Looking for a few ideas to refresh a room or two? You’ve come to the right place with 80 budget-friendly projects you can tackle this afternoon or over the weekend for instant style and charm.
Is your home feeling a little tired?
Maybe you’re looking to refresh a room or two—but you don’t have a lot of time or money to make it happen.
The good news is, you don’t need either!
With just a few simple decorating ideas, you can make small changes that make a big difference—
even in just one weekend or a single afternoon!
We’ve put together 80 easy ways to update your home on a budget.
All designed to help you create a space that feels more stylish, more functional, and more you.
Whether you want to cozy things up, add a pop of personality, or give your space a fresh new vibe…
Get ready to be inspired!
- Wall Updates That Add Instant Style
- Furniture & Layout Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
- Cozy Textiles That Bring Warmth & Style
- Easy Lighting Updates
- Hardware Updates for Instant Style
- Liven Up Your Home with Nature
- Meaningful Decor Touches
- Easy Organization That Looks Beautiful Too
- Create Ambience with Cozy Finishing
- Add Curb Appeal
- Shop Home Decor
- Final Thoughts
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Wall Updates That Add Instant Style
Walls are the perfect canvas to instantly refresh and personalize your home without a full renovation.
- Start by adding a pop of color with a bold accent wall. It instantly warms up a room and creates a focal point.
2. Freshen up the entire room with a new coat of paint.
3. Add a fun wallpaper, you get a lot of bang for your buck!
4. Then bring in cottage charm with a beadboard paneling.
5. Create a stunning piece of wall art, get our tips here for free printables.
6. Hang a beautiful mirror to reflect light and decor. Never underestimate the power of mirrors!
7. Create a unique gallery wall that reflects you.
8. Create a piece of statement wall decor with chunky yarn.
9. Consider adding a tapestry or large textile.
10. Paint an accent ceiling or even paint strips on your ceiling.
11. Why not create a photo collage that tells your story!
12. To give your space a more architectural and custom feel, try installing recessed shelves.
13. Create a stunning feature wall with board and batten and by wrapping the design to the adjacent walls and ceiling it will make your room feel larger.
14. Install a traditional picture frame moulding and elevate the look of your home.
15. Add a few decorative shelves and style them.
16. Paint a chalkboard wall.
17. DIY a decorative mirror and add a little charm to any room.
18. Install a peel-and-stick backsplash and freshen the look of a kitchen or bathroom.
19. Create a focal point by turning a thrift store find into a unique canopy over your bed that draws the eye up.
20. Paint your interior doors a bold color, click here to see how we painted all of our doors in a day.
With a few simple upgrades, your walls can set the tone and bring style to your entire home.
Furniture & Layout Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
Sometimes, all it takes to breathe new life into a room is a few tweaks to a room.
21. Rearrange the furniture. Shifting your layout can open up the space, improve flow, and create a fresh perspective without spending a dime.
22. Pair that with refreshing an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint and suddenly your space feels brand new.
23. Have a little fun and make a blanket ladder from scrap wood and croquet mallets.
24. Create a cozy reading nook.
25. Style your bookshelves with a few of your treasures.
26. Add a bench at the end of the bed.
27. Fix your faded patio furniture, click here to see how we did it in under an hour.
28. Recover an old ottoman and make it look just like new!
29. DIY an accent table with a couple of thrift store finds.
30. Give your barstools a makeover.
31. Make and old dresser feel new and modern with cane, click here for the details.
32. Sew a box cushion for a chair or bench.
These simple tweaks not only save money but also give your home a personal touch that reflects your style and creativity.
You’d be surprised how much impact these simple changes can make in just a weekend!
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Cozy Textiles That Bring Warmth & Style
Freshening up your textiles like throw pillows, rugs, and curtains is one of the easiest ways to add instant texture, color, and warmth to any room.
33. One of the easiest ways to update your bedroom is just with new bedding. An affordable duvet set can completely change the feel of your space.
34. Try Hanging new curtain panels, we feel a room just isn’t finished without them.
35. And remember to hang your curtains higher, it will make your ceiling appear higher.
36. Layering rugs is a great way to add coziness and interest to a room—plus, it’s perfect for hiding wear and tear (my worn sisal rug looks brand new with a pretty layer on top!).
37. Add a cozy throw blanket to a chair, bed or sofa.
38. Update your shower curtain and bath mat.
Click here to learn how to make your own custom shower curtain and for a no sew version, click here.
39. Add an accent rug or even paint a rug.
40. Update your accent pillows with new covers or sew your own. Click here for ideas to decorate with pillows all year long.
41. Give your bedroom a custom feel with an upholstered headboard and add style and comfort.
42. Add a pretty table runner to your dining table.
Best of all, these changes are easy to switch out with the seasons or whenever you want a fresh new look—making textiles a budget-friendly way to cozy up your home in just a weekend.
Easy Lighting Updates
Updating your lighting and fixtures is one of the quickest ways to breathe new life into your home.
43. Swapping out dated ceiling lights for styles that match your décor can instantly change the feel of a room.
44. Or add a pretty modern statement chandelier.
45. Create ambient light with statement wall sconces. Would you believe these sconces are not hardwired, just a rechargeable bulb and a pair is less than $50!
