Have you ever looked at your home and realized that the once-trendy decor that fills your hallways and living spaces has gone out of style or no longer reflects your personality? Every homeowner has inevitably come to a fork in the road where they must decide whether to follow the saying “in with the new, and out with the old” or make little adjustments here and there to create the illusion of an entirely new and revamped home.   

Purchasing new decor is a great way to upgrade the aesthetic of your home, but doing so can often come at a hefty price. Why spend an excessive amount of money on decorative items for your home when you can DIY it for a fraction of the cost? Not to mention the memories you and your family will create! 

Trust me when I say there are plenty of affordable ways to upgrade your home decor without breaking the bank. With a bit of creativity, resources, and patience, you can turn your old-fashioned, dated home into the beautiful, decadent piece of art you always imagined. 

Let’s look at some easy house upgrades that can stand the test of time and keep you in awe for years to come! 

Refinish Thrifted Items 

When you think of thrifting, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re anything like me, the answer is “endless opportunities and full-fledged potential.” Purchasing items from local thrift shops, garage sales, and online auctions is a great way to find furniture, artwork, and other decorative pieces that you can transform with a little TLC. The discounted price for these items is always a plus! 

Because thrift items are generally in good shape, minus some wear and tear, the amount of work needed to revitalize them is often minimal (unless you plan on changing structure or functionality). Sanding and re-staining or painting older sideboards, end tables, and other decorative accessories for the home can drastically change the visual appeal and create a more modern and upgraded aesthetic. Consider adding new hardware and other finishing touches if you want to take it further. 

(For more inspiration, see how I transformed my great-grandmother’s antique dresser into something my family can pass down for generations!) 

Incorporate Multiple Textures 

When upgrading your home decor, throw away the idea of uniformity! By this, I mean the belief that everything from your sofa and pillows to your rugs and blankets needs to be the same material or texture. What’s important is a complementary color scheme, not the feel of the individual items. Mixing textures is a great way to demonstrate a custom and elegant look. Not only does it create visual contrast, but it also adds depth to any space. 

The next time you’re in search of some elegant home decor items, consider throwing some shag rugs, quilted blankets, velvet pillows, wooden stools, and glass vases into the mix. Let your creativity run wild; there’s no right or wrong way to blend various elements throughout your home! Choose what feels right to you, and the rest will slowly fall into place. 

Create Accent Walls 

Choosing the perfect painting or artwork for your walls can be challenging, especially if you want to cover large areas. And if you struggle to make long-term design choices, this can surely bring about undue stress. Luckily, accent walls are simple and affordable ways to upgrade your home decor without making any drastic changes. They demonstrate sophistication, showcase your personality, and bring life to dull or underappreciated spaces. 

Do you have boxes of family photos you want to frame but don’t have adequate counter space to display them? A gallery wall is the perfect solution! Grab frames of different sizes, shapes, and finishes and hang them up for all to see—you can even swap photos whenever you see fit! Consider installing shiplap or neutral-toned wallpaper if you prefer to keep things more subtle. This fun home decor can spruce up any room without overpowering the surrounding area.  

Introduce Greenery and Natural Elements 

Indoor outdoor living has become increasingly popular, and I couldn’t be more excited about this trend! My family and I love spending time in nature (check out our outdoor firepit!), and incorporating some subtle hints throughout the house is a great way to incorporate this way of life. Whether using freshly potted plants or faux flowers, bringing greenery into the home helps brighten the space and create a serene and welcoming ambiance. 

Decorative accessories for the home don’t need to be full of glitz and glam—they should spruce up an existing space by reflecting your unique personality. To achieve a rustic feel, use wooden bowls and sculptures as centerpieces and bring in some logs to creatively arrange next to the fireplace. Swap out fabric ottomans for oak footrests, and bring in some other fun home decor to match! This is an excellent way to bring in an outdoor feel without ever leaving your home (although I highly recommend getting outside and exploring all that nature has to offer!). 

Are You Looking for Some Elegant Home Decor Ideas To Revitalize Your Space? 

Design trends and personal decor styles are continuously changing; your home should reflect that! There’s nothing worse than having your house look like it came straight out of a ’70s sitcom when all you want is a modern and elegant aesthetic. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of affordable ways to upgrade your home decor! 

You can transform your space with simple changes, from mixing textures to creating accent walls. Do you need inspiration for your next DIY? Follow me on Instagram and turn your house into the home you’ve been dreaming of.