Budget Home Makeover Ideas for Less Than £500

I love giving my home a fresh new look without spending a ton of money. With less than £500, it’s amazing how much you can do to transform a space. Here are some of my favourite budget home makeover ideas to inspire your next project.

Budget Home Makeover

Assess the Layout

Sometimes, the easiest way to give your space a fresh look is by simply moving things around! Take a good look at your room—does it feel too crowded? Do you need more storage? Maybe the layout just doesn’t feel quite right.

Look around your home for furniture that could be repurposed and have fun rearranging until everything works better. Even shifting a piece of furniture by a few inches can make a huge difference in how the room feels.

Changing up the layout is one of the best budget home makeover tricks, and it can completely transform your space. I honestly think layout is so underrated—it should always be your first step! Spend some time experimenting and enjoy the process. Who knows, you might even get a mini workout out of it!

Declutter

Sometimes the best makeover doesn’t cost a thing! Decluttering your home and keeping it tidy can make a huge difference. It doesn’t just make your space feel welcoming and inspiring—it’s also great for your mental health. After all, your home is a reflection of you!

When your home is neat and organised, it can help clear your mind too. You’ve probably heard the saying, “A tidy home, a tidy mind,” and it’s so true.

Decluttering doesn’t just save space—it can also help you make a little extra cash! Sell things you no longer need on preloved sites or do a boot sale, and you could use that money to fund your budget home makeover. That’s like getting a free home refresh!

designed by OKOS KOTI 

Budget Home Makeover

Paint for a Fresh Start

One of my go-to ways to refresh a room is with paint. It’s affordable and can completely change the mood of a space. Sometimes I like to go bold with a deep, rich colour, but other times I stick to calming neutral shades—it all depends on the vibe I want. I always choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints for a healthier home. Brands like Valspar are great because they’re affordable but still give that designer look without the crazy price tag.

Wallpaper

I’m obsessed with wallpaper—it just makes me happy! I know not all designers love it, but I think it can completely transform a room. There are so many amazing options out there, from textured plains that add depth and a classy vibe, to eco-friendly botanicals, to fun and quirky designs.

If you’re on a budget, wallpaper is a great way to add personality to your space. A feature wall is still a winner in my book, but if you’re doing one, make sure to cover the entire wall. For example, if you’ve got a fireplace, go into the alcoves too—otherwise, it can look a bit outdated.

Wallpaper can get pricey, but there are budget-friendly options. Just keep in mind that cheaper papers can be tricky to hang because they tear easily. If you’re just looking for a temporary refresh, they can be a good option, but they won’t hold up as well over time. Textured vinyl wallpapers are awesome—they’re durable, scrubbable, and perfect for families with kids.

For unique and affordable designs, check out brands like Wallpaper Direct. Always order samples first, though—the colours can look different in real life compared to online!

Peel-and-Stick Solutions

Peel-and-stick wallpaper or tiles are something I’ve been meaning to try out, so I can’t say for sure how good they are yet. From what I’ve seen, they seem like a great budget-friendly solution! You can use them on backsplashes, furniture, or even kitchen worktops. If your kitchen worktop is looking rough or your cabinets have seen better days, peel-and-stick might be a quick and affordable fix.

Create a Gallery Wall

I love making a space feel personal and unique, and a gallery wall is one of the best ways to do it! You can fill it with family photos, artwork, or framed prints, and it doesn’t have to cost much at all. I’ve found some amazing digital downloads on Etsy—they’re budget-friendly and full of unique designs.

For an even cheaper option, try upcycling frames you already have at home. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference, and a sample pot from your local DIY store is usually enough to do the job. You can also hunt for bargain frames at charity shops, boot sales, or online on sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Preloved, or Gumtree.

If you want something special, check out my collection of digital artwork on my website. It’s fun, affordable, and perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind gallery wall!

designed by OKOS KOTI 

Budget Home Makeover

Update Your Lighting

Lighting makes such a big difference in how a room feels, and it’s an easy way to elevate your space during a budget home makeover. I love swapping out old light fixtures or adding stylish floor and table lamps. Harsh overhead lights can feel too bright and stark, so instead, I use a mix of lamps to create a cosy, layered glow.

If you prefer ceiling lights, go for cool designs that make a statement—even when they’re off! Some great places to find affordable lighting include Argos (Habitat), Amazon, Homebase, B&Q, Marks & Spencer, and The Range.

Budget Home Makeover

Add New Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are a quick and affordable way to refresh any room during a budget home makeover. Instead of buying all-new cushions, I often just replace the covers. Stores like H&M offer gorgeous designs that won’t break the bank.

Adding a new rug can also transform your space. It ties the room together while adding warmth and texture. I’m also a big fan of cosy throws—they’re perfect for any season. You can score great deals on soft furnishings at Matalan, TK Maxx, or during seasonal sales.