46. Add library lights. (install battery operated and no need for an electrician)
47. Install under-cabinet lighting and create a warm glow in your kitchen.
48. Add outside, motion sensor lights and improve both safety and curb appeal.
49. Try installing LED strip lighting and conceal it with moulding, this is Aiden’s favorite element in his bedroom.
50. If your lamps are feeling dated, give them a makeover with paint.
51. You can easily update a lampshade with ribbon or a little bling.
52. Easy to install solar lights are perfect for outdoor paths and accent light.
53. Create cozy, mood-setting lighting with dimmers—one of my favorite upgrades for the dining room, bedroom, and even the bathroom.
These simple upgrades can be done in just an afternoon or a weekend, yet they completely transform the atmosphere—making your home feel brighter, more inviting, and beautifully up to date!
If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.
Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.
You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.
Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.
Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.
We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.
We love new friends.
Hardware Updates for Instant Style
Sometimes it’s the tiniest changes that make the biggest difference.
54. Swapping out cabinet knobs or drawer pulls, can instantly refresh a kitchen or bathroom.
55. Upgrading light switch covers or outlet plates adds subtle style.
56. Even replacing your door knobs with a modern finish and style can totally transform your home.
57. Even something as simple as updating your house numbers can boost curb appeal.
These small, affordable details subtly elevate every room, giving your home a fresh new look without a major overhaul.
Let’s stay connected! Follow us on social media!
Liven Up Your Home with Nature
Bringing the outdoors in is an easy way to make any room feel fresh, warm, and inviting.
58. Houseplants add color, texture, and a sense of calm—whether it’s a bold dracena or a trailing pothos.
Let me share a secret, I don’t have a green thumb and realistic faux plants will give you that same lush look without the upkeep.
59. How about creating a floral arrangement with your garden flowers and best of all it’s free!
60. Try a seasonal wreath . . .
61. or a touch of greenery to your front porch to create a welcoming vibe inside and out.
Meaningful Decor Touches
Meaningful décor touches turn a house into a home by weaving your personality and memories into every space.
Whether it’s a cherished vintage find, a sentimental keepsake passed down through generations, or a favorite collection proudly on display, these pieces tell your story.
They spark conversation, evoke happy memories, and add a layer of warmth and authenticity that no store-bought accessory can match.
62. Add a piece or two of vintage decor to your home. For tips for decorating with vintage finds, click here.
63. Add a personal touch by decorating with a sentimental piece.
64. And don’t forget to display your travel photos and treasures! They make your house a home.
65. Use a decorative tray to group decor.
66. Decorate with collectibles, these pieces tell your story.
When you surround yourself with items that hold meaning, your home becomes a true reflection of you.
Easy Organization That Looks Beautiful Too
Easy organization doesn’t have to mean hiding everything away—it can be just as beautiful as it is functional.
67. Organize your home with baskets, think stylish baskets that corral clutter while adding texture.
68. Use a pegboard or wall storage to organize tools and even craft supplies.
69. Restyle your entryway with hooks, trays for keys and shoe storage.
70. Install closet organizers, even a well-organized closet can feel like a luxury when it’s beautifully arranged.
By choosing storage solutions that complement your décor, you’ll keep your home tidy while adding charm and personality to every corner.
Create Ambience with Cozy Finishing
Creating ambience is all about those small, cozy finishing touches that make a space feel welcoming the moment you walk in.
71. Scatter candles throughout your home for a warm glow.
72. Adding a scent with essential oils, candles or fresh flowers can easily set a mood.
73. Layer in soft throw blankets and plush pillows, play with textures to add depth and comfort.
74. Swap out small pieces for colors and textures that match the season.
These simple details work together to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and perfectly lived-in.
Add Curb Appeal
Give your home an instant boost by combining curb appeal updates with smart technology upgrades.
75. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, new house numbers, or updated porch lighting can completely transform your home’s exterior.
76. Give your entryway a little personality boost by layering a smaller, decorative mat over a larger textured outdoor rug.
77. Upgrade your entryway security and convenience with a sleek video doorbell, definitely one of the best investments we’ve made to our homes!
78. Enhance your outdoor space and boost curb appeal with warm, inviting landscape lighting.
79. If your shutters are looking tired and faded, revive them with a fresh coat of paint.
80. Upgrade your entryway with a sleek, modern door knob featuring convenient fingerprint unlocking for instant, keyless access.
81. And for our final idea, give your garage door a quick style boost by adding magnetic hardware for instant curb appeal in 5 minutes!
In just one weekend, you can make your home look better from the street while making it smarter on the inside.
Shop Home Decor
Final Thoughts
Updating your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.
Even small, simple changes—whether it’s a quick wall refresh, a cozy textile swap, or a little curb appeal upgrade—can completely transform the feel of your space.
The key is to start small, pick one or two projects that excite you, and enjoy the process.
With these 80 weekend-friendly decorating ideas, you have plenty of ways to make your home look and feel better, be more functional, all while staying on budget.
Every little change adds up, so dive in and start creating a home you love!
What are you inspired to try this weekend?
Please share your thoughts with us, we love hearing from you!
If you’re new here, WELCOME! We love having new readers and friends!
You can learn more about us here.
Let’s stay connected! Join our DIY community of doers and you won’t miss the weekly updates and more inspiration for you always on a budget.
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Thanks for stopping by Sunnyside Home. Empowering you to create a home you love!
Retailers We Love
- Anthropologie
- Birch Lane
- Crate & Barrel
- Joss and Main
- Lampsplus
- Mark & Graham
- One Kings Lane
- Pottery Barn
- Rejuvenation
- Serena & Lily
- Wayfair
- West Elm
- Williams Sonoma
- World Market
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