10 Decorating Hacks That Will Instantly Spruce Up Your Home Decor

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Just like we refresh our carefully curated closet, our cherished homes also merit a makeover every so often. However, a significant remodel can be excessively costly and quite anxiety-inducing for many. To infuse some happiness and affordability into the mix, think about borrowing brilliant tricks from savvy homeowners. A prime example certainly includes choosing a sofa cover. This will not only safeguard your treasured lounging area from daily wear and tear, but it will also jazz it up with a pop of color and texture. Isn't it wonderful?

Whether you want to add some color and texture to your bedroom or living room, create a cozy nook in your entryway, or transform your kitchen cabinets with a new look, these practical home decor hacks will help you achieve your DIY home goals without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best home decor hacks that you can try today:

1. Rearranging Your Space

Sometimes, all your home needs are small adjustments, like rearranging furniture and other items. By doing so, you can revamp your living space without splurging on new stuff. Simply clear up the area to get an idea of how to arrange furnishings to make the room look its best. Take into account lighting, functionality, and overall aesthetics. The same goes for decor — don't be afraid to try new combinations of colors and shapes, and be willing to say goodbye to damaged and outdated pieces that no longer complement the interior.

2. Renewing Home Textile

Fabrics naturally lose their color and elasticity over time, developing stains and stretches. These factors significantly impact the overall appearance of the living space, making it look shabby and untidy. Given the important role textiles play, it's essential to replace bedding, bath, and kitchen linens, as well as tablecloths, when they show obvious signs of wear. The same applies to curtains, rugs, and fabric boxes, which are also powerless against the forces of time and usage. By renewing home textiles, you can bring a completely new style and feel to your space without much effort.

3. Upgrading Surfaces with Contact Paper 

Don't give up on old furniture — breathe new life into it! Either apply a fresh coat of paint to hide scratches and marks from everyday use or stick contact paper to make it look brand new. Affordable and easy to install, contact paper is a perfect solution for quickly and stylishly refreshing not only furniture but also other surfaces such as a kitchen cabinet, walls, countertops, and even laptops – if you want the latter to match your interior aesthetic. Contact paper goes far beyond solid colors, offering a variety of patterns, including marble, geometric, wood, floral, brick, and stone. So why not give it a try?

4. Making Smart Accents with Paint

Paint is indeed a powerful tool for transforming a space and giving it a new character. With a brush in hand, you can perform some real magic, upcycling old furniture, window frames, doors, and decorative elements. The possibilities for using paint are endless — from painting walls in different colors to drawing patterns on tiles and other surfaces with a stencil. Take a creative approach and mismatch your wooden furniture, picture frames, or pieces of decor with paint to add visual interest to the space. Of course, striving for balance is key, so be mindful not to overdo it with paint.

5. Improving Home Lighting

Whether it's too bright or too dark, lighting affects the way a home feels and looks. Maximize natural light during the day and install enough light sources for the evenings. In addition to chandeliers, pendant lights, table lamps, and other fixtures, consider installing LED strips to illuminate dark corners, such as staircase steps and bookshelves. If the lighting in the room feels off, consider changing the light bulbs to ones with a different temperature. Finally, upgrade light switches by replacing them completely, especially if they are visibly worn out.

6.  Use a Rug As a Headboard

If you have a plain and boring bed frame or no headboard at all, you can easily create one with a rug. Just hang a large rug behind your bed, using a curtain rod or some hooks, and voila! You have a stylish and cozy headboard that adds warmth and personality to your bedroom. You can choose a rug that matches your bedding or go for a bold color or pattern to make a statement.

7. Use Spray Paint to Transform Your Light Fixtures

If you have some old or boring light fixtures in your home, you can update them with spray paint. You can spray paint the entire fixture or just parts of it, such as the shade, the base, or the cord. You can also use different colors or finishes, such as metallic, matte, or glossy. Spray paint is a great way to add some flair and character to your lighting and make it look like it's from a high-end store.

8. Use a Hanger to Make a Plant Stand

If you love plants and want to display them in a creative way, you can use a hanger to make a plant stand. All you need is a wooden hanger, some rope, and a planter. You can hang the planter from the hanger using the rope and then hang the hanger from the ceiling or a wall hook. This is a great way to add some greenery and life to your room.

9. Use Picture Frames and Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great way to add some visual interest and personality to your walls. You can use picture frames of different sizes, shapes, and colors to display your photos, art prints, posters, or personal items. You can also mix and match different styles of frames, such as vintage, modern, or rustic. To create a gallery wall, plan out your layout beforehand, using paper templates or painter's tape to mark the spots on the wall, or just wing it and hang your frames as you go. Either way, you'll end up with a stunning feature wall that reflects your style and story.

10. Use Painter’s Tape and Create Geometric Patterns on Your Walls

If you want to add some interest to your plain and boring walls, you can use painter’s tape to create geometric shapes and patterns. You can use different paint colors to fill in the shapes or leave them blank for a minimalist look. Painter’s tape is also great for creating stripes, chevrons, or splatter effects on your walls.

Conclusion 

It's not necessary to take all of these steps to spruce up your sweet home. Some spaces only need a simple furniture rearrangement and a refresh of textiles, while others may require a more complex approach. Start with something small and progress to the point where your living space looks stylish and welcoming. And remember: changes don't always come with a high price tag and a lot of effort. So make sure to enjoy your home improvement journey!

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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