Need to give a lack-lustre space in your abode some TLC? There are plenty of quick style fixes out there that won’t cost the earth or, more importantly, loads of your time.
Here are five of my all-time favourite ways to change the look of a room or space – and they each will take you no more than a day to achieve.
1. Create a work space, against a wall
If you have a spare white desk, or table, try decorating it with a feature colour (green is simple and fresh) and then add some pops of black and grey to create mood. Consider hanging an edgy pendant over the desk area; place it left or right of centre so that the wall has symmetry.
Tip: You don’t need a lot of space to make this look work.
By also fitting some Ikea shelving and adding some plant life, or an affordable wall motif, you’ll create a lively space, which will only take a day to design.
2. Add some plant life
It’s affordable and it makes such a big difference. Indoor plant life is underrated, people. Get your green fingers working to create some magic for whatever space you’re trying to makeover. Ferns and succulents make great desk or side table accessories – and it’s a good idea to play with different heights, too.
Read more: 9 indoor plants you can’t kill (so easily)
3. Pop up a pendant
Lighting is a very smart way to switch the mood of a room. Have you ever considered utilising a black pendent in a light coloured space? This Beacon pendant (below) set up in a Homebuyers Centre Victoria display home is the perfect statement piece for this dining space. It’s a fast fix if you have a plain space to liven up.
4. Add a styled shelf
You can find a handful of decorative and light-weight planter pots, books, candles and concrete accessories in IKEA or other homeware stores. Once you have a good mix of decor, consider some practical pieces you might need. For example, a calendar, clock or note pad.
If you’re going to feature some shelves on a large wall, make sure they’re a decent width and installed by a builder. For kids’ rooms and smaller spaces, you can probably get away with hanging them yourself. Choose two distinct colours to style up your space to make the task quick and easy.
5. Hang paired artwork in the gaps
To pad out your white walls, find an affordable pair of prints and hang them side by side. There are a number of sites that cater to all sorts of budgets.
If you’re game and up for a change, you could give the wall behind your bed a lick of paint, too, to bring warmth into the space.
Read more: 10 things you don’t think about but cost a bomb during renovation
This article was originally published as 5 affordable ways to change the look of a room in under 24 hours by www.realestate.com.au and is written by Alice Bradley.