Light blue themed kitchen with decor

With the cost of goods and services soaring, we’re all looking for ways to tighten our wallets and pinch pennies. But you still want to enjoy extravagances every now and then, and keep your home looking fresh, inviting, and vibrant. There are many ways you can update your home on a budget with home décor, accents, and even simple redesigns. You don’t need to invest a hefty sum in order to liven up a room or spruce up a space.

There are simple and, most importantly, affordable ways to update your home to give it a fresh, new look without breaking the bank.

Area rug1.A new area rug

It’s amazing how a new area rug or hallway runner can change the entire look of a room. If you have wood floors, getting a lovely carpet in a contrasting colour that complements the furniture and paint can give the room an instant refresh. Not to mention this helps protect your floor. They are easy to clean with a simple pass of a vacuum every few days or at least once a week and a shampoo at least once a year (or more often depending on foot traffic and your household.) There are plenty of affordable area rugs and carpet runners that you can pick up. Just make sure to get the right size for the room.

Nixplay digital photo frame on wall2.Digital photo frame

Instead of spending tons on expensive photo frames and making prints, opt for a wall-mounted digital photo frame. It looks elegant when hung on a wall (as long as you have a nice way to hide the wire for power) and you can display hundreds of different images. You can even set different seasonal playlists, like holiday and winter photos during the holiday season, Halloween-themed images in October, couples and wedding photos for your anniversary month, and so on. You get hundreds of photos in just a single frame, maximizing the dollar spend while always adding something new to the room. Less clutter on the wall will also help open up the space.

Glass vase with flowers3.Plants and flowers

A beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut flowers in a vase on the dining room table or in the front foyer can instantly change the look and feel of a room or area. Not to mention they smell lovely, giving your space a nice, homey feel. Grab a beautiful vase to place them in.

If you want to save even more and update your home on a budget, opt for artificial flowers that look real, or a plant that requires minimal care and lasts for years, like a succulent or cacti.

A floorstanding plant in a pot can also instantly add a sense of earthiness and comfort to a room of the home while changing up its look.

4.Decor items

Simple décor items can completely transform the look of a room, space, or piece of Candle in holderfurniture. Work on reducing clutter first, which in itself can help open up a space and make it seem bigger. Then grab a sculpture or statue or decorative accent piece to occupy the space that will really stand out on a shelf or side table. Look for items with an artsy feel that might even become conversation pieces.

Candles are always a good option that look elegant and classy (and come in handy in the event of a power outage!) You can light scented ones for the added benefit of a soothing aroma, too.

Decorative throw pillow5.Decorative throws and pillows

A decorative throw or throw pillow on a solid colour couch, bed, loveseat, or even dining room chair can instantly add a pop of boldness and completely change the look and feel. It’s one of the simplest ways to update your home on a budget. You can grab affordable throw pillows, but if you really want to save, look at throw pillow covers you can swap among. Change the covers for every season, month, or occasion using the same pillow. Zipper closures make them easy to put on and take off (as long as you get the same size) and many can be washed on a delicate cycle in the machine then hung to dry or placed in the dryer on a low heat setting.

Accent wall with peel and stick wallpaper.6.Wall decals and peel and stick wallpaper

For spaces like the kids’ room or nursery, a simple set of wall decals can change a look from toddler to big boy or girl Star Wars fans. These decals are simple to put on and, most important, easy to take off without damaging the wall or paint. They are affordable and don’t require any messy (and expensive) re-painting. Shop with your child for a new set every year so they can feel like the room is a special space just for them.

Note that this trend isn’t just for the kids’ room: you can get attractive peel and stick wallpaper to create an accent wall in a room or hallway. With everything from floral patterns to geometric shapes, brick designs, and Quartrefoil design, it’s an inexpensive way to change the look of a room without spending a fortune. Since it’s easy to remove, you can change it up as often as you like.

decorative mirror7.Decorative mirrors

It’s no secret that a mirror makes a room look larger. It’s more about playing tricks on the eyes. But a decorative mirror is also a clever way to update a room’s look and update your home on a budget. A simple decorative mirror in the bathroom, living room, den, or dining room can create a sense of openness. There are tons of funky mirrors that are eye-catchers that instantly draw you to them.

8.Replace old small appliances

Galanz retro microwaveA simple way to change the look and feel of your kitchen is to replace old small appliances. This will require a small, initial investment. But if you consider multi-function small appliances, or look into some funky, retro-styled small appliances, you might even be able to save counter space and give the kitchen a more open feel. Get rid of the old toaster and microwave, for example, and replace it with a new toaster oven. Or give away the old slow cooker and pressure cooker and grab a stylish Instant Pot. Consider changing up appliances to get them all in the same colour scheme, like cherry red, then position them neatly on cleared counters for an elegant look. You may also find that these new appliances are more energy efficient options, which ends up saving you money in the long run.

There are lots of ways to update your home on a budget. A simple switch of a pillow here, addition of a throw there, or even just decluttering and swapping out piles of junk for a decorative sculpture can make a big difference.

Check out lots more home décor items at Best Buy Online. 

Christine Persaud
With 20+ years of experience in trade and consumer tech journalism, I have covered the tech space since before social media was a "thing" and the smartphone as we know it was even invented. Writing for various technology, lifestyle, and entertainment sites, I have covered and reviewed hundreds of tech products, from home appliances to wearables, fitness tech to headphones, TV entertainment products and services, and more. I'm also a passionate foodie who loves to cook and bake, a TV show fanatic (happy to give what to watch recommendations!), and proud mother to a 12-year-old son.