5 Favorite Home Design Hacks on a Budget

Dated: June 29 2021

Views: 591

Leading interior design professionals offer up some of their favorite affordable ideas for sprucing up a home this summer.


You may not have the budget for floor-to-ceiling renovations but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a big difference to a home’s appearance. Interior designers from across the country respond to the question: What is your favorite summer design hack on a dime? Here’s what they said.

Refresh the Color

Photo credit: Laurey Glenn

“What works for summer—and all year round, really—is making a statement with color. A fresh coat of paint on the wall or repainting your furniture and adding new hardware offers a renewed look to any room. Don’t be afraid to try cool, summery colors; they create a tranquil mood to the space.” —Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors, Tulsa, Okla.

Photo credit: Kacey Gilpin

Move Around Accessories

Photo credit: Molly Culver

“Sometimes the best furniture and fixtures are right under your nose – in your own home. Rearranging your furniture can give the illusion of a new home; all it takes is some creativity. Move your entryway chandelier to your bathroom. Rearrange artwork. Use a living room side table for seating at your vanity. The possibilities are endless.” —Mary Patton, Mary Patton Design, Houston

Photo credit: Molly Culver

Add Some Finishing Touches

Photo credit: Patrick Cline

“Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Create intrigue and give richness to a room with bright throw blankets or pillows and add eye-catching lighting fixtures. For summer, I also like to add gold picture frames and mirrors to accentuate white or neutral walls.” —Marlaina Teich, New York-based Marlaina Teich Designs

Photo credit: Patrick Cline

Try Wallpaper Accents

Photo credit: Haylei Smith

"I'm currently loving all of the options for removable wallpaper which can make any room—big or small—look freshly renovated and without breaking the bank. For summer, consider creating an accent wall or wallpapering a powder room in shades of blue reminiscent of clear skies and beach days.” —Lance Thomas, Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors

Highlight the Windows

Photo courtesy Stoneside Blinds & Shades

“For the summer, consider clean, modern cellular shades that not only look great in any space, but also offer amazing interior climate control while helping to reduce energy costs. For this time of year, I’m loving crisp white and seaglass shade colors.” —James Brewer, design consultant with Stoneside Blinds & Shades


"Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission."

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MaryAnne Dorio

About MaryAnne Dorio, Broker/Owner – EXIT Coastal Real Estate ProsServing the Grand Strand since 2002MaryAnne Dorio is the Broker/Owner of EXIT Coastal Real Estate Pros, proudly serving clients ....

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