About twice a year (maybe less now that I live in Florida), I go through a closet purge where I move in-season clothes near the front, purge things I never wear, and make room for new stuff. Yes, I have a sickness but stick with me here. It keeps things fresh, inspires me to pair new outfits, and generally gets me hyped about going into a new season. So, here’s the question: Why do I confine that just to my closet when it could be the rule for my entire house?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Beth, nobody can afford to overhaul their entire house every season!” This is true … and it also isn’t true. Making your home look brand new doesn’t require spending big bucks on furniture or other big-ticket items. Home decor trends like new throw pillows, fresh wall art, or a different lighting fixture can make all the difference. They can, as the article title says, “make your home look brand new.”
Cheet-ahs Never Win
I’ve never seen an animal print I don’t like. I blame it on being born in the late 1970s. I’ve spent days envisioning how this cheetah pillow cover would look in my house. It’s a sizable 18. by 18 inch. size and made of a touchable cotton-linen blend. It has a hidden zipper as well. Remember, you’ll need a pillow or form like this one to complete the look.
Throw Down
Never underestimate the power of a new throw blanket, especially when it’s a showstopper like this ultra-plush sherpa fleece options with a flower-inspired design. This blanket is a generous 50 by 60 inches with microfiber velvet on one side and faux sheepskin on the other. Drape this on the back of your couch or over the end of your bed and notice the difference immediately.
Art For Art’s Sake
Wall art is one of the timeless home decor trends but it can be expensive! Holy cow, have you looked at that kind of thing lately? I find myself flipping through the prints at places like Marshall’s and then turning around and purchasing something similar from Amazon. This six-piece set of poster prints is affordable and adds a mid-century modern vibe to your space. You’ll have to snag frames but simple black options won’t cost too much.
Solid As A Rock
Agate bookends are a favorite of mine, and you can see why. I have a pair just like this but in black and tan sitting on my desk right now. This set comes in sizes from two to eight pounds, with an unfinished edge and clear rubber bumpers on the bottom that keeps them from moving around. These stones are all-natural, just dyed, and will be the talk of your house every time someone comes over.
Light Work
The quickest way to freshen up your room is to change your lighting and Amazon is a great place to do that. This modern Sputnik chandelier brightens any space without breaking the bank. Choose from accents in gold or oak or bump it up to a six-bulb fixture in black or gold. This fixture will be great anywhere from the bathroom to the patio.
About Vase
If you don’t think simple vases can change your space, you’ve obviously never met the right vases. This ceramic set in white is simple and subdued but provides the perfect vessel for twigs, feathers, or branches in any color or style. You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck by grouping these together, but don’t worry, the vase police won’t come to your house if you split them up.
Beat The Clock
I don’t know how many of you are still working from home (my hand is raised) but this clever plug-in word clock (that’s right, words and numbers together) is a clever twist on a traditional tinepiece and will look just darling in an office or sitting on your desk. This comes in black or copper finishes and has both a wall plug and a USB option.
Flower Power
Start every morning with a smile by throwing this smiley face sunflower rug somewhere in your home. Thick and soft with anti-slip backing, this makes a vibrant addition to the bathroom, laundry or play area. I love the “banana caution” version, too. Changing up your space often frees you from having to have everything just so. Let loose and do something fun for a change.
In Your Hour Of Bead
If you think a simple beaded garland with tassels like the one pictured hanging on the wall can’t brighten up a space, think again. I just saw a home decor trends video of a neighbor’s porch where she wrapped one of these around candles on a coffee table and it was just the right “extra something” to really pull the space together. Not bad for a very affordable accessory.
Smoke And Mirrors
Mirrors are always high on the home decor trends — and do you know why? They’re functional, for starters, and have the ability to make any space look larger, just as pictured above. This one offers a full-body view and can be hung or leaned against the wall. I love the arched shape, too, which is unusual in a mirror this size.
Cut A Rug
If you asked me what type of home decor trends would change a space the quickest, my answer would always be an area rug. This one has a vintage bohemian vibe with a beautiful center medallion framed by floral motifs. The plethora of colors in here means it’ll go with literally anything, whether you’re using old pillows or you’re investing in new ones.
