And so, the cycle begins again. Here comes the ‘itch’ with every new year. You know, the whole, start-on-a-clean-slate, press-the-reset-button urge. Which means… new resolutions! Newfound optimism! Basically, a refresh on everything in life, and especially so for your seen-to-death home - which you have been staring (and living at) unchanged for the last 365 days.
Problem is, embarking on a major renovation every other year is costly, impractical and impossible for 99% of us common folk. So, here’s a better alternative; give your space a huge makeover with these 8 low-cost décor hacks - which you can work on without an ID or a $50k budget.
1. A Fresh New Coat of Paint
Interior Designer: Co. Prozfile Design
We’ve all heard of it, but we’ll say it again. Refreshing your wall colour is still an ultra-effective (and quick) way to transform a home’s look.
Interior Designer: D'Initial Concept
Start with changing up a single wall or a room with a solid shade, or if you’re feeling a lil’ more ambitious – try a hand at simple graphic paints (like half-walls or striped ones) that are increasingly in.
Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio
Honestly – you won’t even need to call a professional for it. Save on costs by getting your hands dirty with a can of paint (or two), paintbrushes, masking tape and a ladder – it can all be done in a couple of hours (plus drying).
2. Rearrange Your Furniture
Interior Designer: Livinz Synthesis
Same same, but different? We’re often stuck seeing our stuff at a particular view – and that’s the main reason why we get ‘bored’ with our space after some time.
Interior Designer: Aart Boxx Interior
Believe it or not, the simple act of rearranging your furniture can break this visual rut and help you to see your space differently. For instance, that sofa backed to the wall? It can be transformed into a standout focal point when placed in the center of the living room.
Interior Designer: The Scientist
Or an old stool? It can also be repurposed as an end table. Seeing those four walls in a new light doesn’t always require buying a whole new set of furniture – it’s all about perspective.
- One great example of how a simple rearrangement can change up an entire space? Check out mummy Instagrammer @Im_Nettyyy’s living space – which she (actually) tweaks every few months with surprising results.
3. Upgrade Your Hardware
Interior Designer: Aiden-T
Though we may not think much about hardware (handles, knobs, taps, etc.) compared to bigger items like our furniture and built-ins, these small details can subtly transform the look and feel of your space.
Interior Designer: Free Space Intent
The glint of different types of metallic finishes give off distinct effects – bronzy, dull metals for a gritty, industrial look, gold for classic glam or copper/rose gold for a trendy, fun aesthetic. And if an eclectic slant is what you’re feeling for, get quirky with mismatched hardware in glass, crystal or even (gasp) porcelain.
4. Get One Standout Piece
Interior Designer: Fatema Design Studio
If you really have to get something to christen the start of your home’s ‘new’ look – it’s go big or go home. Get a piece that packs a punch; it could be a statement-making piece of art, or the act of swopping out one of your core furniture pieces for something new.
Interior Designer: MET Interior
Not sure where to start? Get the update on the latest 2018 interior trends here, or check out our shopping guides below for some ideas.
- Taobao Shops for Not-So-Basic Furniture
- 10 Online Furniture Stores for Stuff You Can’t Find in SG
- Where to Shop for Your Home in Singapore
5. Change Your Soft Furnishings
Interior Designer: Versaform
While changing your wall and floor finishes will certainly transform your home overall look, it may require hefty renovation work. One easy, sure-fire alternative? Refreshing your existing soft furnishings with a new set.
Interior Designer: Jubilee Interior
Whether its bedsheets, curtain fabric or the type of rug used, they play a key part in shaping your home’s visual palette too – and can equally turn a space around with less hassle.
6. Add Plants
Interior Designer: Create
We can’t stress enough; plants are literally the cheapest (and most timeless) home décor item one can ever have. Not just good for your eyes, lush, green plants help to bring a pop of colour and texture that’ll work with any space. And best of all? They aren’t terribly expensive. Even if you are no green fingers, there are a wide range of indoor plants that require little maintenance.
In particular, fiddle leaf and rubber figs, cactuses, ferns, money plants, Swiss Cheese plants as well as Areca Palms are hardy choices.
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7. DIY Something
Interior Designer: Studio Fortyfour
Buying over the counter’s one thing – but making something from scratch on your own? That definitely brings extra meaning to one’s space. So, turn your house into a home that’s uniquely ‘you’ with a little DIY!
It doesn’t have to be something majorly time consuming; it could be as simple as framing up your children’s artwork, creating an origami/paper wall feature or repainting your furniture. Or if you’re feeling ambitious – try a hand at building your own ‘furniture’ perhaps?
Check Out Our How-to DIY Guides
- DIY Paper Origami Wall Decor
- Qanvast Hacks: Turn A Sweater Into A Pet Bed
- Build Your Own Copper-Pipe Clothes Rack
8. Scent It Up
Interior Designer: Studio Fortyfour
Well, this isn’t a décor hack per se – but a little sensory shake-up can go a long way in changing the impression of a home. Just like how the smell of detergent and bleach makes us think, ‘clean!’, different scents can help evoke a particular mood or setting. For instance, light, floral scents make for an airy feel, while warm, musky aromas elicit a dramatic vibe.
Interior Designer: The Scientist
Home fragrances like reed diffusers or candles (both double as stylish home accessories) are skyrocketing in popularity. So, jump in on the bandwagon and pull off the ultimate feat – transforming your home without actually changing any of its décor.
On second thought? Maybe a big change is what you need...
Because your home isn't living in the last year - but the last decade. If you think your home is in dire need of a serious overhaul - we can help. Request for a free quote here, and get matched up to 5 interior firms based on your budget and style.
Want more local home ideas? Download the Qanvast app here. Save your favourite designs, discover interior designers or simply read up on handy renovation tips on the go.
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