Introduction

If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought it needs a refresh—but your wallet disagreed—you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a stylish, comfortable space. With a few cheap DIY home decor ideas, some creativity, and a weekend of effort, you can transform your place into something truly personal.

Whether you rent an apartment, own a coastal cottage in WA, or want to spruce up a family living room anywhere in the world, these budget-friendly DIYs will help you decorate smarter, not harder.

Budget-Friendly Ideas You Can Start Today

1. Upcycle what you already have

• Sand and paint dated furniture with chalk-style paint for a fresh look.
• Reuse jars, tins, and bottles as planters or bathroom storage.
• Convert an old drawer into a wall shelf with paint and brackets.

2. Create your own wall art

• Frame wallpaper or fabric samples for instant colour and texture.
• Use masking tape to paint geometric wall art or accent stripes.
• Print black-and-white family photos and display them in thrifted frames.

3. Add nature indoors with budget-friendly plants

• Propagate cuttings from a friend’s pothos or monstera.
• Use repurposed containers like mugs, tins, or painted terracotta pots.
• Display herbs on a sunny kitchen windowsill for beauty and practicality.

4. Refresh your soft furnishings

• Sew your own cushion covers from thrifted fabric.
• Dye faded curtains naturally with turmeric or tea for earthy tones.
• Layer textures—cotton, wool, jute—for a cosy, layered look.

5. Give old furniture a makeover

• Paint laminate furniture using renovation paint or chalk paint.
• Replace knobs and handles with modern hardware.
• Stain or whitewash timber furniture to match your interior style.

6. Upgrade lighting for instant warmth

• Swap old shades or wrap a lamp base with rope for a coastal look.
• Replace harsh lighting with warm LED bulbs or fairy lights.
• Add LED strips under shelves for subtle ambience.

7. Make a feature wall without paint (renter friendly)

• Use removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals.
• Hang a large tapestry, rug, or macramé piece for texture.
• Try removable timber slats for architectural style.

8. Decorate with everyday objects

• Stack coffee table books with a small plant or candle on top.
• Use woven baskets as both wall art and storage.
• Display cutting boards vertically for a rustic kitchen look.

Tools & Supplies (Beginner-Friendly)

You don’t need a professional toolkit. Most projects can be done with these basics:

Essentials: measuring tape, scissors, screwdriver set, hammer, paint brushes, sandpaper, drop cloth, level, masking tape.

Nice-to-haves:

• Cordless drill/driver
• Electric sander
• Chalk paint kit and sealer
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper packs
• Assorted cabinet knobs/handles
• LED strip light kit

Quick How-To: DIY Rope Mirror Frame

This boutique-looking project costs under $20 and takes less than an hour.

You’ll need: plain round mirror, hot glue gun, jute rope, scissors.

1. Lay the mirror flat on a protected surface.
2. Glue the rope around the edge in a tight spiral.
3. Continue layering until you reach the desired frame width.
4. Secure the rope end neatly; add hanging hardware if needed.

Styling Examples That Work Anywhere

• Entry console: thrifted frame + small plant + basket for keys.
• Bedroom: matching linen pillowcases + textured throw = instant hotel feel.
• Living room: mix two solid cushions with one patterned design.
• Kitchen: decant pantry staples into jars with simple labels.

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