Last month on the Designing Women Tell All we shared the predicted home design trends for 2024. This month we are sharing easy ways to refresh home decor. These will not break the bank or disrupt your home with a major renovation. They will, however, give a little spring like feelings to your home of rejuvenation and revitalisation!
Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world to do great things & then welcome us back for refreshment.
Melissa Michaels
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
Before we get going on ways to refresh home decor, we should start with a clean base. This time of year is the perfect time to do a thorough spring clean.
First take a walk around and see if there are any paint touch ups needed. If there is, it is best to fill, sand and paint prior to cleaning.
Next start at the top with walls, door frames, doors, windows, baseboards and floors and give them a thorough wash. You will be so happy you did this.
Now, let the light shine in on your beautifully clean home and let’s get started with the refresh.
WHOLE HOUSE REFRESH
Some items that help to refresh a home are things you can do throughout the home, so I will tackle those items first.
1. Replace window coverings
Window coverings are an easy way to update your home. So many stores (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Amazon) offer up-to-date styles at low prices so they are an inexpensive investment. Or you can go all out with designer window coverings.
If your window coverings are still in style, perhaps they just need a good cleaning to breath fresh life into them?
On the other hand, if you don’t need privacy, consider trying no window coverings. This can bring a modern feel to a living space.
2. Shuffle artwork
If you have a nice selection of artwork, move them around your home. It is so nice to see how they may look in new light and what beauty they will bring to a new space.
Also consider grouping pieces of art together as seen below. This grouping of art by Pottery Barn is artistically done with real life images (faux branches in the foreground) to pull the look together. Click here for more details.
If you don’t have a lot of artwork, framing a print is an inexpensive way of making it look like you have beautiful artwork.
Seasonal art is also a wonderful way to liven up a space. Even it if is just simple art, the color of it can convey the season such as warm earthy color palettes for fall, black and whites for winter, pastels for spring and a warm color palette or coastal color palette for summer.
If you are at all creative or artistic consider painting or creating your own art. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. Take a look at these two that I created.
This simple winter scene painted on a mirror has timeless appeal. Every year I look forward to bringing it out again. Click here for all the details.
Bringing together a painting and making it 3d with faux floral branches is also a pretty way to celebrate spring. Click here for all the details of how to make this.
3. Clean, fluff and possibly replace faux greenery and flowers
We all have them, that faux fern on an upper shelf that has seen better days or those faded faux roses in a basket.
Get them down, clean them off and see if there is a way of saving them. If not, bid them a fond farewell, they have served you well and replace with fresh faux greenery and flowers like these larger than life faux peonies below.
4. Update lighting
One thing that can date a room is old lighting fixtures. This is also an element that can easily be refreshed by swapping out an old light fixture for something new and up-to-date.
As well, in places where you don’t have lighting wired in, there is the option to put up battery operated lights. Isn’t that a great alternative?
5. Display collections, keepsakes and memories
Do you have china that has been passed down from generation to generation? Or how about a record collection with fabulous covers? Or how about old black and white photos from long ago, or gorgeous travel photos?
The big question is – where are all these treasures? Are they stored away in boxes to keep them safe? What a shame if they are. We always think one day we will look through these boxes but we never do.
Well the time has come to dig those items out, dust them off, and come up with a unique way to display them. Here are some ways to decorate with your treasures:
First, the china could replace the nicknacks in your china cabinet or display shelves in your kitchen. Bring out the valuable pieces and enjoy them. Below you can see how I displayed a collection I have of depression glass (Cabbage Rose).
That old record collection could be hung on a wall to look like a large installation of art. Now pair it with a record player below and actually play one every now and then. What joy it will bring to you and your loved ones.
Lastly, pick the best photos, group them into categories and create gallery walls throughout your home or maybe just create one with the best of the best. Imagine passing the brightest moments of your history daily?
6. Fall in love with rugs
A new rug is an easy way to freshen up a room or outdoor space. Whether it be a runner in the kitchen…
or a beautiful area rug in your office…
or a large rug outside of your front door…
They can make a statement along with providing different textures and also warmth and comfort to a room.
7. Declutter cork boards, fridges, etc.
Get rid of old stuff that you may have forgotten about like things you pinned on cork boards. Unfortunately cork boards can turn into a dumping spot and as they do they become unsightly and can cause a room to feel cluttered, disorganized or unattractive. Also consider replacing cheap or old cork boards and get one that is more decorative or has a lovely frame.
If you have magnets and a bunch of stuff on the fridge, clean it all off. Photos of your nieces and nephews, children’s artwork or report cards or sports schedules need a new home. Find nice frames for the photos, a scrapbook for all the artwork with one special piece of art framed and placed in a special spot that is changed out monthly, and place the schedule in a beautiful daytimer or take a photo of it and keep it on your phone for easy reference.
Now, let’s move on to specific areas of the home…
ENTRY
8. Make your first impression sparkle
Exterior doormats take a beating and most likely they need to be replaced yearly at the end of winter. Start spring off fresh with a nice new cheery doormat and coordinating wreath or basket of flowers.