Bed And Board
Remember this bedroom life hack, okay? Changing your duvet cover is an instant makeover. This cotton duvet set comes with a cover and two pillowcases at a price sure to make you smile. Whether you’re outfitting a twin bed or a California king, there are various options and plenty of color choices to decide between. Reviewers give it high marks for being soft and beautiful. I give it high marks for its reasonable price.
Wreathed In Smiles
A little bit of “green” can go a long way. I added a small fake plant (don’t come for me; I kill everything living) to my desk because it’s good for the soul to just have something green and natural to look at. This 12-inch boxwood wreath looks great over a kitchen sink or even somewhere more obvious like your front door. It’s made from real, preserved boxwood, too
Out Like A Light
I guess I’m a romantic at heart because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays due to all the lights. I can’t get enough of candles and other flickering things. These fairy lights feature 66 feet of bulbs that have eight different flashing modes. Create an interesting wallscape like pictured here or stuff them in a Mason jar for a unique tabletop presentation.
Ask For The Moon
I guess I’ve always been a night owl at heart, which is why I love this five-piece mirror set that illustrates the phases of the moon. Highly affordable and available in beige or black, these are completely functional mirrors but with perhaps a more interesting visual element wherever you decide to place them. Install them vertically or horizontally, or any other way you want. There are no rules.
At First Light
Amazon has made so many things so accessible and affordable to people, including things like mirrors and lamps. This industrial-style floor lamp is great value and may be the perfect solution to that dark corner of your living room you’ve been obsessing over. Choose from multiple finishes or bump it up to an entire lamp tree with three bulbs instead of one.
Paper Trail
This one is near and dear to my heart because I rent and I just know they’d hit me with an eleventy billion dollar charge if I hung wallpaper and then bounced. This, however, is the peel-and-stick variety that doesn’t require three helpers or relinquishing your security deposit. All of the offerings on this page are a hexagon pattern but there are several interesting color varieties to choose from.
Make A Splash
While we’re talking about things you can peel and stick, give a peel-and-stick backsplash a try. This not only will bring new life to your kitchen but it’ll protect that surface from spills and stains. You can cover roughly four square feet with one purchase of blue, champagne, rose gold, brown or silver tiles, and these look just as great in a powder room, if you’re feeling fancy.
Put Your Name In Lights
The second half of my life began when I realized you could buy custom neon signs without needing to take out a small loan. This personalized sign comes in sizes from 10 inches to 55 inches with one, two, or three lines of text. You can customize this product right on Amazon, too, which is pretty handy, including everything from the text to the color choices
Boho Boxes
Bathrooms are hard to redecorate. There’s really not that much you can swap out without undertaking a very real, very expensive home renovation project. Solutions like these macrame storage baskets are functional and stylish, storing everything from toilet paper to your most-used toiletries. Choose from gray, brown, or ivory. And, hey, you don’t have to just use these in the bathroom. They also look great on a coffee table or used as a basket for a gift
Throw In The Towel
I like my kitchen towels how I like my friends: Clean, colorful, and just a little bit snarky. These dish towels come in sets of three, with eight different pattern options to choose from. This pictures set is called “magical.” You can build an entire kitchen design off the back of your towels. Just add a yellow rug and some green dinnerware and — bam! Instant refresh.
Eat And Run
Just in case anyone in your house is unclear where the food is kept, these oversized “EAT” signs cleverly backed by cutting boards will point them in the right direction. The primitive design here works for me and I especially love the multi-colored background which adds something extra. Each paddle comes with a pre-installed hanging hook on the back for easy placement.
Plant The Seeds
The space pictured above is so calming that I’m thinking of recreating it exactly as it is. But, I digress. The product above that’s actually for sale is that unframed set of prints that’s green and serene and a focal point all on its own. Each print is 11×14 inches in size so you can pair two, three or all six together depending on your space.
Curtain Call
No lie, I saw a set of curtains similar to these at Anthropologie and they were well so expensive. That’s not how we get down, thanks to Amazon and its affordable dupe. These curtains come in a pair of panels (unlike some places that charge you for each one), and have the most darling tassels hanging from them. There are a variety of colors to choose from but I’m hooked on this teal.
