This post was from a couple of years ago, but it all still applies! It’s a new season, so it’s time for a refresh!

Good morning! I just had to show you pictures of our new floor in the living and dining rooms of our home. I’m so pleased with how it looks!! It’s exactly how I envisioned it! We still have the trim work to do and other small details, but it its moving along!

Today I thought I would share some ideas on how to decorate for little or no cost. When my girls were younger, we didn’t have much money for extras, so I had to get pretty creative. I loved making things to make my house feel homey. I still do a lot of the same things. There is no reason to spend  lot of money when you can decorate for less!

• Garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores

  I still shop these sales!! This is such a great way to find new items for your home. Since you don’t spend a lot, it’s not so bad if you only use it for a little while. Thrift stores are my favorite. Goodwill gets new, returned merchandise from Target and have found some amazing pieces for half of the regular price. I think for me it’s the thrill of the hunt! You never know what you might find! I’ve been able to find home decor, dishes, throw blankets, quilts and so much more.

Finds and Fashions

Salvation Table

• Craigslist, Facebook BuySellTrade, Auctions

  I’ve been able to find some great items on these sites too. Craigslist, in my area, seems to be a little more expensive, but there are still plenty of items to choose from.  We have a local online auction house and it’s so interesting to look through the items for sale. You never know what you might find. I always seem to find something I ‘need!’

  A New Dresser…Finally

This is what we started with

• Paint

  Never shy away from something just because the color is wrong for your home! Paint to the rescue! I can’t even tell you how many items I have painted-furniture, dishes, frames, file cabinets, baskets, and on and on. You do have to spend a little money on paint, but it can transform a piece of furniture into a showpiece! And don’t forget about spray paint. My mom always laughs when I say, “Just spray paint it!”

 Steps to Painting Farmhouse Chairs With a Brush

Robin Egg Blue Beachy File Cabinet

Blue and White Folding Chair Makeover

Springtime Concrete Painted Planter

Rattan Plate Holders

• Shop Your Own House 

  It’s amazing what we already have in our own homes! Think of new ways to use things. Books are a great way to add interest. You can either use the colorful spines or turn them backwards if you want a more neutral look. Baskets look good and work hard to corral little stuff. Painting different baskets the same color will give them a more cohesive look. Pitchers, jars, bottles, and pretty glasses all make nice vases.

How to Style Your Bookshelves

Pink, Blue, and Gold Party Tablescape

• Bring the Outdoors In

  Use plants in your yard to place in those pitchers, jars, bottles and pretty glasses. This is a great way to bring a touch of the different seasons into your home. You can use budding branches or fresh flowers in the spring, greenery in the summer, fall leaves and branches in the fall, and berries and pine in the winter. Fruits and vegetables can work grea

  Beachy Dining Room Refresh 

         Green Black and White in the Dining Room

• Printables

  You can find free printables all over the internet, especially on Pinterest. There are so many out there, for every season, occasion, decorating style and holiday. I have a couple of clipboards I use with gallery walls and then I can just change out the printable for different times of year. I have used many from The Cottage Market over the years. Please go take a look!

• Use mementos and family heirlooms

  Don’t forget those items you have picked up on family vacations or that just have a wonderful memory attached. I have a bowl full of rocks and shells we picked up at different places over the years. I wrote on each one where it was picked up and what year. What a great way to relive some of those great moments! Don’t forget family pictures! Pick up some simple frames and put them out on display. Keep frames in the same color for a clean look. if you have something special from a grandma or great aunt or other relative, find a way to get it out of your closet and display it!

• Pillows and throws

  Pillows and throws are another great way to decorate for the seasons. Like I mentioned above, Goodwill usually have quite a few items from Target. You might find them in the wrong season, but hang onto them and you will be ready to decorate when that season comes again. I really love pillows, but they do take up quite a bit of space. I have found lots of pillow covers on Amazon at really good prices and they are much easier to store. You only need a few pillows and then slip on a new cover when you are ready for a new look!

Green, Black and White in the Living Room

Christmas in the Guest Room

• Rearrange Furniture

  Try moving a small piece of furniture to another space! Maybe it will work better there and if not, you can always put it back. You can completely change the look of a space by switching out a chair, small table, or maybe artwork. You will feel like you have a whole new room!

Desk Chair Makeover

Dining Room Refresh

• Have a Yard Sale

  Need some extra money to buy some new decor pieces? Have your own yard sale to get rid of the stuff you no longer want or don’t work with your decor. Other people are looking for those items just like you are! Try Craigslist or Facebook to sell some of the larger items. I have some great tips here for holding your yard sale.

Well, I hope that gave you some new ideas to use around your home! I enjoy changing things up once in awhile, but don’t have a lot of money to spend, and these ideas really help to keep things fresh! I would love to hear what you do in your home to keep it fresh without spending a lot of money!