by: Erin Dower
Tired of your boring or outdated home décor but on a tight budget? Not everyone has money for new countertops, floors, and furniture, so check out these cheap and easy home makeover tips for busy moms and families.
Play with Pillows
Buy a few plain pillows in a standard size, such as 18-by-18 inches, and dress them up with pillow covers (you can find them at many home or department stores) to suit the season or the latest color and design trends. Swap them as often as you like to give your couch or bed a new look.
Frame It
What mom doesn't have a hodgepodge of picture frames? Create a gallery-like look by painting your mismatched frames all the same color and filling them with black-and-white prints of your favorite family photos. Even just switching out the photos you've had on display for a long time will add a fresh feel.
Slip On a Slipcover
If that floral or plaid couch you bought was a big mistake, give it a facelift with a neutral slipcover that you can throw in the wash. If you know your kids' juice-spilling years are mostly behind them and you've always dreamed of having a white or ivory couch, go for it!
Accent Your Bedding
You can give your bedding a new look whenever you want, without replacing the whole set. Go with a neutral or classic solid color comforter for everyone in your family. Add a patterned duvet cover and use accent pillows and throw blankets instead of entire themed bedding sets. Then switch them out when you're ready for something new.
Add a Homemade Headboard
A homemade headboard is another easy way to add character to your bedroom. Cut a piece of plywood to the right dimensions and cover it with fluffy batting and whatever fabric you like, using a staple gun. If you're feeling artsy, get a large, plain artist's canvas to use as a headboard and paint your own design, or use decorative wall decals.
Throw Down an Area Rug
Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpeting, area rugs are a versatile way to add warmth and interest underfoot. If your room is filled with solids, go for a pretty pattern. Check discount retailers like Marshalls, Home Goods, and Overstock.com for good deals on rugs.
Transform the Table Top
Change up your table with a new tablecloth, or a table runner and placemats. Use a plain glass vase as an adaptable centerpiece that you can fill with candles, flowers or branches seasonally, or get creative and fill it with fruit, stones, or shells.
Change the Curtains
Replacing window or shower curtain can give a room a whole new feel. Ikea and Target have affordable options, or you can choose your own material from a fabric store. Use pretty ribbon or curtain holders for a special tie-back touch.
Give Furniture a Facelift
Makeover your existing furniture with a new stain or paint. Test the paint on the back of the piece to see if it needs sanding and primer and to make sure you like how it looks. Check out antique stores to find knobs or hardware that will give your refinished furniture more character.
Have a Painting Party
Painting isn't the easiest way to make over a room, but if you have a few helpers, it can all be done in a day's work. Revitalize your old kitchen cabinets with white or chocolate brown paint. Or paint just one accent wall in a room to add a needed splash of color. Wall decals can make an instant – but not permanent – mural in any room.
