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5 inexpensive changes that make a big impact

Sometimes we can get into a bit of a rut at home, particularly when we have spent a lot of time in it… (ahem 2020 and scarily relevant again as I write this). Things can start to feel a little bit stale. We know that bigger changes and renovations can be expensive and potentially a long way off but there is no reason why we can’t tackle a few smaller changes that are a bit more budget friendly and instantaneous. 

1. Smell

I think the smell can be the unsung and very unconscious feeling to a space. I like to use relatively simple things at home to make things feel fresh and homely. A few of my favourites include a home brew of eucalyptus oil, dishwashing detergent, vinegar and warm water to make my everyday spray and wipe, orange oil for my timber surfaces and beeswax candles like these ones from Queen B. All simple but make your home smell delicious.

2. Tidy

Sometimes I think there is nothing better than a fresh set of sheets and a clean room but things have to get messy before they get clean. Pick a cupboard, any cupboard and pull EVERYTHING out! I can almost guarantee everyone has at least one cupboard that has been calling your name to tidy for awhile now, sad but true!

3. Cushions

While it can be expensive to buy a new sofa or other pieces of furniture, making a quick refresh with some new cushions or throw rugs can be a cheap and cheerful way to make a change. This can even be done seasonly by having warmer, winter fibres in the colder months and brighter, cooler materials in summer. Some of my favourite cushion suppliers are - Walter G (designer fabrics), Temple & Webster (takes some fossicking but they have some inexpensive natural fabrics), Jumbled (COLOURS!) and Creative Muster (I have been seeing more and more wool ball cushions popping up which is saying to me they are going to be everywhere soon. I love that these are made in Australia).

4. Storage

Along the same lines as tidying your home, rearranging the storage situation of a room can make us feel more on top of where everything is and you might even find something that you forgot you had that you can repurpose.

5. Flowers + plants

While I will again stress I am by no means a green thumb I feel like fresh plants and flowers give a little extra life into a space. There are indoor plants for everyone it’s just a matter of nutting out what spaces you have available and what will grow with your level of care.

Fresh flowers are one of my favourite things to have at home. Find bunches that are in season to make for a more cost effective purchase.

6. Accessories

Changing smaller accessories or hardware like kitchen cupboard knobs can be an easy way to add a little something different into your space. A few suppliers I like for these smaller fixtures are - Lo & Co Interiors (Adelaide based but ship everywhere), Bunnings (yes you heard me… aisle 11 at my local Bunnings has a pretty incredible range of different styles of door hardware and hooks), Momo (Sydney based supplier) and Anthropologie (US based but has some quirky styles).

The handles pictured here are custom made by Auburn Wood Turning (a family run business based out of Melbourne). Even though they are custom they are a relative inexpensive change you can add to your kitchen joinery.