What Are Small Ways to Update My Home Without Renovating?

Feeling like your home needs an update, but wondering how to do that without knocking down walls or thinking about the costs of a renovation? Often an update can feel overwhelming and often where people choose to just stay with what they have, while not feeling fully settled or comfortable. 

Sometimes, a few intentional tweaks can breathe new life into your home; think of options like changing the mood, layout, or flow of a room without calling a contractor.

Here are our favourite small yet powerful home updates that don’t require a full reno.

Swap Out Soft Furnishings

Cushions, throws, and linens are an easy way to change the feeling of a room. We always recommend natural textures like linen or cotton for a more elevated, breathable look. These pieces, while usually understated, really do make a big impact to your mood in that space, but also act almost like the glue - holding everything else around it together. 

Some ideas to try here are:

• Adding patterned or textured linen cushion covers to the couch
• You can also look at a mixture of textured but neutral toned cushion covers, mixed with big statement sized cushions to help add depth to a couch as well
• Drape a natural fibre throw over a lounge or the end of your bed
• Use linen napkins or tea towels for a soft dining refresh - who says these have to be tucked away until use? 

A little style tip from us is to choose your desired style here - you can either keep the palette neutral and layer with tones for a relaxed feel, or go bold with contrast if your space needs some energy added to it.

Refresh with Statement Décor Pieces

Updating a few high-impact decorative items can shift the whole energy of a space. This is where you can get creative and call on your inner stylist by shifting existing pieces around, looking at walls and differing levels. 

Simply changing where a few pieces are placed, and what is placed around them, can change the entire look-and-feel of that space.  

You might like to try adding:

• A statement terracotta vase on a shelf or console
• Brass wall hooks, organically styled as mini art moments
• Hand-carved trays or wooden bowls as centrepieces

Décor doesn’t have to be loud, it just has to feel like you.

Create a Moment with Lighting

Lighting sets the mood, but often the thought or process to replace built-ins is far too much hassle. Especially if you're renting. Light options aren't just those in the roof or your single lamp sadly sat in the corner - it's about how you bring it in and what compliments more of that "light" feeling. 

For example, you could:

• Swap a generic lamp for a woven or rattan-style shade. Play with different shades and don't be afraid to have more than one in the same space - layer them on top of consoles and on the floor
• Add soft-glow candles (natural of course) in unique handmade holders
• Use natural materials that bounce and warm the light. These give the perception of nature and light in a space that may not have a lot of natural light available

These considerations work well in entryways, bedrooms, or reading corners where ambience matters.

Style One Surface at a Time

If your home feels cluttered or tired, choose one surface and give it a mini makeover. And remember our point above: don't be afraid to move pieces you already have, around. Even if a piece has sat there for some time, or you like it there, it can help refresh a room or corner to move pieces about. This is meant to be fun and organic - not overwhelming. 

Smaller areas you might want to start with that can start to have an immediate affect are:

• Your bedside table if you have these. They don't just have to be for your books and reading glasses. Bring in small ornaments or photos that have a special meaning
• The kitchen bench also deserves some styling and design. This is where you can start with functional pieces that are also visually appealing, and then look at prints, photos, small statues collected over time. 
• A bathroom shelf or basin area is also an area you spend a lot of time but is often overlooked.  

Any of these spaces offer a canvas for items like beautifully painted or mosaic style trays, handmade décor items, a sprig of greenery or natural oils to help turn it into their own micro-moments.

Lean Into Seasonal Rotations

You don’t need to commit to permanent change every time the weather does its thing. If you are trying to make some more drastic changes based on your mood or how you want your space to feel through certain seasons, you can try:

• Introducing lighter colours and natural fibre blends like linen or cotton, during those warmer months
• Adding in textured pieces made from terracotta or brass, for the cooler months

Making season-changes with just a few pieces of your home décor, can make your space feel more dynamic and in tune with your lifestyle - at that point time. 

FAQs

How can I refresh my home without spending a lot? Start with your soft furnishings and a few unique homewares. You can update the whole look of a room by styling just a few new pieces intentionally.

What are some easy ways to change a room’s feel? Update cushions and throws, add a statement vase or sculptural object, or playing with lighting options.

Do I have to buy lots of new things to update my space? Not at all. We are all for reviewing your current pieces and style. Keep what feels right, pass on what doesn't. The introduction of new pieces, whether statement pieces or softer understated items, should always have a focus on quality over quantity. Even just one handmade item can make your space feel more personal and refreshed.

So, if you're ready to give your home a make over that doesn't require any tradesman, then we welcome you to explore our handcrafted decorative homewares - and being styling your space with intention.