed apple red I paid $26 for. Another is a round antique end table with a small drawer given to me by a family member. And the last is a wooden bench I scored at a yard sale for $10. Your living spaces don’t have to be filled with expensive items or furniture. The more nostalgia, the better the deal, and the most versatility is my top reason for keeping things around my home.
7. Treat yourself to fresh flowers.
Sigh. I’m crazy about fresh flowers. My kitchen island is happiest when a vase of cut flowers adorns it. I treat myself to a bunch every couple months, and my husband brings them home every few months when my day has been especially trying. We both speak this love language of mine. It’s a pretty and inexpensive way to liven up any space. I’m also not against artificial flowers. In January, after putting away all the Christmas goodies, I snagged a few bunches of fake flowers in hopes of displaying some pops of color that would last because winter wasn’t going away anytime soon and this girl needed something colorful to look at.
Decorating Inspiration:
The Nesting Place – I love Myquillyn’s mantra: It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Country Living Magazine – Finally! A magazine that speaks my decorating language.
French Country Cottage on Instagram
HGTV’s Fixer Upper – I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t adore Joanna Gaines and her style.
Do you have a decorating style or tip you’d like to share? We’re all ears.
Come say hello and see more of Amanda’s home and family life over on Instagram!
Amanda Bacon
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