[lifehacker]

grr budgets lol - lead up to christmas, trying to get the house looking as nice as possible, I have had a massive declutter so there isn't too much junk around but I am looking for ideas of what else I can do to make the house look nicer on a budget.

So what do you do to cheaply make your home look loved?

Links to blogs or sites would be great too!

TIA

[niggles]

Clear a spot in every room for a vase and some fresh flowers and the place will look like a million dollars. Or a pot plant if you're not into all that death every week.

[wilding]

Clear a spot in every room for a vase and some fresh flowers and the place will look like a million dollars. Or a pot plant if you're not into all that death every week.

If you do this and have cats, just make sure they don't have a feast and eat the whole plant

[fran123]

Or even go for a walk in a park/bush and grab a bunch of long and quirky sticks and put them in a jar/vase.

Some cheap colourful cushions

Some candles

Some photos in frames

Some of your childrens artwork in a cheap Ikea frame

Go to a 'reject' shop and see what you can find

[Sambambino]

KMart has a decent range of very reasonable priced homewares. Throw cushions, clocks, vases etc. Do a 'makeover' of the lounge/family room with some matching accessories in a modern colour.

Let in the light - I find opening up the window coverings and blinds gives an instant lift to the house.

Frame some of the kids artwork or take advantage of the discount photo print prices around and print out a series of family pics in black and white. Buy inexpensive frames from somewhere like the Reject Shop or K Mart and make a photo wall.

Display some books - have a look at somewhere like AllBooks4Less (in shopping centres or on the www) they have a huge range of books for $5. Buy a few coffee table books on art or decorating and have them on display on a table or ottoman.

This post has been edited by Sambambino: 19/11/2012, 04:52 PM

[tamjk]

Wash your windows, curtains and walls. It makes a huge difference.
I always have at least one vase of fresh flowers in the house, it brightens the place up like you wouldn't believe. I have them in the kitchen next to the sink, it makes the dishes less depressing.
A tablecloth, even if it's one of those yucky plastic things. It covers the ground in toddler goop on the table.
A plate with some pillar candles and glass pebbles.
Scatter cushions and a rug. Kmart has some decent sized rugs for $29 each.

For me the main one is the flowers, I get the $5 bunches from Aldi and often can get 2 weeks out of them. I've got some yellow flowers at the moment that are going on 3 weeks now!

[AryaStar]

Op shops, garage sales and markets are a great place to buy really cheap homewares, artwork, vases, photo frames, throw rugs etc.

[VioletRose]

For a free option have a look around the house for things you already own. Sometimes swapping accessories and things around can make a world of difference

[rabbit hyde]

Decluttering is always a great first step, but as you've said that's been done.

Try re-arranging the the furniture if possible. A change in the configuration of rooms like the lounge and dining room can completely change the flow and look of the room.

I just bought some art prints from http://www.bluedogposters.com.au/ for about $11.00 each. Also as other PP's have said try reject stores and Kmart for affordable decor options.

Sites like apartment therapy are great for inspiration - and have a lot of useful tips.

Do you have any photos of the main spaces that you want to spruce up? A fresh pair of eyes could probably make some suggestions that you haven't thought of?

[Frau Farbissina]

For me the main one is the flowers, I get the $5 bunches from Aldi and often can get 2 weeks out of them. I've got some yellow flowers at the moment that are going on 3 weeks now!

Singapore orchids are not only beautiful but last for ages too!
Supermarkets often have them in their flower sections


Agree that the decluttering and the cleaning of windows etc helps to brighten up the place.

My home needs a bit of a spruce up too.

here are some links I found of recent home decor trends that might give you a few ideas

Link 1 ( LOVE the slide staircases on this page - scroll down a bit)

Link 2 I have seen little bottles similar to these in Bed Bath N Table

Link 3 pinterest