Upcycle Furniture

Breathing new life into old furniture is one of my favourite budget home makeover tricks! If you have a sturdy piece that’s looking a bit tired, all it takes is a little creativity to make it shine again.

Start with a coat of paint—it works wonders! I always recommend VOC-free or low-VOC paints like Frenchic for an eco-friendlier option. Another simple update is swapping out old handles or knobs for stylish new ones. Etsy is a great place to find affordable and unique options.

Feeling creative? Try decoupage! You can use old magazines, comics, newspapers, or wallpaper scraps to create something truly unique. Boot sales and clearance sections are fantastic for finding inexpensive materials.

Reupholstering a whole piece of furniture can be pricey, but small projects like recovering a stool are doable. Check your local fabric shop for remnants—they’re usually much cheaper and perfect for small DIYs.

Upcycling isn’t just a budget-friendly part of a budget home makeover—it’s also sustainable and adds a personalised touch to your space.

Affordable Furniture

New furniture can get expensive fast, but there are ways to find affordable options if you’re willing to do a little hunting. Planning your design ahead and keeping an eye on sales is a great way to snag a bargain. Stores like TK Maxx, Ikea, Argos, and furniture outlet stores (that sell returned items from big brands) are fantastic places to look—there might even be one near you!

When shopping, try to pick pieces that are versatile and built to last. Look for things like side tables, storage units, drawers, or consoles that can work in different rooms if you decide to switch things up later. It’s a smart way to stretch your budget and keep your home feeling fresh!

Accessorizing with Purpose

Here’s a golden rule for your budget home makeover: Don’t buy home accessories just to match a specific design. Only bring something into your home if you truly love it and know it can work in different rooms. When you love something, you’ll find a way to make it fit!

I used to buy accessories that matched a room’s look perfectly, but since I redesign my spaces often, I kept ending up with things that didn’t work anymore and had to give them away. So, I made a promise to myself—I wouldn’t buy anything unless I absolutely loved it. It’s been a game changer, and honestly, I hardly buy new things now.

Instead, I repurpose what I already have or hunt for unique pieces that bring the right vibe. It’s not just easier on the wallet—it makes your home feel more personal and special.

designed by OKOS KOTI 

Budget Home Makeover

Refresh Your Flooring

Refreshing your floors might sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity, you can transform them without spending a fortune.

Check for Hidden Gems: If you’ve got wooden floors under old carpet or laminate, sanding and refinishing them could reveal something amazing. You can hire a sander and finish the floors with varnish or paint to match your style. Whether you go bold with colour, stick with classic wood, or try a modern grey, floor paint comes in tons of options.

Vinyl on a Budget: Vinyl flooring is a great low-cost choice, but it can still add up. To save money, look for offcuts at flooring stores or DIY shops. These pre-cut pieces are often discounted and might fit your space perfectly.

Preloved Bargains: Check out sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree for second-hand flooring. People often sell leftover laminate, vinyl, or tiles from their renovation projects at super low prices.

Add a Rug: If replacing the flooring isn’t an option, rugs are a quick and affordable way to refresh a room. They can hide imperfections, add cosiness, and tie the space together. Shops like Argos (Habitat), The Range, and TK Maxx have tons of stylish rugs that won’t break the bank.

Budget Home Makeover

Bring in the Plants

Adding plants to your home is such an easy and affordable way to refresh your space during a budget home makeover. Not only do plants look amazing, but they also purify the air and help you feel more connected to nature, which can boost your mood.

Indoor plants can sometimes be pricey, but you can keep costs low by starting with baby plants that will grow over time. You might even find great deals at craft fairs, church fêtes, or charity shops.

Creative Potting Ideas

Finding unique and affordable pots is part of the fun during a budget home makeover! Here are some budget-friendly ideas to get you started:

• Repurpose food tins: Restaurants often throw away large food tins that can be cleaned and used as industrial-style planters.
• Unique containers: Use quirky items like a biscuit tin, old coffee mug, or a colourful bowl to create one-of-a-kind plant pots.
• DIY pot fixes: If you’re using something like a hessian planter that isn’t waterproof, just add a liner to prevent mould while keeping that rustic vibe.

Bring in the Good Vibes

A good-smelling home makes a big difference in creating the right vibe. I love using essential oils to set different moods. When I’m working and need energy, I go for citrus oils—grapefruit is my favourite because it smells amazing and keeps me feeling upbeat! For romance, rose oil is lovely, and if I’m feeling stressed or anxious, lavender is my go-to. It’s also great in the bedroom to help you sleep better.

When it comes to candles, be careful—many contain harmful toxins that can mess with your air quality. Always choose natural, organic candles made with essential oils instead of perfumes. They smell beautiful and are much healthier for your home!

Budget Home Makeover: Final Thoughts

A stunning budget home makeover doesn’t require a fortune—just resourcefulness and creativity! By hunting for affordable furniture and adding small touches like good scents, you can craft a home that feels fresh and inviting.

Which idea will you try first? Let your imagination lead the way!

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