How to Instantly Transform Your Home Decor with 50 Simple Ideas

For those with a limited budget and even less time, this is the place to be. So we came up with 50 home décor ideas. An accent wall, a bright light bulb, or a new throw cushion (or forty-seven additional home décor ideas if those aren't your style) may completely transform a room. You can do all of these decorating ideas in one day, but the results will look like they took much longer.

 

1. Create a Reading Spot

living room with green chaise
HEIDI CAILLIER DESIGN
No reading nook? No issue. No space for a reading nook? Convert your formal living room into a pleasant leisure area. Heidi Caillier used stylish yet cozy textiles and shapes for this space, ideal for entertaining or relaxing alone.

2. Don't Be Afraid of Black Paint

black eclectic bedroom
FARROW & BALL
This bedroom's soothing black paint tone makes it feel personal and private in ways a lighter hue couldn't (this specific shade is Farrow & Ball Railings). The varied furniture adds a more lived-in and cozy vibe to the dark.

3 Style an Empty Fireplace

white modern living room
REID ROLLS
Rethink an empty fireplace's design. Interior designer Leanne Ford transformed an empty fireplace into a showcase for ceramics and artwork.

4 Treat Your Windows

light pink paisley bedroom
VICTORIA PEARSON

Just the perfect window covering can transform a room. We love Roman shades with a colorful pattern. Interior designer Kristin Panitch thinks mixing small designs together can be easier on the eye.

 

 

5 Re-Style a Bookshelf

black modern bookshelf
FIONA LYNCH

Everything about this home library created by Fiona Lynch is gorgeous: the inky stained wood, futuristic side chair, and clean-lined ladder. You may either fill it with books or add decor touches like vases and sculptures to break up the monotony of a book wall. Or color-code your books. It will not only look more unified, but it will also make your bright colors shine out more.

 

6 Construct an Eat-In Area

breakfast table with black chairs
JOHN GRUEN
How about a view? YES! This one is country-chic, rustic, but refined. It also shows you don't need a built-in nook to create the look.
 

7 Beautify Your EntranceRoom, Product, Furniture, Interior design, House, Floor, Door, Home, Building, Table,

PAUL RAESIDE

If you don't have a big foyer, or if you have, add a little console table. A traditional table with modern abstract painting over it creates a formal yet modern look. Then lean a few portraits against the wall for a relaxed gallery look.

8 Add SheepskinFurniture, Room, Interior design, Ceiling, Property, Table, Building, Chair, Floor, House,

LEANNE FORD INTERIORS

Sheepskin throws are the easiest way to warm up a chilly room. They add warmth, texture, and comfort while being inexpensive and easy to move around as your requirements and moods change.

 

9 Switch Out Throw Pillows

Bed, Bedroom, Furniture, Room, Interior design, Bed frame, Wall, Property, Bedding, Bed sheet,
STUDIO ASHBY 

Throw pillows are the simplest way to refresh a room. A throw pillow in a new color, fabric, or shape can completely transform a room.

10 Bring a Stool Into the Bathroom

1805 House Beautiful Hopper T13422
ANNIE SCHLECHTER

Slide a stool next to the bathtub. Not only will the extra surface space help with organization, but it's also a great way to make the whole space feel more luxe.

11 Show Your Powder Room Some Love
Room, Wall, Picture frame, Interior design, House, Home, Art, Bathroom, Shelf, Furniture,
PETER MURDOCK

It's easy to overlook a room when it's super tiny, especially because there simply isn't enough useable space for décor. But it's definitely possible—and well worth it—to show these nooks some love. Take this powder room, for example. With a light blush pink wall color and a surrounding gallery of eclectic artwork, the small room packs a lot of punch.

12 Install a Canopy
Mosquito net, Canopy bed, White, Bed, Furniture, Room, Personal care, Bedroom, Interior design, Black-and-white,
FANTASTIC FRANK

If you want to transform your bedroom into a palace fit for royalty, add a canopy. This white gauze fabric hangs so beautifully and brings an ethereal look to the minimalist bedroom.

13 Swap Accents Seasonally
living room with record player
NICOLE FRANZEN

Plaid? For winter? Not even close to groundbreaking, but we're still here for it. Swapping out accents seasonally will also get you excited for what's to come.

14 Get Inspired By Nature
White, Room, Furniture, Interior design, Table, Living room, Wall, Coffee table, House, Home,
LEANNE FORD INTERIORS

This space is rich with texture, which creates warmth and dimension. There's also plenty of character even though it's sticking to a strict color palette. For a similarly inviting and grounded environment, get inspired by nature. Think seagrass, rattan, jute, wood, brushed concrete, and marble.

15 Reupholster Your Furinture
NICOLE FRANZEN

Reupholstering your furniture will automatically freshen up an entire space. And if you love eclectic decorating, take notes from this impeccable living room. All the juxtaposition in this room is working so well—the angular mirror, vivid orange art, marble fireplace, rustic stool, and geometric pottery are all unexpectedly complemented by the softness of the blush pink chairs.

