10 Affordable Interior Design Updates For Autumn

With the changing seasons, many of us are feeling the need to change things up at home, too. Especially if we’ve been spending most of our time looking at the same four walls since March last year. And there’s no reason you can’t make stylish updates, even if you’re on a budget. With a few simple and affordable tweaks, we can all create that high-end homely feel we need at this time of year. If you’re looking for easy and inexpensive ways to update your home this autumn, we’ve got a few tricks we’d like to share. You might be surprised by how accessible an autumn update can be…

10 easy ways to update your home on a budget

1). Shop in your own home

Before you head to the shops or start looking online, go around your home and really look at what you already have. You’d be surprised how many decor items go unnoticed. When you’re looking for a piece to update another room, you might already have it. Moving things like baskets, vases, boxes and scatter cushions between rooms can be a refreshing change, especially with a few crafty tweaks. If you see an idea you like on Pinterest or Instagram, make sure you don’t already have some similar pieces at home. It’s important to do a decor recon, and then think outside the box to decide how you can reuse pieces.

ALSO SEE: 6 Autumn Interior Design Trends Set To Be Big In 2021

2). Get creative

This ties in with the first point, because often repurposing or reusing a decor item or a piece of furniture requires some serious creativity. But it’s not as hard as you think. There are loads of DIY decor ideas online, which is a great place to start if you want to get those creative juices flowing. An important thing to remember here is that things don’t always have to perform their original function. A wooden ladder can become stylish bathroom shelving, empty Consol jars make quirky vases, brass drawer pulls could be small towel bars. In the image below, an old bed post has been transformed into vintage-style bathroom shelving – elegant and functional.

Image by littlevintagenest.com

3). Update the small things

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Especially if all you want is a seasonal refresh to give your home an autumn lift. Spend a bit of money replacing old bath and hand towels, hardware finishes like drawer pulls and knobs, scatter cushions and – because it’s autumn – the warm throws in your bedroom and lounge. These small updates don’t have to be expensive. Spend some time looking for great deals online, or hit a few flea markets on the weekend for some unusual pieces. It’s like a mini facelift for your home.

ALSO SEE: 10 Kitchen Unit Design Ideas For 2021

4). Grab a paint brush

People underestimate the impact a fresh coat of paint can have on your home. Rather than spending money on pricey artworks, make the walls themselves interesting focal points. There are loads of ways to create a focal wall with paint colours – from geometric prints to pinstripes. If painting isn’t your forte, stick to something simple like colour blocking in straight lines, in contrasting colours. And walls aren’t the only things that benefit from a paint update. Think about taking a paint brush to the ceiling, doors or even skirting boards. Whatever feels right to you, and will give your home that seasonal autumn update.

Image by @homedit on Pinterest

5). Accessorise on a budget

Small decor items don’t have to cost the earth, and they’ll help make your home feel like new. Create centre pieces with candles, wine bottle vases and coffee table books you probably already own. And, instead of buying fresh bunches of flowers every few weeks, go for natural-looking dry arrangements that will last the whole season. On the topic of plants, indoor plants are an affordable and easy way to update your home. But shop at nurseries rather than grocery stores, because they’re likely to have better deals. A small succulent is a steal at R40 and you can get creative with a crafty planter. The options are endless…

ALSO SEE: How To Add Value To Your Kitchen: Top 8 Tips

6). Embrace wallpaper

Wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to bring some colour and personality to a room. And it isn’t only reserved for the bedroom or living room. Use it in small quantities to liven up your kitchen or bring some artwork to the bathroom. If you find the right one, it’ll be durable and long-lasting. And, if you tire of the pattern or texture next season, simply peel it off and replace it with something new. This boring laundry room becomes a bright and cheerful space thanks to a few metres of simple floral wallpaper. Use it sparingly at first to see how you like it – and save on cost.

Image by @drivenbydecor on Pinterest

7). Light it up

Even the most expensive, lavish homes can be let down by bad lighting. So if you want to make your home seem more high end and updated, make sure the lighting is on point. Obviously, in South Africa, nothing quite beats natural lighting – so open up the blinds and drape the curtains. Otherwise, the best light advise is to layer it. Start with overhead lights. And, if you’re going for an update, think about replacing old pendants or sconces. Then, look around your home for standing or table lamps. If you really want to create a relaxing mood, add a few candles and tea lights – for a cosy and romantic feel.

ALSO SEE: 6 Kitchen Design Trends Making It Big In 2021

8). Pick a colour

A high-end, considered home often has a few similar colour shades running throughout the house – from the kitchen to the bathrooms. It helps create a cohesive space. If you want to give your home a luxe lift, think about updating its colour palette. You have two options here; to go for a few bold shades used sparingly throughout the rooms of the house, or pick a neutral shade that works in many spaces. It all depends on what you like and how you want to update your home. As long as your colour choice is considered and well thought out, you should be happy with it for many years to come.

Image by liketoknow.it

9). Be a smart shopper

If you’re going to do a seasonal home update once or twice a year, it’s worth planning ahead so you can get the best deals possible. Make the most of seasonal sales, check out which markets and fairs are coming up in your area. And don’t be afraid to shop online. Loads of stores have embraced the online shopping option, and offer great discounts for first-time orders as well as sales throughout the year. Shop smart and you’ll save in the long run.

ALSO SEE: 6 Tips For Surviving A Kitchen Remodel

10). Keep it clean

A proper home update starts with a serious declutter. Because excess ‘stuff’ never looks attractive. Go through the rooms in your home and get rid of anything you don’t use anymore. Then, feel free to update with stylish accessories, new door pulls and painted cabinets – like in this elegant kitchen. Once that’s done and you’re happy with your new look, try your best to keep the space clean and tidy. A declutter at the beginning will help make space for new items, and once you’ve bought them make sure they stay in their proper place. A clean and tidy home instantly looks more high end and inviting.

Image by @thekitchn on Pinterest

If you have specific ideas for how you want to update your home, but don’t quite know where to start, please contact us for professional services and advice. We’d love to help create the home of your dreams.