Make it a spruce-up, not a reno! Manage your pocket book by doing simple refreshes to your home interior that will give the lift you are looking for. Here’s how you can spruce up your house without breaking the bank.

Before heading out to shop, it’s always a good idea to de-clutter. Believe it or not, this is one of the most cost effective ways to freshen up your home. Over time, we get used to seeing all the things we have on display, so start with a clean slate! One room at a time, remove all the accessories and things lying around, including mirrors and pictures on walls, throws, pillows, picture frames, even small furniture pieces.

Now that you have stripped the room to bare bones, you can start with a clean palette. Step back and assess the room and consider doing the following.

A fresh coat of paint

Freshen up the room with a new coat of paint. This might be the biggest and most difficult decision. If you’re working on a living room for example, it may need to flow with the rest of your main floor. Going lighter for the walls and whiter for the trim is a safe bet, but if you’re daring, a feature wall using a complementary hue or bold colour can really add impact and transform the room. However keeping it clean and simple will give a fresh and light feel and allow you to add colour through accessorizing.

Details make a difference: Consider crown moulding

They say “the devil is in the detail,” and this is true when it comes to adding sophistication and giving a custom-made feel. Crown moulding adds that detail. Crown moulding finishes off a room and ties the walls and ceiling together. Although custom crown molding can be expensive, you can find composite or paintable versions like MDF, making it an affordable choice. The great thing about crown moulding is the different widths it comes in. Typical crown moulding measures between three to 20 inches wide. To get the biggest impact, choose the widest width your budget and wall height can take.

Lighting, lighting, lighting

Your room should have several different light sources and levels, including floor lamps, table lamps and your ceiling. Another great add-on is to have your fixtures on dimmer switches so you can manually adjust the light level.

Don’t overlook the lights you may already have. Sometimes a refresh of a new shade can transform the light, updating the look and making it look like new.

Window treatments

Window treatments are one of the most budget-friendly add-ons to frame up your room. Lined draperies in linen, cotton or natural silk are a great choice and will add an elegant feel, unlike less expensive options like polyester or man-made fabrics that will look cheap. If you want to make your room feel larger and give an upscale look, hang curtains near the ceiling. If curtains are not your style, then try wood blinds or woven shades. Either option will have your home looking dressed!

Hardware: Jewelry for your cabinets

Knobs, handles or drawer pulls are like jewelry for your cabinets. Hardware can change the look and feel. Whether you decide to add a pop of colour and replace your hardware with acrylic or ceramic, or change the finish to chrome, polished brass or nickel, antique brass, aged bronze or oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel or black, there are so many options to choose from.

Area rugs and runners

If you have existing rugs or runners, have them cleaned. Lifting all the ground dirt and dust can brighten and liven up the carpet. Or, consider getting a new area rug, stair or hall runner to complement your room and décor and make the space feel cozy and inviting.

Last but not least: Accessorize!

Our first “out of the gate” task to sprucing up your home was to de-clutter. When you start from a clean slate, it allows you to visually see your room differently. As you start re-introducing pieces back in, you will likely find that you put things in different places, or leave it out of the room all together. If you de-cluttered more than one room, then suddenly you have more accessories to choose from to create a new feel and look.

Another inexpensive way to spruce up your room is buying a few new throw pillows. This can add that splash of colour, texture and comfort that can really enhance a space. Punch up the size of your throw pillow to a 22” cover and use a down-filled 24” insert for an overstuffed, plush pillow.

Mirrors offer a cost effective way to open up a space. Combining mirrors with light reflection can create the illusion of space and make a small room feel bigger. In a narrow hallway or staircase, it will visually widen the space. Make mirrors a focal point and dress up a space.

Is it time for a refresh?