Low cost home refresh 2023

Would you like to refresh your place for the new year, but have little time and a small budget? No problem. 

The new year is a special time where resolutions are made for our physical and mental well being. Which is a good thing. When this time comes though, we seem to neglect our homes, even if you are renting a space, if you see yourself there for a couple of years, you should think about refreshing your temporary home. Studies have shown that your living space affects your mental state tremendously. For instance, a clean uncluttered space gives a person a sense of well-being rather than a sense of chaos. Even paint color is known to affect mood. I’ve incorporated these ideas in my own home in showing you pictures of my space currently. Here are some tips to get you started.

Bring in the plants

This can be a tough one for some people, but there are many plants out there that are easy to maintain. My favorites are pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies. It’s almost impossible for them to die. And you can buy them at Walmart or a local plant store for $5 or less. Those specific plants don’t need to be in the brightest location in order to thrive. My pothos plant have been moved from my office (which doesn’t have a window) to my home and I have had it for a couple of years now. You can even take cuttings and propagate them to reduce on cost. Bringing plants into your home not only purifies the air, but it also brings the outside in.

Add texture

Don’t forget about the little touches. Sometimes, it’s the small details that make a big difference. Think about adding some cozy scented candles, a warm throw blanket, or a basket of soft blankets to your space. These small touches can really add to the overall feeling of coziness in your home. Many items I place in my shelves and counters are thrifted. I buy solid color books at the thrift store for about $0.75 and vases and decor pieces ranging from $1-4.

Declutter/ Clean

Please keep in mind, I do not suggest you throw all your items away because not everyone wants to minimize. But perhaps conceal items like toys or extra books in a basket or other closed storage. Once you declutter your space, keep it that way. Make sure you clean and pick-up after yourself. Cleaning does not have to be long, just by cleaning up after yourself immediately can drastically change the way your house looks and your time. Got kids? Well tell them to clean up after themselves. Make it fun for them while they do it.

Paint

This one may be the most time consuming, but it really gives the best benefits. I suggest painting your space in a creamy white color and not stark white. Painting a room white, especially in a dark area in your home can reflect light, which makes the space feel bigger. I really like Benjamin Moore paints, but many hardware stores can match colors. My favorites are white dove, chantilly lace, and swiss coffee. Don’t only paint walls, you can paint older furniture or paint thrifted treasures to bring a new feeling to your space.

Add functional storage

If you have a big wall space and not sure what to do, add storage. This can be a built-in using stock cabinets or hanging shelves on the wall. Just make sure the item is functional and fits your style. With different storage solutions, you can add decor pieces like books, vases, baskets, and more.

I hope these tips help you create a cozy home on a budget! Happy decorating!