From furniture to artwork and beyond, we consider hunting for budget decor finds a part-time job. But what’s even better than endlessly scouring thrift stores, Target, and Home Goods in search of the affordable diamond in the rough? Answer: shopping your own home to create an inspired new look for a grand total of zero dollars.
Considering the annual post-holiday financial hangover (coupled with the new year, blank slate mindset), we’d argue that this is the perfect creative exercise for January. What better way to kick off the new year than to refresh, reorganize, and reinvigorate your home without placing a single CB2 order?
So, we tapped Havenly lead designer and resident DIY pro Kelsey Fischer to teach us the art of updating, rearranging, and shopping your own space for a brand-new look. Keep scrolling for her pro tips.
1. Rearrange your furniture
This is the oldest trick in the book, and it still works wonders. Switching up the furniture layout in your bedroom, living room, or home office can make it feel like you’re living in a brand-new home, all for zero dollars. Even something as simple as angling an accent chair in your living room for an asymmetrical moment or centering your desk in the room is enough to make your space feel completely fresh.
2. Fashion a new nook
Craving a meditation corner, reading room, or cozy morning coffee spot? Create one out of the furniture you already own. A little rearranging, plus a few decorative accents in front of your favorite window can transform your living space or home office. Plus, you can use this newfound nook to reinforce daily habits and 2023 goals.
3. Try a new bedding look
If anyone understands the power of a so-called “bedscape,” it’s us. You don’t need to buy new bedding or throw pillows to refresh a main or guest bedroom — simply change the way you stack your pillows, drape your throw, or fluff your duvet. Our pro tip? Mix textures — like pairing leather with linen or velvet with natural woods — for a rich, high-contrast look. More ideas, specifics, and video tutorials from our design team here!
4. Rearrange your books
If you have a beautiful bookcase in a prominent space, like a living room, consider switching up your styling for a fresh look. Consider color-coordinating your tomes for a maximalist moment, flipping the spines inward to complement a neutral color scheme, or even alternating vertical and horizontal stacks for a subtle upgrade. (Peep more bookshelf decor ideas here.)
5. Go rug-free
If you have a dining area with a rug, go without for a few weeks and see how you feel. The absence of print can feel surprisingly refreshing, and allow for more color and pattern play elsewhere, like in artwork or statement lighting. This move truly sings in an open floor plan where nearby kitchen or living room rugs are within view. Bonus: it’s so much more practical in a household with kids or pets.
6. Bring the outdoors in
Homes can quickly feel empty and sterile once festive holiday decor comes down. Add a sense of warmth and levity by foraging fresh stems, branches, and flowers from your yard. You’d be surprised how much life a leafy, oversized branch can bring to an empty corner, fireplace mantel, or dining table!
7. Set the table
While you may not be hosting another party for a few months, your favorite dinnerware still deserves to be on display. Maintain that festive, inviting spirit with simple table settings in the seldom-used dining room, including crisp linens, pretty cutlery, and fresh blooms in the center.
8. Re-style vignettes
As designers, we’re constantly styling and re-styling every corner of our homes, from coffee tables and bookshelves to media consoles and entryways. January is the perfect time to pull down all your decor, and “shop” your own home to create new vignettes in each room. Swap decorative objects, art, candle holders, books, plants, vases, and the like to create little design moments that feel completely novel.
9. Add personal & heartfelt details
The quickest and most efficient way to fall in love with your home? Let it reflect the real you. Add family photos, quirky collectibles, thrifted gems, or art that makes you feel something, and forget the trends. When styling your items, use odd numbers and varying heights for a collected, natural look.
10. Use produce as bowl filler
We love this easy and affordable decor hack in kitchens, breakfast nooks, and dining rooms. Instead of spending money on bowl filler with no real purpose, add fresh lemons, apples, pomegranates, and artichokes to your shopping list, and pepper them throughout your space in cute, decorative bowls. This swap is incredibly easy, practical, and cost-effective!
11. Swap & update picture frames
From updating the actual artwork to creating new gallery wall moments throughout your home, there’s so much styling potential with wall art. Bring a few upstairs pieces downstairs (and vice versa), mix and match frame styles, or tweak existing gallery color palettes for a brand-new look.
12. Edit ruthlessly, but thoughtfully
The new year marks the perfect time to take stock of your home “inventory,” if you will. Take a critical look at your space and remove anything that feels unnecessary, outdated, or that simply doesn’t spark joy (we know it’s cliché, but it works). But don’t stop there — add back only the things that truly reflect your style or tell a story, and donate or re-sell the rest. Designer tip: Replace disposable decor with timeless, investment-worthy pieces that will age beautifully in the years to come.
13. Add mood lighting
Nothing changes the mood and ambiance of a space quite like lighting. Upgrade to warm, dimmable bulbs, add a statement fixture, or upgrade your table lamps for a soft glow that will set the mood. Think of lighting like jewelry — one statement piece and a few supporting accents to tie the room together.
Want expert advice on your actual space, straight from an interior designer? Start with our style quiz to work with a design pro one-on-one.