If you’re lucky enough to get money back this tax season, we have a few ideas for how you can spend what you earn. This year, think twice about the plane ticket, shopping spree or R&R weekend — there’s always time for that later. Instead, spend your tax refund on one of the few investments that matter most: your home.
It’s finally Spring, so chances are, your home is due for some attention here or there. Of course, if your home is in dire need of any functional fixes, be sure to tackle those first. As much as you might’ve been hoping to get inspired for your next decor shopping binge, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for to fix that leaking shower head or flickering lightbulb. Once you’ve made sure that you won’t need a visit from the handyman, look to our in-budget decor solutions below.
Maybe you didn’t get the refund you were hoping for, or maybe you had something else in mind for your annual springtime spend. Either way, you can find several budget-friendly ways to elevate your interiors and spruce things up for spring. Check out a few of our favorite sub-fifty dollar finds:
Open-Weave Zig-Zag Basket
Look to a stylish storage solution like this catch-all basket to give any space a coastal, bohemian feel. Keep it in the living room for throws and pillows, use it as a laundry basket in the bedroom or toss your towels in it from the tub.
Matte Black Plug-In Wall Sconce
A little light is always a good idea, and this modern, matte black wall mount has timeless taste. For just over $60, buy two for each side of the bed, or add one to the wall by your favorite reading nook.
Dried Linum
Dried flowers and shrubs give a space a matured, craftsmanlike touch. Use dried eucalyptus in the shower for a pleasant aromatic surprise, or go for something more modest like this bunch of dried linum. Dried plants, like this dried linum, seem tastefully abstract and exude elements of the outdoors, but our favorite part is that they stay looking nice without any maintenance.
With $100 to spare, you can spend modestly and enjoy a big visual payoff. For people looking to spend in the $100 and under range, wall decor offers an enticing opportunity. Your walls are a blank canvas — now is the time to dress them up affordably.
Graphic Gallery Wall
This set of six framed artworks presents an affordable, easy way to get the look of a gallery wall at home. The slightly grey tone of the wooden frames creates an ideal neutral that works with warm and cool color schemes alike.
Two-Piece Modern Art
The graphic shapes of this framed art set are a lovely contrast to the soft palette, which includes tones of pale pink, charcoal and classic blue. Place them above a desk or console for a pulled-together look.
Textile Wall Art
Remember, wall art doesn’t have to be a frame or mirror. Textiles are a popular choice that can add an element of intrigue and softness to your space. This textile wall art from Crate and Barrel is also lightweight enough to accommodate plaster walls. (here’s how to hang it on your own, too).
Perhaps you want to put some of your refund toward home projects, but have a chunk of change to spare. Why not use the extra to add a little oomph underfoot? Rugs offer a clever way to delineate space in your home while adding a layer of comfort, color and pattern. Choose a large area rug for your living room or bedroom, or opt for smaller rugs in unexpected spots like entryways, powder rooms and even kitchens to stay well under budget while giving these oft-forgotten rooms a little TLC. Here’s how to find an affordable rug that’s perfect for your space.
Blue and White Area Rug
Blue and white is a classic, timeless palette that works for any season. This area rug is intricate but with a strategically faded look, meaning it will hide everyday wear and tear beautifully and develop a patina all its own. Try it in a living room or bedroom for a serene, subtly bohemian touch.
Graphic Modern Rug
This graphic area rug is a steal at under $200 while also spanning a wide range of decor styles. The simple pattern and palette would work in Scandinavian-style rooms, mid-century-inspired spaces, and even eclectic and bohemian design schemes.
Faux Cowhide Rug
Interior design is all about having fun and embracing the unexpected. This faux cowhide rug with hints of golden shimmer would be a surprising, eye-catching choice in an entryway.
If you’re in the market for a larger design project, leave it to a Havenly designer to do the work for you. Several budget-friendly interior design packages start at only $79, like Havenly Mini, the modest, hassle-free way to freshen up and bring magic to your home. For a transformative result, explore our more immersive design services at higher price points. When you work with Havenly, your own personal designer conducts a streamlined, collaborative redesign process with your personal style in mind at any price point. Get inspired by exploring different spaces our designers have created, or start fresh by finding your unique style with the Havenly design quiz.