Hiring an interior designer can be expensive, with the cost ranging from $1,893 to $11,180, including cost and materials, while the average cost is more than $6,000. In Philadelphia, some interior designers charge $350 just for the consultation.
Websites like Pinterest offer countless do-it-yourself projects to make your home feel fresh and new again, many of which are fairly inexpensive. These five ideas can make any out-of-date home feel beautiful and modern again.
Upcycle Furniture
Upcycling furniture is easier now than ever with YouTube tutorials, not to mention the many passionate bloggers that offer some great advice. These projects generally only require a few hand tools, but they will require a bit of patience. You can refinish an old dining room table that is out-of-date or worn, stain or paint shelves or update your coffee table to create a new centerpiece for your living room. Reupholstering fabric furniture is also an option, albeit more difficult. Upcycling furniture not only saves you money, but it reduces waste and it’s good for the planet too.
Curb Appeal
Step up your curb appeal by painting your front door red, blue, or another color that complements the exterior color of your home. Update your freshly painted door with new hardware by adding or replacing your knocker, and perhaps add some decoration to your porch by potting easy to care for plants such as geraniums, daisies, or succulents. Lastly, purchase a new doormat for guests to wipe their feet before entering. These simple and inexpensive steps are sure to create a great first impression for anyone who drives by or walks through your door.
Create an Accent Wall
Shiplap is all the rage these days since Joanne Gaines introduced it to the world on her popular TV show, “Fixer Upper.” An easier and less expensive option is to paint your accent wall a bold color. And, wallpaper is no longer a thing of the past. Choose the wall in your room that you want to be the focal point – where is the fireplace, a set of large windows, your headboard?
Replace Your Bathroom Mirror
Many homes have bathrooms with a basic square or rectangular mirror with no border. One of the easiest updates a homeowner can do is to replace those boring mirrors with vintage-inspired or contemporary mirrors which can add lots of style to space.
Pick an Accent Piece
Found a carpet you love? Or an accent pillow? Choose all of your remaining decors in that room around that specific piece. For example, that vintage carpet you found may have beautiful blues and grays – make it your centerpiece and incorporate those colors into your remaining design. There’s no need to purchase new furniture. Simply add paintings, picture frames, pillows, and candles in the same style – designing a new space is far easier than you might think.
