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Freshen up your home on a budget

Kate & Charyn Youngson

Well the silly season has come to an end and the New Year has begun. At this time of year Charyn and I like to re-decorate our homes and our office starting the year a fresh. We would like to inspire you to start the New Year with some of these budget decorating ideas ...

• Most of us have boxes of photos that never get seen. Pull out some favourites and replace some of your old framed pictures with new ones. Frames look great grouped on side tables or a mantle piece. They also look good grouped together in odd numbers on a wall.

• Re-arrange your furniture. You would be surprised what a difference this can make to your home by just moving your furniture around, removing pieces all together or swapping items around from room to room. Why not move that tub chair from your lounge room into your bedroom, for a nice reading nook?

• If you have a few empty bottles lying around re-use them as single vases. We like clear glass in varied sizes and heights; you can group them in clusters as a feature anywhere in your house.

• If you have any spare fabric lying around you could re-cover some cushion inserts for your sofa or bed.  Floral, gingham or stripes are fun patterns for summer.  Most fabric shops have sales on at this time of year so if you don’t have any spare fabric you maybe able to purchase some at a great price. 

• Rejuvenate an old piece of furniture. You may have an old coffee table, arm chair or cabinet that just needs some TLC.  You would be amazed at what a difference some new fabric, paint, handles or varnish can make to your once funky and up to date piece of furniture.

• Take advantage of the after Christmas sales. You can really pick up some great bargains at this time of year.  We love Freedom Furniture for their sales and never walk out empty handed.  You can pick up great decorative items like vases, throw rugs, candles, cushions, and other great homeware items. 

• Add some new plants around your home to help bring the outside in. You can divide or take cuttings from some of your existing plants and plant them out in some new pots.  There are some stunning pots around even your cheap stores are selling them and for unbelievable prices!

• Purchase some new towels. Adding a new colour to your bathroom always makes things feel bright and fresh.  Try placing rolled up towels or face washers on a ledge or vanity with some nice candles to make your bathroom feel more luxurious.

We hope some of these ideas have inspired you to take a look around your home and see what you can either re-use, rejuvenate or repair to freshen up your home.  Enjoy your shopping in the sales, because we certainly are!

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Author's Biography

Charyn Youngson and Kate Youngson are from Houses To Impress
Charyn Youngson is an Author, Property Investor, Professional House Stager and Speaker. Her daughter Kate Youngson joined her in business one year ago and together they help their clients increase the value of their properties by up to $40,000 dollars with cost effective solutions and in a very short period of time. You can contact Charyn or Kate at info@housestoimpress.com.au and look at their website at www.housestoimpress.com.au.