The Free Home Makeover
You know that itch to change things up at home? Maybe your living room feels a little tired, or your bedroom needs a boost. Before you run out and spend a fortune on something new, here’s the truth: your house is full of hidden treasures just waiting for a second life. Sometimes you don’t need more things—you just need to see your things differently. By starting with what you already own, you can create a room that feels personal, collected, and uniquely yours.
Before you start moving furniture or hunting for hidden treasures, take a moment to imagine the room you want to create. Forget the limitations and roadblocks that have been slowing you down and let go of preconceived notions about the current challenges and focus on possibilities. Take a few minutes and think about how you want the room to feel and look: cozy, intimate, elegant, dramatic, chic, colorful, vintage, modern… Once you open your mind to what could be, the magic of rearranging, repurposing, and styling will generate energy and fresh ideas.
Now that you have your newly inspired creative vision, wander from room to room in your home as if you’re browsing a boutique. That lamp in the office might shine brighter in the bedroom. The armchair no one sits in? Maybe it belongs in your reading nook. Even throw pillows stashed in a closet can suddenly feel brand new when styled in a different room. Gather the items you think might work in the room you are revamping.
Now you are ready to dig in and rearranging furniture is a no-cost magic trick. Float the sofa off the wall, try angling a rug, or switch the location of a chair and a side table. Sometimes a small shift in layout makes the whole room feel fresh or create purpose driven nook. Don’t overlook the pieces you already own but have fallen out of love with. A tired dresser or table can be reborn with paint and hardware to meet your new inspirations. Best of all you can keep a sentimental piece while giving it a look that works with your updated vibe.
Artwork doesn’t have to come from a gallery and anything can become art when displayed with intention. You can use displays to define an area in a room or the whole room while providing personality, color, and texture. Can you curate a collection of items you have created with your hobbies or travels? Before you start hanging things, revisit the words you conjured up to describe the way you want the room to feel. Let those words guide your choices: pick colors, textures, and shapes that reflect the mood you’re going for. Mix and match, create a gallery wall, or spotlight one meaningful item.
Accessorize with your books, plants, throws, or collectibles, and swap them around in new ways. Suddenly, the same old objects feel exciting again. If you notice something’s missing or realize a particular item will complete the room, you’ll know exactly what’s worth buying. No impulse shopping required. Experiment, have fun, and create a room that is yours.