16 Simply Tidy Up
Shelf, Clothes hanger, Furniture, Room, Shelving, Table, Interior design,
MIKAEL AXELSSON

This probably isn't what you want to hear since we don't think of cleaning up as fun, but adding a few pieces that ease organization can make a huge difference. Consider installing coat hooks or bringing in a stylish coat rack coat by the front door. Then place a small folding chair underneath it to sit on when you take off your shoes. This will prevent those dreaded (and previously inevitable) clothing pileups.

17Color-Block Your Wall
Wall color-block ideas
PHOTO: MATTHEW WILLIAMS; DESIGN: STUDIO DB

For a graphic statement, color-block your wall. Paint half of it a bold color or opt for two neutral tones. Here, black creeps up about a quarter of the way while the rest is a nice shade of steel gray, creating an understated-yet-unique statement.

18Touch up the Walls
white classic bathroom
ALEXANDER M. REID

Freshen up a bathroom by giving the walls a fresh coat of white paint. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, use a magic eraser to touch up smudges. It's bright, refreshing, and the perfect blank backdrop for a fun gallery, as seen in this bathroom designed by Alexander M. Reid.

19Apply Accent Wallpaper
Wall décor ideas
CATHERINE KWONG

You don't have to wallpaper your entire room—just pick a wall and accent with it. It's fast, easy, and makes a big difference.

20Layer Rugs and Patterns
colorful bohemian bedroom
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ

This eclectic home designed by Sean Scherer is a treasure trove of antiques, whimsical fabrics, and fearless decorating. It's also a masterclass in layering. Why use just one rug when you could have three? Layer rugs in varying colors, prints, and textures to add visual interest to your floor.

21Rethink Your Gallery Wall
1805 House Beautiful Hopper T13422
ANNIE SCHLECHTER

If the walls in a hallway are feeling tired or lackluster, add a gallery wall. Bring in antique frames, or hit up a thrift store or flea market, and arrange a ton of hand mirrors into a gallery wall.

22Introduce a New Throw Blanket
Throw blanket styling tips
ROBSON RAK

Putting a colorful throw blanket at the end of your bed or flung over the sofa is an easy but transformative design trick. It's also a great way to experiment with colors and prints before fully committing to them.

23Opt for Statement Art
Colorful wall art
PHOTO: ALEXANDRA ROWLEY; DESIGN: STUDIO DB

Make a simple wall a little more exciting with oversized artwork. Choose large-scale photography or something abstract and vibrant to really make a statement.

24Install New Lighting
Bedroom lighting ideas
STUDIO ASHBY

If there's anything that can single-handedly polish off a room, it's a light fixture. Case in point? That brass pendant light. It feels much more refined and sophisticated than a table lamp would and contrasts with the more traditional elements throughout the bedroom.

25Paint Your Floors
White, Room, Bathtub, Interior design, Furniture, Property, Bathroom, Tap, Wall, Floor,
THOMAS LOOF

Imagine how plain this bathroom was before the brilliant blue floor. The rapid change lets the tub shine. We'd want to stay all day.

26Put A Bold Floor Lamp In The Corner
Furniture, Room, Floor, Property, Couch, Interior design, Living room, Chaise longue, Wall, Chair,
STUDIO DB

This little corner is sleek, stylish, and perfectly handsome as is, thanks to the modern leather lounger and graphic rug. But that floor-to-ceiling lamp is an architectural stunner that really brings in that added wow factor. Look for a floor lamp that doubles as artwork for a similar vibe.

27Introduce Contrast
Formal living room ideas
CATHERINE KWONG DESIGN

To create interesting contrast, replace one thing in an otherwise totally traditional room with something super modern, like this geometric coffee table and abstract-painted floor.

28Add a Bench at the End of Your Bed
Bedroom, White, Furniture, Bed, Room, Interior design, Floor, Property, Bed frame, Wall,
NICOLE FRANZEN

You don't need a footboard. A bench will get the same job done. It'll help anchor your bed, act as a spot to sit and put shoes on, and serve as storage for extra pillows and blankets.

29Rearrange Your Furniture
Room, Furniture, Interior design, Living room, Property, Bedroom, Wall, Table, Floor, Ceiling,
NICOLE FRANZEN

Symmetry, who? Your chairs and couches don't have to line up—in fact, you don't even have to have chairs. Put your side table in the corner flanked by two sofas, and if you don't have enough arm chairs for a classic living room setup, just place floor cushions by the coffee table.

30Go Minimalist
Minimalist bedroom décor
LEANNE FORD INTERIORS

Pare your stuff way down and your room will look totally different. This doubles as a makeover and spring cleaning all in one.

31Add a Statement Tablecloth
Dining room, Room, Blue, Furniture, Interior design, Table, Property, Yellow, Building, Home,
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

A bold, patterned tablecloth can instantly make a traditional space a little more eclectic. This one picks up the blues in the wallpaper.

32Play With Proportion
Modern formal living room décor
PHOTO: DUSTIN ASKLAND; DESIGN: ELIZABETH ROBERTS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

This exquisite living room is playing with shape and scale in so many ways—each design detail offers a universe of inspiration. For extra impact and proportional intrigue, hang an oversized mirror. Keep it simple and sleek, opt for a cool shape or color, or keep it classic with an antique.