I like to change them up as we head through the seasons. Sometimes I will keep the same doormat up year round but it is fun to play with it a bit.
Changing out the door wreath for the seasons is more of a necessity.
If you are tired of wreaths, consider a basket of flowers.
Or even a clutch filled with spring flowers. Click here for all the details of how to make it.
9. Paint a pretty door
Aren’t front or back doors painted a pretty color just the best? Whether bold colors like red or yellow or soft colors like a seafoam blue, refreshing your door with a lovely color is a great way to make your entrance feel brand new.
The light blue door below is on my greenhouse but see what I mean about painting a pretty door? It is so much better than if it was just white to match the whole greenhouse.
10. Rejuvenate the storage situation
At your back entrance/mudroom take a look at how you are storing things like gloves, hats, sunglasses, etc. If you don’t have any storage or your storage is looking old, then stylish baskets are a brilliant way to organize and store the small items. Don’t just get something boring, find something with pizzaz that also melds well with your color scheme and style. Make sure it is also sturdy and has a washable liner so that you can keep it looking good.
The baskets shown above in our mudroom cubbies have a metal frame with washable natural canvas liners. Nothing slips through the cracks or goes missing. If you are interested in all the details of our mudroom, just click here.
11. Don’t forget about reflections
At both your back and front doors, mirrors are a must. They allow you to check your appearance before leaving or opening the door to guests. They also make the space appear larger.
They are also great to decorate with at Christmas and add a little more sparkle to your home.
Or you can layer them in a bar setting to reflect all your beautiful glassware.
KITCHEN
12. Nothing says fresh like charming new tea towels
Replace the ugly tea towels you have had since you got married that are stained and ripped and get some pretty ones. This is another inexpensive way to update your kitchen. The selection available will make it hard to choose.
Don’t just keep put them out when guests are coming. Treat yourself to something that looks good instead of something that looks soiled. I guarantee it will lift your mood.
13. Get organized in style
The selection of kitchen organizational pieces is outstanding. Everything from beautiful gold paper towel holders, to fridge egg storage, to the best plastic baggie holders really make life so much easier.
Looking into our baggie drawer which used to be a mish-mash of various cardboard baggie holders to seeing a beautiful wood organizer makes my heart happy. I have it linked below in “Shop this Post”.
14. Keep it clean!
Not every refresh has to be huge, small ones can make a big difference too. Like replacing your soap dispenser. The glass ones with sleek labels are next level. They take a utilitarian object and make it sexy!
15. Make your island the star
We have an all white kitchen with white tile backsplash, white counters and almost white walls. While all white kitchens are my thing and I do love ours, I am craving some color. This spring we are going to be painting our island a lovely shade of blue to complement and elevate the Hampton style we are trying to achieve throughout the house. We decided on the island because it is an easier and smaller project to take on but it will give a whole new look to our kitchen. So if you need a little change in your kitchen, maybe this is an option for you too!
This beautiful island from Serena & Lily makes my heart very happy!
16. Restyle display shelves
At least once a season I restyle all our bookshelves throughout our home. It is fun to bring out beautiful books to match the season along with coordinating florals and decor.
DINING ROOM
17. Have fun with table linens
One of the easiest refresh ideas is to find a pretty tablecloth or charger plates. There are so many options available. One of my favorite places to look for inexpensive table linens is Homesense. Amazon has some great options too.
Tablecloths are so pretty now and have so many details, like this cute tassle edging on the tablecloth below. There are so many options, I think you can find just about anything to match all the different styles!
18. Decorate a chandelier
I started decorating my chandelier over our dining table quite a few years ago by weaving flowers or greenery through. It looks great in photos and even better in person. It is also one of the my styling choices that is most loved and commented on in social media, my blog, etc.
19. Incorporate cutlery bags into your tablescape
If you are looking for something new when it comes to setting your table, get some cute cutlery bags. These seem to be fairly new in the decorating world or not widely used but they sure are popular in our home and on my blog.
20. Get colorful with your cutlery
The credit for this one goes to my daughter. I never changed up our cutlery until she had a special occasion and wanted gold cutlery. When I saw what she ordered and how it looked, I was hooked.
For example, I paired this rose gold cutlery with a rose gold charger and china that had both rose and gold in it.
It adds unexpected visual interest to the tablescape in a subtle way.
LIVING ROOM
21. Don’t throw it out, paint it!
Rather than replace decor just because it isn’t the on point for the latest trends, paint it!
After moving from house to house and amassing a great collection of ceramic pieces, where not one matched another and certainly did not suit our light and bright coastal style home, I decided to give them a nice coat of white paint.
Below you will see a few displayed on shelves. I could not be happier. It was like I had gone on a serious spending spree.
You can also cover items in fabric, or decoupage with paper napkins. It is one of the easiest ways to get the latest looks without spending a lot of money. A win-win as far as I am concerned!!!
22. Become a furniture mover
Simply moving furniture around can make a room feel brand new.
