If you’re unhappy with the look of your home, but you don’t happen to be in possession of bags of extra cash, don’t panic. There are some tried-and-true decorating tricks that don’t cost a thing that you can follow to make your home more attractive. Here’s a guide to creating an atmosphere of style without breaking the bank.

1. Show off your personality

The beauty of home decorating is that it’s a reflection of you. You have the freedom to be as conservative or as adventurous as you’d like to be with your styling. Your home tells a story, and clearly demonstrates what you find appealing. Weave in souvenirs from your travels. Express your love of art. Show off the pair of lamps you snagged at your favorite antiques fair. Whatever your taste, be confident in incorporating it into your decorating approach and get creative with your shopping choices. Nothing’s worse than a space that feels like it’s copied from a catalog.

2. Order matters

Once you’ve arrived at the perfect look for your home and lifestyle, put in the work to maintain it. Keep items in their appropriate place, and designate time regularly for thorough cleaning. Home should be a place of rest and relaxation, and being untidy can disrupt the peace you deserve in your space.

3. Pay attention to the details

There’s something special about walking into a home and noticing monogrammed hand towels in the bathroom or the smell of a fragrant, hand-poured candle on a living room coffee table. How about when curtains perfectly complement a rug’s color scheme in a room? It’s simple design choices like these that enhance the beauty of a home and set it apart from the rest.

4. Don’t settle

Just because you purchased that cabinet with silver handles doesn’t mean you have to settle for them. You can easily find a new set of hardware with more character at a local shop to make your cabinet look way more fabulous. Look around your home, and pinpoint the items you can potentially transform with simple adjustments, from a hardware upgrade to a quick paint job. You’ll be surprised how this extra effort will give your space a more sophisticated feel.

5. Know your decorating style

Are you a modern girl, or do you veer towards the bohemian side of the spectrum? Do you cringe at the thought of visiting a flea market? Do you embrace all things eccentric when it comes to decorating? Are playful patterns right up your alley? Understanding different approaches to design and elements you find most attractive will make it easier to choose items to keep—and edit—in your home. It’s always interesting to incorporate an assortment of furniture and accessories across different decorating styles, but the key is to practice restraint to achieve a look that’s pulled together.

Top Image Credit: Errez Design

 

What are your tried-and-true decorating tricks? How do you give your space style on a budget?