So, you’re looking for a way to add some freshness to your home –

Let’s dive right in! I’ve got some fresh ideas that you can incorporate today – using things that you may already own to update your home for less.

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*heads up – this post contains affiliate links – if you shop from my link, it won’t cost you a penny more, but provides me a small commission, which allows me to keep bringing you valuable content here in my corner of the internet.

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Add Wall Art:

Re-purpose or create new art for your walls or shelves to create a new feel for your space.

After I recently updated my daughters room, I wanted to add some wall art, but many pieces I already had just didn’t feel right. Either the colors didn’t mesh well with the final wall color, or they were just too much of one thing or another.

I had a stack of frames that we purchased recently for a crazy good deal – $5! It’s a pack of frames that was designed for use as a gallery wall, but I’d already absconded with a few of them for other photos or cards that I wanted to frame. I remembered seeing continuous contour drawings recently and I loved the simplicity found in their imperfection. So, to walk the talk – I drew on the back of a frame insert paper. The result? My daughter ADORES it.

I drew a small flower patch that was inspired from our walks in the yard and the picking of flowers and how their shape changes based on the amount of light they receive.

I wanted to do more, so, since I had nothing better to do at the moment, I did. I surprised even myself. I began drawing a few of the plants in my collection, rendering a simple reiteration of their shape without lifting my Sharpie. SO, MUCH. FUN.

Have some wall art lying around? Empty frames? Pick them up, set them out, and shuffle them around until you find something that inspires you. And, if you want, try your hand at drawing – no need for it to be perfect.

I am in love with how these came out, and my daughter loves them too. They really amp up the “Hygge” factor too. Wait…what is Hygge? If you haven’t heard of it before, you may start seeing it more as many of us are looking for cozy and comfort. I highly recommend the book Little Book Of Hygge. I listened to it on Audible while I was cutting patterns, fabric, and sewing.

Change Your Window Decor:

Do you have extra curtains? Look for ways to swap out existing ones, even just take your curtains down and wash them. Sometimes a good clean is all you need. I have a collection of various colors and styles that I’ve been known to rotate around – especially with the change in seasons. Don’t be afraid to experiment – look for sales at your favorite stores and take a look on Marketplace. For classic choices, a favorite of mine is IKEA. I recently altered a set of curtains for a linen look and love the results!

Let’s talk curtain rods – if you want to refresh your existing ones, consider spray painting them. My favorite colors are copper bronze, sunlit brass, and flat black. Depending on the width of your windows, you can even opt for a natural option and use a bamboo pole along with your existing brackets (check out that post here).

Add Plants:

Yeah. I went there. For me, I love tropicals; I have two varieties of Bird of Paradise, and several pothos varieties. If you’re just getting into the plant game – opt for a pothos and terra cotta pots if you might be a chronic over-waterer.

Not into real ones in your home? Check out these great options to bring in some green without the maintenance! These options from Amazon closely resemble the real thing, without requiring a watering schedule. Just dust them regularly, and you’re all good!

Change Up The Color:

Ready for a color swap? Give an old piece of furniture a fresh coat. If you have color samples laying around, play around with mixing colors until you find one that speaks to you – ok, so not literally – but you know what I mean. I recently mixed up some samples that I had and created a color that was really close to what my daughter was asking for for her dresser.  Once we finalized the colors, I ordered a quart of the chosen color and for $20 I had a fresh new color to give her dresser some personality.

Try dyeing a blanket or throw; cotton typically works best as it holds onto the dye really well. You can encourage the color to stay truer by washing the item in washing soda which can be found in the laundry care aisle (this is also sold as soda ash and it’s dirt cheap – so don’t overpay for this one!). I use Arm & Hammer washing soda and a little goes a long way. Add kosher salt to the dye water mix and the color will adhere quite well.

To prep the material for dyeing, simply wash in the washing soda and air-dry. I know, it can be a pain, but it’s worth it- promise! Once it’s dry, grab your dye color and get creating

Shop Your Home:

Want to see what that vase looks like in another room? Maybe move a rug? Give it a try! Look around your home for ways to change up the décor and give a room (or all the rooms) a fresh feel. It really is that simple – it also gives you insight if you think you might be ready to part with something. Check out thrift stores and the like for one-of-a-kind finds as well.

New Essential Pieces:

Let me tell you – I am a pillow snob. For example, I get upset when my pillow gets squished haha. I searched high and low for the perfect pillows and when I found these gems, my golly I was happy! I recently washed them to restore them and they came out good as new! Buy these pillows and thank me later!

Find them here: Link to the aforementioned pillows on Amazon (seriously the best pillows ever)

I almost religiously make the bed every morning and fluff them up as well. It sure makes the bed inviting when it’s time to rest from the day!

What are some ways that you would refresh your space? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers!

Xo, Catherine