We all wish we could live in homes featured in the likes of magazines and catalogs. The reality is that those homeowners dropped some major moola to get their homes looking like that, and for most of us, our bank accounts are saying, “Dream on.”
Thankfully, there are a few cheap and chic ways to upgrade your home with the help of these products.
Add texture to any room.
Soft textures give off a luxurious, glam vibe. Go for faux fur, velvet, and knits to add some visual interest and maximum coziness.
Try this blush pillow from Target for under $20!
Picture rails create instant styling opportunities.
A picture rail is my secret weapon. It not only is easy to put up, but it also means you don’t have to go to the hassle of hanging pictures.
Add tiny trinkets and different sized frames to create a styling moment on your wall! I add Funko Pops, tbh.
Gold spray paint goes a LONG way.
When I look at any object, I ask myself: Would this look better gold? And if it would, I buy that object, procrastinate painting it for about a month, and then spray paint it gold in the middle of the night.
And guess what? It always looks great.
DIY lighting is cheaper and easier than you think.
A quick (and cheap!) way to create your own lighting: this pendant light kit from Amazon that costs $12.99.
You can choose any shade you find, or even make your own. The sky is the limit with this thing!
Removable wallpaper
Is there any invention as useful to a renter as removable wallpaper?
This stuff is not only amazing, but it now comes in a ton of different patterns. You can add it to walls, furniture, or even your cabinets (if you want to get wild).
Switch out handles and knobs to instantly upgrade any cabinet.
This is such a no-brainer and makes a huge difference.
Swapping out standard knobs for more eye-catching ones is an easy project for anyone, DIY expert or not! They’re a cheap alternative to swapping out an entire furniture piece, that’s for sure.
Plants upgrade any space.
A small succulent or table plant can be found for a cheap price. In fact, if you catch it at the right time, you can grab pretty large plants for a discounted price!
Plants brighten up any room, and automatically add sophistication.
Peel-and-stick tiles can change your whole game.
Whether you’re not happy with your backsplash or not really digging your bathroom floor, peel-and-stick tiles are a great alternative to a major home reno to switch things up!
This is a great solution for renters, too — they’ll lift right up. Make sure to do your research before you dive in!
Luxe curtains don’t have to have that luxe price.
These light, sheer pink curtains are ideal for spaces that you want to allow a lot of natural light into.
And the best part? They’re only $12.99 from everyone’s favorite adult Disneyland, Ikea.
When in doubt, go for decorative storage.
This kills two birds with one stone: It helps get rid of all that clutter you’ve been meaning to put away, and it looks so neat and orderly! Organization goals.
Follow a simple style rule to make everything look put together.
If you’re at a loss for what to do with your color palette, mismatching pieces, or are just lacking inspiration, follow this simple rule from designer Mr. Kate: for any color or style you use, repeat it three times in a room.
That way, everything you choose seems deliberate! Placing these mirrors from Urban Outfitters through a room is a good start.
Gorgeous art doesn’t have to be expensive.
Handmade art is an amazing thing to have in your home, and thanks to sites like RedBubble, Society6, and Desenio, it’s affordable.
Choose an art print of your choice, frame it, and voilà! Instant sophistication and style that is tailored just for you.
Try this piece by Maggie Stephenson called “Day and Night.”
Gold straws.
Come on, you know there had to be one ridiculous gold item on this list, right?
Displaying gold (or rose gold) straws in a cute container is an easy decor choice.
Contact paper is your best friend.
Contact paper is the cheapest, easiest solution to make over any surface. Some are even waterproof, so you can switch up ugly rental counters without breaking the bank.
It’s also an easy solution for when you’re not ready to commit to paint on a piece of furniture!
