15 easy (and inexpensive) decorating hacks for every room of your home

decorating hacks, a room with a fireplace and a table
15 decorating hacks for every room of your homeWood Works Brighton, Beach House Art, Dunelm

What do you think of when you hear the word 'redecorating'? Maybe it's a full renovation, a knees-deep project that involves dust, dirt and DIY – in other words, something that requires time, money and a lot of effort. But, despite what you might think, redoing your space need not involve any of that (phew!). The simplest ideas can be the most effective – whether it's saying goodbye to old prints and hello to new, or rolling down a new rug, you can change the look and feel of a room in minutes and we've got the tips on how to do it. So if this sounds like your kind of redo, cast your eyes this way...

Handy hacks for the living room

pink living room with wall art above fireplace

• Just add art

If you've got some prints up already, why not switch them up? There's a never-ending range of affordable options to choose from. Or if you're feeling crafty, you could try creating your own masterpiece. From an abstract piece to a minimalist and modern creation, grab a canvas and see where the mood takes you.

• Roll out a rug

Got a large, open expanse of floor space? Or working with a square footage that's a bit smaller? Either way, a rug can make your room feel extra cosy, give the floors a lift and help inject some colour and texture – all with minimal expense and time. It can even help zone your area. Rugs really are the gifts that keep on giving.

• Rearrange the room

Here's an idea that doesn't cost a thing, just your muscle power and enough motivation to move your furniture. Believe us when we say it's absolutely possible to make your room feel new and exciting by shifting your current furniture around and restyling shelves. Doing so can help maximise the space and improve the flow.

Handy hacks for the kitchen

• Paint effects

Hit refresh on the hub of your home with a lick of paint on your walls. Kitchens are busy places. And with food splatters, oil stains and general wear and tear to compete with, they can quickly become dated. But it's possible to lift your four walls and on a budget.

• Happy handles

We've said it before and we'll say it again: kitchen handles can switch up the whole look and feel of your cookspace. Want to create an industrial vibe? Opt for matt black. Prefer something more in keeping with the countryside? Choose some antique brass options for the win. Or, for a more eco-friendly fix, consider spray-painting your existing handles.

a kitchen with a shelf and a plant on the wall
Dakar Kitchen, Wood Works BrightonWood Works Brighton

• Take on textiles

Instead of getting messy or mucky with paint, give your kitchen a revamp with textiles. Think tablecloths and tea towels you can display on your oven and matching oven mitts you can hang. It might sound simple (because it is) but these additions can make a welcome impact – and quickly.

Handy hacks for the home office

a desk with a chair and a window with a view of a city

• Plant power

A happy workspace = a happy worker. And if there's one office addition that's bound to improve your mood (and the mood of the room), it's adding a plant or two. But we're not adding extra work to your plate. If you struggle to keep indoor foliage alive, topping the list of houseplants that are easy to look after are succulents, aloe vera and a snake plant. Take your pick...

• Work of art

After a room with a view? Instead of renovating or redecorating, show your walls some love by putting up your favourite prints, posters or photos of all the good times. You could even make a gallery wall of your own qualifications, certificates or achievements if that's your vibe. Or place your #goals front and centre to inject some inspo into your 9 to 5.

• Storage space

It's no secret that a cluttered workspace can have a negative impact on productivity. So boost your brain power and help keep things clutter free by investing in some storage for all your office needs. Whether it's a cupboard, under-the-desk drawers or shelves, tidying your space and restoring some order will make your office/work area feel as good as new.

Handy hacks for the bedroom

• Boost your bedding

Let's face it, nothing beats the feel of a clean and freshly made bed, so go one step further and breathe life back into your bedroom by investing in a new set of sheets. Whether you choose a printed pattern, a bold colour or stick to a fresh white set, redecorating your sleep space has never been so easy. Now to make the bed...

a bed with a blanket on it

• Style your side table

You might not even have to head out to the shops (or venture into cyberspace) to tick off this decorating idea. Have a search around your home for items you can style your bedside table with. Arrange a stack of unread books, add a spare candle and finish off with a lamp that needs a new resting place.

• Cover in cushions

If you're after a boudoir update that will take just minutes, look no further. Give your bedspread a much-needed revival by arranging some cushions on top. Yes, you will have to wrestle them off the bed each time you want to sleep but just think how pretty they'll look.

Handy hacks for the bathroom

scandi style bathroom
House Beautiful/Simon Bevan

• Towel talk

Crave a spa-level splash space? Don't we all? One easy redecoration fix is to refresh your rails with some new towels. It might sound menial, but these textiles can make your bathroom bloom. They can also make drying-off a much nicer (and softer) experience. So upgrade your stack and hand towel selection and, while you're at it, look out for a matching bathmat.

• Curtain call

When was the last time you washed your shower curtain? If you're struggling to remember, take this as your sign to do so. Or better yet, replace it. Whether you inject some pattern, introduce colour or keep things simple with a fresh white hue, saying goodbye to the old curtain and hello to a new one is a quick, effective and affordable way to revamp your wet space.

• Reseal the room

Has mould built up around your bath or shower? Firstly: how annoying. And secondly: dirt happens, but you don't have to live with it. Give your bathroom a lift by replacing the sealant around your sanitaryware. Grab a Stanley knife, carefully cut along the top and bottom of the old silicone to remove it and clean the area thoroughly. Leave it to dry and then reseal. Good as new.

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