In this article, we’ll go through a whopping 18 budget-friendly interior design ideas.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space, these tips will help you make your beloved home look even better.
1. Start with a Plan
The first step to any endeavor is to plan appropriately. Take a good look at the space you’re designing and ask yourself:
- What is this room for?
- Which areas need the most redesigning?
- Which items can be repurposed?
- How spacious do I want it to feel?
By determining what kind of style you want first—whether that’s bohemian, minimalist, industrial, eclectic, or what have you—you can develop more concrete ideas and ensure a cohesive look.
Tip: create a mood board with inspirational images!
2. Declutter and Organize
Decluttering and organizing are the first steps towards a more chic design. Not only does it create a sense of order, but it also helps you determine which items you want to keep and which ones you want to toss away.
Buying things to help you organize things—shelves, baskets, bins, cabinets—are worthwhile investments.
And sometimes, you’ll even see that simply cleaning up your place already makes it infinitely better!
3. Repurpose and Upcycle
But before you throw away things, consider first how you may be able to repurpose them
For example, an old ladder can become a towel rack, mason jars can be turned into vases, and wooden crates (unless they’re dilapidated) can become shelves.
Repurposing items not only saves you some money but also adds an authentic character to your home.
4. DIY Decor
A recent study found that most Americans aren’t too satisfied with their homes. The study said that 1 in 3 find their house too small and that 76% of them want to do DIY renovations.
DIY projects are not only incredibly cost-effective, they also allow for infinite customization.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Wall Art
Create abstract paintings, frame printed quotes, or use fabric remnants to design unique wall hangings. - Furniture Makeovers
Sand and repaint old furniture for a fresh look. Adding new hardware can completely change the appearance of cabinets or dressers. - Textile Projects
Sew your own pillow covers, table runners, or curtains using affordable fabrics.
After all, the most homey of homes are the ones with a lot of personal touch.
However, you will likely need to learn some basic skills, like sewing, painting, and minor carpentry. But fret not, there are a lot of free tutorials online!
5. Shop Smart
And if you are buying, remember that you don’t always have to go to The Home Depot!
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces can have killer deals for second-hand items. Or if you really want to buy brand new, try waiting for seasonal sales.
Or maybe even commission a local woodworker to build custom furniture for you.
They’re not exactly cheap, but you can be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth with furniture that’s tailored exactly to your needs.
6. Use Paint Strategically
But sometimes your room doesn’t need new things—sometimes, it just needs a fresh coat of paint!
And paint is one of the most affordable yet versatile ways to transform a space.
Consider these paint ideas to experiment with color:
- Accent Walls
Paint one wall in a bold color or use a patterned stencil for added interest. - Furniture
Revive old furniture with a splash of paint to match your updated decor. - Trim and Molding
Freshen up baseboards and crown molding with a crisp coat of white paint.
7. Incorporate Greenery
Another inexpensive way to bring life and vibrancy to your home is getting more plants. And is there anything more homier and cozier than greenery?
For beginners to interior design (and plant care), choose low-maintenance indoor plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents.
8. Layer Textures
One of the most common mistakes people make when designing their interior spaces is forgetting to add depth.
By layering textures, you can avoid making your space feel flat and one-dimensional.
How do you do that?
One way is to combine different materials, like wood, metal, and fabric. And have some furniture and fixtures protrude more. Having a cohesive yet varied color palette also contributes to adding depth to a room.
9. Light It Up
The mood of a room depends heavily on its lighting, for it affects how everything else in the room looks. It’s another way to make things look more dynamic!
Instead of spending to get more fixtures, consider these budget-friendly lighting options to emphasize the ones you already have:
- Swap Shades
Replace old lampshades with more modern designs (of course, depending on the overall aesthetic of your room). - DIY Fixtures
Create your own pendant lights using affordable materials like wire and fabric. - Layer Lighting
Combine floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Have some spaces be more dim and some more bright—as long, of course, as everything remains functional!
10. Use Mirrors
Yet another way to add complexity to your space is by adding mirrors.
They can make a small room feel larger and brighter—and even edgier.
Have them in strategic places where things feel a little lifeless. So if you don’t know what to do with an area but don’t want to put furniture or anything else there, try adding a mirror.
And to ao add even more flair, consider painting or decorating the frames.
11. Focus on Small Details
Sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.
Getting new doorknobs, drawer pulls, and light switch covers can make the rest of your space look fresher.
In the same vein, adding a few well-placed accessories—especially eye-catching ones—such as vases, candles, or trays, can make a space feel more alive.
12. Mix High and Low-end Items
Don’t be afraid to mix high-end and budget-friendly items. Pair an affordable sofa with designer cushions or a thrifted table with stylish chairs.
This approach creates balance and makes your space feel more curated and authentic (than something more cookie-cutter).
It won’t look cheap as long as you choose the items wisely.
13. Embrace Minimalism
Sometimes, less is more. And if you haven’t noticed, minimalism is back and trending again.
A minimalist aesthetic can make your space feel modern without requiring a lot of decor. (Plus, it’s cheap!)
Focus on the quality over the quantity of items and keep surfaces clean and uncluttered.
To avoid making things look bland despite the lower amount of fixtures, experiment with depth and layers as discussed before.
14. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, you don’t even have to spend on new things or toss some objects away.
Simply rearranging your furniture can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. After all, remember that the spacing and layout of the items in a room are just as important as the items themselves.
15. Stay Patient
Creating a beautiful home on a budget can definitely take time. But you don’t need to rush to fill every corner of your space!
It’s okay to collect pieces gradually, prioritizing quality and affordability over what’s readily available. Wait for sales or the right item—whether it’s a sofa, a piece of art, or a decorative accessory—to appear on your radar.
It’s always better to wait for something you absolutely love than settle on something you can get now but are merely lukewarm about!
Remember: you’ll be staying in this place for years and years, if not your whole life.
17. Personalize Your Space
Unless you want your house to look like an IKEA showroom, then remember to add things that reflect your personality and taste.
Even if they may not necessarily be the most aesthetically cohesive with the rest of your space!
Display things like family photos, travel souvenirs, handmade crafts—or even that nerdy poster.
18. Use AI
Sometimes, you just can’t come up with ideas no matter how much you wrack your brain. And sometimes, even those Pinterest inspiration images just don’t do it.
Well, you can now use the new technology of AI to generate ideas for you! Input a picture of your space right now and ask it for suggestions. You just might be pleasantly surprised with its recommendations!
While there are data privacy concerns with AI use, it’s nothing a good VPN can’t address.
Conclusion
Creating a chic-looking home doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, we’d argue that it’s even more rewarding if you’re able to accomplish the look you want without spending much at all!
With creativity, resourcefulness, and some patience, you can create the home of your dreams.