Written by: Lisa Roberts
Have you recently looked around your home only to realize that you no longer feel content or inspired by its interior? Could it be the impending new year that has you itching to make some changes? Or perhaps you just moved to Texas, and now you’re looking to make your residence more stylish and personal. At one time or another, we all start feeling like we ought to mix things up a bit and give our home some love.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take building a new wing, buying all new furniture, or installing an endless inground pool (and shelling out endless dollars for it!). Quite the contrary. Sometimes, it simply takes a few minor tweaks and adjustments to fall in love with your home all over again. So, if you’re up for it, check out these inexpensive ways to refresh your Texas home, and feel free to add a few of these updates to your to-do list.
1. Paint
If the wall color you once enjoyed now feels somehow drab and out-of-date, or you can’t seem to remember the last time you painted your home, it’s time to show your walls some love. Paint can make a huge difference in a home’s appearance. Plus, it’s the No. 1 thing people can do to personalize and spruce up a dull room. Choose breezy neutrals like grey, white and beige for a soothing open-prairie aesthetic. Or, go bold and dramatic with dark tones like black for instant elegance and an expensive feeling. It’s your choice. Just go with your color personality. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself swimming in a sea of ideas that your fresh paint has inspired. For instance, it might inspire you to spice up your room décor, rearrange your furniture or hang some beautiful wall art.
A few gallons will not cause much damage to your wallet. And, the versatile medium it is, it’s not restricted only to walls. For instance, you can also use it to give a dated and tired piece of furniture a much-needed lift. Perhaps you’ve got that old dresser, dining table, or TV console that you’ve grown super tired of. The opportunity is perfect for getting busy with a paintbrush or even spray paint.
2. Rearrange your furniture
Here’s one way to refresh your Texas abode without spending a dime – rearrange your furniture. Move things around a little bit and experiment with different furniture arrangements until you land on the ideal placement. The reason why is that it offers you a fresh perspective – and that could totally change how you look at a room. This is a surefire way to completely transform the space without having to swap out any of its elements.
Furniture can be affordable
But if you do wish to bring something new into the picture, you could still do it on a budget. For one, you can head out and check out secondhand stores, consignment shops, and estate sales and shop for quality pieces at a more affordable price. It might take some reupholstering for them to match your décor. However, this still allows you to refresh the space at a fraction of the cost. For those who tend to get bored quickly, there are always furniture outlet stores that let you purchase furniture and décor pieces that are discounted up to 70% off of retail pricing. CORT Furniture Outlet has budget-friendly furniture options that match your personal home decor aesthetic.
3. Bring little pieces of nature inside
Lingering in the beautiful outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, the sunshine, the sea, mountains, and forests… Nature brings about a glow of satisfaction that makes us forget about going home. But you could just as easily infuse your home with deep peace and aesthetic beauty if you were to decide to grow plants inside your home. After all, our home is supposed to be our oasis, an escape from the stress of hectic everyday life. Indoor plants have a calming influence which, as Texas A&M scientists proved, improves concentration and memory.
These have got some Texas charm and will help create stunning memory points in your home:
- Purple Coneflower
- Yaupon Holly
- Ovate-leaf Cliffbrake
- Blood Sage
- Texas Mountain Laurel
4. Hang up mirrors
We are all aware of mirror magic. The light they reflect gives the sense of more square footage and makes the room brighter. Yet, to maximize its decorative potential, you should think big but go small with the frame. An oversized mirror expands the sense of visual space, making it a cure-all for any cramped quarters. If you decide to stick with a fairly simple but beautiful frame instead of an ornate one, it becomes impactful art. And, if your décor is already simple, a more interesting frame can make your mirror a statement piece that brings style and spirit into the room.
Large mirrors are one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to bring some refreshment into your Texas home if you look in places that offer them at competitive prices. And, if putting holes in your walls presents an issue, skip the drama of the hammer and nails altogether. Simply prop a framed mirror against a wall.
5. Invest in a new rug
A nice area rug can make an immense difference in the overall feel of the room, and at an affordable price. They’re complete game-changers that add warmth and definition to the space, making it more balanced and pulled together. The colors and patterns of the area rug are very important. However, you shouldn’t forget the way placement of your rug can completely redefine the space. For instance, if laid on a diagonal, a rug can bring some additional movement and visual interest to the overall look.
6. Just a little bit of housekeeping
If there’s one thing one could learn from living on a Texas ranch – it is how to simplify your life. Sometimes, the solution isn’t adding something new into your home – rather, it’s taking away the junk and then cleaning the place spotless. Crank up the music, grab a trash bag and start throwing stuff away. It’s a simple three-step process that will make you feel like a million bucks afterward. Once you get rid of old stuff, weekly dusting and vacuuming will help you keep your home looking high-end, new, bright, and welcoming. You’ll feel so much better about your home. The best thing about it? It’s not only one of the most inexpensive ways to refresh your Texas home – it’s actually free.
6. Add patterned textiles
If your main living area doesn’t feel inviting, cozy it up with some patterned textiles. Simply gather some throw pillows in vibrant colors you’ve got laying around the house. Then, arrange them on your living room sofa to bring more uplifting vibes. Choose different patterns of pillows but in complementary colors for a perfectly mismatched look. If you’re tired of the same old pillows, try swapping out the cover instead of purchasing new ones. Handy with a needle and thread? You can often get great fabric prices online at websites like Fabric.com. For as little as $10 a yard or less, you can make your own cushion covers, curtain panels, or soften a wooden bench by simply folding a colorful textile over the seat to use as a cushion.
7. Update your window treatments
Window treatments are a must-have accessory in a home. Otherwise, rooms would look unfinished and cheap. Fortunately, window treatments are one of the most inexpensive ways to refresh your Texas home. Plus, there are truly endless options, but you want to be smart about it. For example, unlined flimsy materials can look terribly cheap, and it’s best to avoid see-through materials. Instead, try to stick with materials that offer a more elegant appeal, such as natural silk, cotton, and linen. Draperies don’t suit the style of your home? Then, you can opt for a set of roman blinds or woven bamboo shades. Whatever style you decide to go for, the important thing is that you dress your windows.