Because I know that I will change things up and don’t want to ask my husband for help, I put thick felt pads on the bottom of all of our furniture so I can slide it around and into place.
23. Slipcovers are a game changer
Few of us have a budget to get new furniture every time new trends emerge but we can slip cover furniture! Slip covers can cover not only out-of-date furniture but also hide damage or stains. They are fairly inexpensive so if you want to experiment with bright colors, this is an easy way to see if they are something you can live with long term.
24. Get playful with new pillows and throws
We have the most comfy brown leather sofa that isn’t by any means in style, but adding trendy colors and textures in the form of pillows and throws, hides it’s lack of style and it looks wonderful.
Invest in a few high-quality pillow inserts in various sizes and then have fun purchasing pillow covers with coordinating throws with rich textures. They can make a bold statement with vibrant colors or add a warm minimalism with neutral or earthy tones. Or let your imagination run wild and buy a variety to create an eclectic style all your own.
Below is a beautiful sectional from Pottery Barn along with a wide range of pillows. The variety is what makes it interesting and visually appealing. This is so much better than a bunch of identical pillows.
Pillows are a fabulous way to let your personality shine through in your home. Watch your rooms come to life with these simple changes.
25. Replace the “black hole” in your living room with TV art
Smart TV’s allow you to display art from the internet right on your TV screen. Instead of that big black rectangle, change it up with some pretty art. There are so many options available or you can even make your own. I found a great article with all the details and found it very informative. Just click here if you want to learn more.
26. Give your indoor plants and trees some love
Don’t forget about the real indoor plants and trees as well. They can be looking a little weary but a good wash to remove any dust, along with regular fertilizer so that they are healthy can make a world of difference. Also consider changing up the pot they are in and re-pot them into something stylish and perhaps bigger to allow them to grow.
BATHROOM
27. Take a hard look at your cabinet hardware
A simple way to refresh your bathroom is to replace the existing hardware with one of the latest trends in hardware such as bronze or gold. You can do this in other areas of your home too like your kitchen, pantry, bar area or even the doors throughout your home.
We changed the hardware on our plain Costco vanity in our powder room and upgraded it to a beautiful designer style gold and black pulls. It was surprising how this small change could make such a difference. If you want to read all about the refresh, just click here.
28. Freshen up your bathroom linens
Like the kitchen and dining room, simply updating linens like towels and a bath mat can make a world of difference in your bathrooms. Don’t forget about shower curtains too. With so many options you could replace your boring old shower curtain with one that has a burst of colour in rich jewel tones, or one made of natural materials for a quiet luxury feel.
29. Update the little things
Look around your bathroom and see what is looking dingy – are your soap dispenser and toothbrush holder old? Check out Homesense or even Walmart because they have ones that look quite luxurious and could make a world of difference.
Are your cotton swabs and cotton pads in the packaging from the store? Put them in nice glass apothecary jars or glass containers with a chrome lid.
Store your makeup in a nice organizer rather than having it spread out across the counter. Simple organizational pieces in the bathroom can take your bathroom from cluttered and an eye-sore to a peaceful space.
Look at how beautifully organized this bathroom is by Pottery Barn.
Now sit back and enjoy!
Phew that was a lot of ideas that just came pouring out of me. I hope you enjoyed them and that they will help you refresh your home decor!
Always keep an eye out for new ways to make your home the best it can and by that I mean the best reflection of you and your family but also a place you want to come home to.
Now let’s see how Kristy refreshes her home decor
Kristy from At Home with Kristy is from Texas, is a homebody at heart and very passionate about creating a warm & welcoming home environment for family and friends. Kristy has a BS Interior Design and has worked as an Interior Designer for 35 years specializing in Residential Interior Design. She is a planner, perfectionist, & big picture thinker, but also loves getting lost in the weeds perfecting every detail. Kristy loves sharing her knowledge and expertise to inspire, encourage and empower others. This month Kristy is sharing all her tips on how to refresh and redecorate your home for the new year.
Spring is a time of rejuvenation & what better time to refresh home decor too! Let me show you 29 easy and inexpensive ways to do just that.
Shop the Post!
Now that I have you all energized to refresh your home, you may be interested in some of the items I have shown throughout the post. Below are photos of the same or similar products. Just click on the links and you will be redirected. Should you decide to purchase something, I will earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Earning this commission is what allows me to bring you free content. I appreciate your support very much!
Oh my goodness, Crystal, you have so many fantastic ideas on refreshing one’s home! I especially love that these ideas are free or low cost investments.
From creating your own artwork, displaying special collectibles and precious mementos to creating a gallery wall display and swapping out pillow covers, I love them all!
Your sentiment about passing by the brightest moments of your history daily really tugged at my heartstrings. My husband and I have been going through old photos lately and I really need to put more of them on display so that we can do just that…enjoy them daily!
Thanks so much Kristy! I hope you do the gallery wall and share it as I would love to see how you organize them.
Wow, Crystal!! You share so many great ideas for updating our homes! Thanks for such an informative post!!
Thank you so very much Kim!!!