Skip to Content

Before you renovate, try these 10 budget-friendly updates – with a clever oversized mirror trick

Easy updates that don't cost a fortune for every room in the house

By Marie-Claire Dorking
a cosy reading nook with a patterned wall and plants
Sorbet Dreams

From stenciling a chest of drawers to refreshing a splashback, we've gathered some clever design and styling tricks to refresh every space in your home – none of which require a large budget or professional-level DIY skills.

The secret to giving your home an affordable revamp isn't about big budgets — it's layering thoughtful details, improving what you already own and focusing on making high-impact, low-cost swaps. Think beyond the obvious: a simple coat of paint, rearranged lighting, or reconsidering framed artwork for hanging fabric can completely shift the feel of a room.

With a little creativity, even the simplest everyday items can be reimagined — decorative trays, for instance, can double as DIY wall shelving when securely mounted, offering both display space and a styling opportunity. It's this kind of creative thinking that delivers style without the spend.

Thinking of renovating? Take a look at what you can do instead below...

1

Oversized mirror trick

hallway with round mirror
Fenwick & Tilbrook

Here's an easy trick that the designers swear by: placing an oversized mirror in your hallway. Reflective surfaces work overtime to bounce light around, double your view, and make even the most bijou spaces feel bigger. Clever!

2

Home gallery

wall art made from fabric and trims instead of framed painting
Samuel & Sons

Create a bespoke piece of artwork with some beautiful fabric. Attach it to the wall with a wooden dowel or curtain pole for a work of art that's less expensive than traditional framed prints.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Lighting - with a side of drama

hanging bedside pendant over a wicker side table in place of table lamp
Rockett St George

Swap bedside lamps for an oversized hanging pendant next to the bed for an instant sense of grandeur (and more space on your nightstand).

4

The splashback glow-up

painted splashback tiles in a simple white kitchen with wooden worktops
V33

Refresh tired tiles or stained splashbacks with a one-coat paint for a simple, affordable decorating win – choose a light, reflective shade to brighten or an earthy tone to warm up the space.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Display with a story

wooden shelves displaying various food items and kitchen tools
Jeanne Tizon

Curate all your treasures on a single shelf unit, console, or mantelpiece to give them a gallery-like presence and tell your home's story with impact.

6

Stroke of genius

decorative chest of drawers upcycled using chalk paint and a stencil
Annie Sloan

Rescue a tired piece of furniture with a simple, hand-painted decoration, such as an all-over pattern on a chest of drawers – it’s a chic update that you can tailor to the colour scheme of the room.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Painted picture rail

pink room with a patterned border that has been stencilled border in place of traditional architectural details such as a picture rail
Earthborn

Painting or stencilling a patterned border around the edges of the room is a genius way to reference architectural details such as picture rails – and to inject character into the space.

8

Headboard upgrade

headboard upholstered in geometric navy fabric
Abigail Borg

Re-cover an existing upholstered headboard in an abstract, floral or animal print, or craft your own with a sheet of plywood, glued-on foam and statement fabric. It's a clever way to transform the look and feel of your bedroom.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Simple DIY shelves

wooden shelves displaying decorative glasses and faux fruits
Rockett St George

Repurpose decorative trays as mini wall shelves, mounting them with hidden brackets to create charming display ledges for favourite trinkets.

10

Wallpaper moment

a cosy reading nook with a patterned wall and plants
Sorbet Dreams

Using a single roll of wallpaper to line the back of a bookshelf, alcove or hallway niche is a bite-sized way to introduce depth and colour.

Follow House Beautiful on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest

Watch Next
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
'); ">

Stay Ahead with Expert Tips

Join 50,000+ homeowners getting weekly expert advice on interior design, home improvement, and lifestyle tips.

✓ No spam ✓ Unsubscribe anytime ✓ Expert content only