Pouf, It’s Gone
If you don’t have at least one pouf in your house, are you even livin’!? This knitted cotton version is more than just a pretty accessory. Use it as a footstool or extra seat for kids or company. This pouf comes in seven different shades but that yellow is the pop of color you’ve been missing. It’s especially kid-friendly, too.
Tread Lightly
Before I get on Pinterest and look up all the cool staircase ideas, let me introduce you to these non-slip stair treads, which can take your staircase from boring to breathtaking for less than you might think. Add warmth to your wood while protecting from wear and tear, and also dampening sound from the early risers in your house. The design is very similar to a Ruggable purchase I made that cost me several times what you’ll pay on Amazon.
Pull Up A Chair
You like to make a statement. But, you want to be comfortable. This clear office chair does it all with a trendy Eiffel-style design featuring plastic material and wooden legs. Reviewers love everything about it: “This chair took all of 10 minutes to assemble … and it’s got a cute, modern look/feel to it! I love the clear backing. It arrived packed very carefully with no damage! Happy with this purchase!”
On The Table
If you’re old enough to be perusing this list, you’re old enough to stop using the floor next to your bed for storage. Yeah, I see you. Especially when you can snag a chic side table like this one for a bargain price. It features two shelves for books, magazines and journals, while still boasting plenty of space for a lamp, alarm clock and phone charger. It’s also compact with adorable bronze hairpin legs.
Have A Seat
The first time I had my own private office, my mom bought me a lovely accent chair, which I still have. Looking at it reminds me of how far I’ve come. An accent chair to you may just be an accent chair and that’s fine, but at least make it a cute one like this tree leaf pattern. At an affordable price, it’s a solid investment that’ll transform any space.
In A New Light
If renovating your bathroom is on your to-do list but your checking account isn’t cooperating, perhaps doing one piece at a time is the way to go. This vanity light fixture with brushed brass and milk-white globes is an instant space changer while you plot the rest of your remodel. Hey, it might even serve as inspiration for the other pieces you select.
Hop In The Shower
A new shower curtain is probably one of the simplest bathroom upgrades you can make and, because it’s simple and usually not very expensive, you can change it as often as you want. This blush-colored, ruffled version is made from microfiber, is plenty long, and has a shabby chic vibe that’s just right.
Aim For The Stars
Some home additions are all about design and some are about ambiance, which is where this LED laser star projector fits. Sky Lite projects a field of drifting blue stars against a transforming blue cloud with no installation required. The projector can be moved from room to room as you wish. Simple button controls make it easy to cycle through light effects, adjust brightness or start/stop the rotating motion. Kids love it, too!
Here’s Your Sign
I’ve been in homes with large custom signs like this and thought, “Ooooh, boy, I bet they paid a pretty penny for that!” In fact, they did not — or shouldn’t have — since you can customize your own on Amazon at a price that suits most budgets. Choose from multiple styles and colors and then add your name, location, and year for a one-of-a-kind design.
Wet Your Plants
If neither of your thumbs is green, welcome to my support group. I can’t grow anything. I even managed to kill a succulent! So, for me and others like me, faux plants are the way to go. This adorable arrangement with varied shades of green and hydrangea flowers is great for a coffee table, kitchen table, bookshelf, or desk. Choose from blue or pink varieties as well.
Kiddie Corner
I’m a little bit extra so I like some of my home decor to be a little bit extra, too. Cue this patio umbrella that’s just enough extra with its fringe trim. This umbrella blocks more than 98 percent of UV rays and has a tilt feature with push-button to adjust the umbrella as the sun moves. The steel pole offers superior strength support. You’ll love staying cool and comfy under this anytime you’re outdoors.
Umbrella Academy
I’m a little bit extra so I like some of my home decor to be a little bit extra, too. Cue this patio umbrella that’s a little bit special with its fringe trim. This umbrella blocks more than 98 percent of UV rays and has a tilt feature with push-button to adjust the umbrella as the sun moves. The steel pole offers superior strength support. You’ll stay cool and comfy under this anytime you’re outdoors.
Set It Off
I think outdoor spaces are among the simplest to transform because you’ve already got the sun, sky, and usually lush greenery that serves as a backdrop. This three-piece patio set features a wicker-wrapped design on its two chairs, water-resistant cushions and a round accent table with a tempered glass top. It’s the perfect addition to your outdoor space to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.