33Put Your Collectables on Display
Closet décor ideas
LEANNE FORD INTERIORS

If you've been collecting something for a long time and aren't sure where to put your knick-knacks, install a floating shelf in your room of choice and then line them up. We love the sense of nostalgia these vintage glass bottles add to the bedroom.

34Screw in a Colorful Light Bulb
Colorful light bulb inspiration
BLACK LACQUER DESIGN

For an unexpected (and easy) pop of color, trade in your classic bulb for a bright one. It adds the same vibe as a neon sign without taking up any space on the wall. Try it in a hallway or entryway, where décor moments are precious and square footage is limited.

35Introduce Florals
Bathroom décor ideas
ROBSON RAK

Adding a nice floral arrangement can beautify a whole room on it's own. The shapely vase, accompanying artwork, and unique rose gold faucet in this bathroom don't hurt either.

36Add Seating to Your Floor
what to hang over fireplace mantle
COURTESY OF JESSE PARRIS-LAMB

You could sit on your couch—or you could sit on the comfiest floor pillows ever. We'll take the latter.

37Swap Your Window Shades
Room, Tile, Bathroom, Interior design, Property, Wall, Floor, Black-and-white, Ceiling, Wallpaper,
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

You've been there, done that with fabric drapery and Roman shades, so swap your window treatment for an alternative texture, like bamboo. We're swooning over this wild bathroom.

38Mix in Metallics
Living room, Room, Furniture, Blue, Interior design, Wall, Yellow, Couch, Ceiling, Home,
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Does anything make a statement like something shiny and gold? Add a metallic light fixture, sculpture, or vase to instantly upgrade your room.

39Update Bedding Seasonally
Bedroom, Furniture, Bed, Room, White, Property, Bed frame, Bed sheet, Interior design, Bedding,
COURTESY OF RONEN LEV FOR NICOLE FRANZEN

It's best to have two sheet and comforter sets so you can change them out according to the season, says home design expert Jonathan Scott. The winter season calls for cozy bedding, such faux fur and thick blankets.

40Wallpaper a Small Space
Ceiling wallpaper ideas
NICOLE FRANZEN

Wallpapering a small room or closet with give it a surprising edge. Do the whole room, or just use scraps to line drawers, cabinets, and backsplashes. You could also opt for a statement ceiling.

41Create A Statement Wall
plate display on wall
JONNY VALIANT

"There's tons of it, and it's so cheap!" says designer Zim Loy of Harkerware. It was for her dining room, so she started collecting plates to make a great art installation. You can make your own plate wall.

42Move Furniture Away From the Walls
White, Room, Living room, Furniture, Property, Interior design, Yellow, Building, Home, Ceiling,
COURTESY OF TESSA NEUSTADT

Floating furniture away from the walls creates more intimate seating. That means all you have to do is shift your furnishings a few inches to totally transform the vibe in a room.

43Add Cozy Textiles
Bedroom, Bed, Furniture, Room, Interior design, Bed sheet, Wall, Bed frame, Nightstand, Property,
COURTESY OF TESSA NEUSTADT

Printed, colorful textiles add so much personality. And as if the bright colored rug and sleek mounted lights weren't enough, this bedroom has also got a seriously swoon-worthy pendant. The Moroccan-inspired fixture adds eclectic appeal, and helps anchor the space.

44Show Off an Antique
Tile, Room, Property, Bathroom, Floor, Interior design, Yellow, Building, House, Furniture,
COURTESY OF TESSA NEUSTADT

The copper tub is the bathroom's focal point, but it doesn't have to be dated. A ladder and a bohemian rug bring it up to date.

45Recover Your Furniture
Andrew Howard Blue and White Beach House
DAVID A. LAND

The super easy way to switch up your furniture game? Buy a slipcover.

46Ditch Your Coffee Table Base
Furniture, Floor, Room, Interior design, Living room, Wall, Couch, studio couch, Flooring, Table,
COURTESY OF NICOLE FRANZEN

Remove the marble top off your coffee table and set it on the floor. Add some books for a bohemian update.

47Lay Down a Rug
boho chic bedroom ideas
COURTESY OF TESSA NEUSTADT

Rustic? Traditional? The rug you choose can completely transform the look of a space.

 

48Mix and Match Chairs
Room, Dining room, Furniture, Property, Interior design, Building, Ceiling, Table, Home, Floor,
MIKI DUISTERHOF

Replace your formal (bright blue and green) chairs with some rustic metal ones. This makes the dining room more relaxed.

49Hang a Colorful Curtain
doorway curtain
JULIAN WASS

In this Pennsylvania farmhouse, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber chose a drape over a door. The deep yellow cloth contrasts beautifully with the royal blue walls.

50Add Color on Open Shelves
Countertop, Furniture, White, Kitchen, Room, Bar stool, Stool, Interior design, Yellow, Table,
NGOC MINH NGO

Open shelving allows for fast and easy decor changes. Blue accents stand out against a neutral palette.