7 swap-ins to spruce up your space

Sometimes you need a little something to invigorate your space. In the past, we have talked about switching out pillows and artwork, adding a plant, painting a new wall color, and even restyling your bookcase. But today we focus on seven, maybe not so obvious, decorating swaps that will spruce up your space with minimal effort and cash.

Update cabinet hardware
If your kitchen and bathroom look dated but you can’t replace the cabinets, updating the hardware can give the room a whole new look. Try pulls instead of knobs or antique bronze instead of satin nickel. There are so many options to give your bathroom vanity or kitchen cabinet a refresh. Here is one of our favorite hardware resources. 

Update door knobs
Doors tend to be overlooked in the decorating process, although they really can impact the overall look and feel of a space. If you are tired of your builder’s grade brushed nickel knobs, there are so many possibilities to breathe new life into your doors. One of my favorites isthis vintage style glassdoor knob with black base. Just remember, like cabinet pulls and knobs, the door’s hardware style should be complementary to the style of the space.

Embellish curtain panels
Want a custom curtain look without the price? Create your own look by adding trim or even sewing two curtains together to create stripes or banding. There are so many ways to jazz up curtains, from adding Greek key trim to the sides to adding pompom trim to the bottom. Can’t sew? Become friends with hem tape.

Reinvent your lamp shade
You can replace your lamp’s shade with a more modern drum or barrel silhouette. Some DIY face lift options for an existing shade include painting it, adding wallpaper to the inside or even adding trim along rim.

Do a light switcheroo
Swap out those old boob lights with something way more fun like this or this. If you don’t have power where you want light, be creative and add puck lights. Did you know you can take a recessed lighting can and make it into a pendant likethis.  As a bonus, give your actual light switches a new life. Toss the old covers out and treat yourself to new ones or cover them with decoupage or wallpaper.

Swap in a (faux) sheepskin
Thanks to the rise in Scandinavian decor, there are so many ways to decorate with a sheepskin and create an instant makeover. Drape a small one over your favorite chair, sofa, foyer bench, or dining room seat. I have one at home over our piano bench. It’s a luxe looking, but cheap way to make your space warm and cozy.

Switch out your picture frames
Are your family photos and wall art looking a little dated? Sometimes an old frame doesn't work for you anymore, but you still may love the size or detailing. Invest in a little spray paint or rub and buff it to give it a whole new look.  Or upgrade your frames with an “over sized matte, small frame” look like this one at Target.

And since we can’t stop at just seven, here are seven more:

  • Beef up your crown molding

  • Paint your tile - it really is possible!

  • Refresh your grout with a grout pen

  • Paint interior doors a standout color

  • Install new house numbers

  • Use peel and stick vinyl floor tiles

Hopefully these budget-friendly spruce ups will add new life to your home this spring season. Need some motivation to move forward? We are here to help. Check us out here.