Easy Ways to Update Your Space
Many people think that in order to make updates in your home, you have to have a deep savings account, but I'm here to tell you that you don't. You can give any room a really great update (note, I said update not full fledged makeover) on any budget.
A few months back, I did a fun feature on Instagram (Ask Ashley) where I had followers submit photos of a trouble spot in their home that they needed design help with. I shared the photo with advice to my Instagram stories. 99% of the photos I received had the exact same, easy design solutions. These solutions work in almost every room and are easy, simple and, often times, budget-friendly upgrades that will make a huge impact to your space!
Because I consistently saw rooms that could use the same styling tips, I decided to summarize them and share easy room updates to totally change your space! These are design features that I use in almost every single space I design and you can do them in your own home without the help of an expert. They can even be done in one day to instantly transform a room. Read through my tips and then shop some pieces to bring these changes into your own home!
Rearrange Your Furniture. Moving your furniture around your space is FREE, not to mention a great workout. You'll be really surprised by how many different furniture configurations you can do in one room.
While you are moving your furniture around be sure to pull it off the wall, if you have the space. This tip is especially useful for living rooms. I received so many photos with furniture pushed directly against walls or backed into corners. If possible, you want your furniture placed off the room walls. This makes the space feel more complete and styled. For example, have your sofa a few inches to even a few feet off the wall, not shoved against it. This eliminates awkward dead space in the center of the room as well and makes the space cozier.
Every Room Needs a Rug. Rugs anchor spaces and furniture, they add color, texture, warmth and interest and rooms often feel bare without them. From mud rooms to bathrooms to kitchens and living rooms, you need rugs! One question I receive a lot is if you can put rugs down on carpet, specifically in bedrooms, and the answer is yes! You can absolutely lay rugs down on top of carpet. You can layer rugs on top of rugs too!
Add Drapery. Even if you don’t use them, spend the money on some inexpensive decorative ones. Main living areas and bedrooms will look so much more put together and finished if you have curtains framing any windows! They add texture & a softness to the space, as well. You can find some really pretty, sheer, white curtains that are very inexpensive. and they will make a huge difference in your space. My favorite budget friendly curtains are from Ikea, yes I said Ikea.
A common mistake I see is curtain rods being hung too low. Often times, people hang them directly above the window trim. You want to hang your curtain rod 1/2-2/3 distance from the window trim to the ceiling. So if there are 2 feet between your window frame and ceiling, you want the rod to be around 12-16” above the window frame. You also want your curtain rod to extend wider than the window trim so that the curtains can frame the window. Curtains should be long enough to kiss or skim the floor! All these tips will help the room feel taller and roomier, so it’s not closing in on you. Emily Henderson has a great blog post on how to hang curtains if you need more detail.
Drapery softens up a space, adds texture, & make it feel so much more cozy.
New Pillows. Adding new pillows to a room is an easy fix. Since I have young kids, you won't find me spending $100-$200 on pillows. Target, Home Goods, TJ Maxx are great places to find inexpensive options (and you won't care when red kool-aid gets spilled on it!). Think color, texture, patterns and mix & match!
Faux Greenery and Trees. Have a corner you don’t know how to fill? Get a faux potted tree. Want to accessorize a powder bathroom? Get a little faux plant. Greenery works, and should be used, in every room in your home. Adding a few pieces of faux greenery to your bookshelves, mantel or bedside table will easily give that space a pop of color & add texture to the space.
Minimize Your Bookshelves. One HUGE misconception about built-ins is that you need something to cover all the empty space. Layer items with intentional open space - it is better to have a few well thought out pieces than a ton of little things. Take things off your shelves & start fresh and begin slowly adding things thinking height, texture & layers.
Updating or giving your space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take these tips & do one thing at a time until you are completely happy with the space. You can always get inspiration at my portfolio, my curated collection & on LTK for some of my favorite decor items.