Let’s face it, we ALL get tired of certain parts of our space at one point or another, but updating your home can be daunting, stressful and, let’s face it, expensive. However, if there's one thing we've learned over the years, this is it-- it doesn’t have to be daunting, stressful, OR expensive!
Sure, hitting the refresh button can be a big deal. It can come in the form of a full-blown remodel which takes lots of time and money, but it can also be done simply by styling your space a little differently, or by making teeny tiny cosmetic changes. Who says change has to be big in order to make a bold impact?! Small changes can absolutely transform a room, and we bet they'll make you feel like, “well, why the heck didn’t I do that sooner?!”
Here are some tips on how to modernize your space without breaking the bank (or your brain)!
1. Light Fixtures, Light Fixtures, Light Fixtures!
A lot of times, people don't realize what a crazy impact lighting has on the overall feel and aesthetic of a home. The honest truth is that lighting has the ability to modernize any room, and it is such a quick and easy process. Seriously, you don't even have to leave your house to make it happen! Just pop online, find something you like, make sure the measurements are good, and then call your electrician to come help you out with the swap...easy peasy! Some of our favorite places to search for lighting are Shades of Light, Rejuvenation, West Elm, and Wayfair.
And, by the way, they don't have to be the crazy expensive kind either. Of course we love a good chandelier/pendant/sconce swap, but hell, switching out your old table lamps or standing lamps for something new and sleek can make a world of difference!
Fixture sources (clockwise starting at top left): Pottery Barn, West Elm, Shades of Light, Shades of Light, West Elm, Etsy
2. Hardware
Another thing that many people don't realize has a big part in making a space, or even a piece of furniture, feel dated, is hardware. And it is all over your house! Sick of your kitchen or bathroom, but can't cope with the idea of a remodel? Switch out the cabinet hardware! Don't like your old dresser or credenza anymore? Switch out the knobs or handles! Hate your big bulky doorknobs all over the house? You know what I'm gonna say...Find a sleek alternative, and swap 'em out! It is so easy, and you can do any of these things with just a screw driver or a drill...so, why not?! We promise you won't regret it!
Sources (Clockwise starting from top left): Etsy, Rejuvenation, World Market, Ikea
3. Accent Walls
If you're looking for a way to bring some life back into a room, another option is to create an accent wall! Again, not a full blown remodel, but it will 100% change everything about how a room looks and feels. You can create accent walls simply with a couple coats of paint, or you can do it by adding texture! Installing some shiplap or wainscoting will add tons of depth to a space, and it will look really cool.
Sources (clockwise starting from top left): Design- Molly Britt | Image: House Beautiful, Design- Design Loves Detail, Design- Joanna Gaines
3. Doodads
Last, but definitely not least...If you know us, you know by now that doodads are probably our favorite part of any install. Every time, it's amazing to see how much life is brought into a home simply by adding little objects and plants here and there. If you have a built-in or open shelving that needs a refresh, or hate the way your entry table looks every time you come home, try styling them with some new exciting things! Books + bookends, plants, cool decorative objects, baskets, vases, small frames, candlesticks...there are so many things to mix in, just make sure you don't over-do it, and turn doodads into clutter!
Again, these, just like everything else we've mentioned, don't have to break the bank. Some of our favorite spots to find said doodads are Target and World Market! And then if you're willing to spend a little more on those special pieces, we like to mix in items from places like McGee & Co., cb2, Azizi Life, and West Elm.
So, just like that, you can create a totally new fresh space at a tiny fraction of what it would cost to commit to a remodel. Questions?! We're all ears-- reach out in the comments below!