Designing a home can be tricky. Whether building a new home, undergoing a remodel project, or just redecorating, you expect your home to feel fresh and updated by the time of completion. The question is, how long before you’ll have to change your design all over again? Trends are always changing. It seems like the second you paint the walls and install your updated light fixtures, the clock starts ticking. It’s only a matter of time before your trendy choices are out of style again. 1 year? 2 years? Who knows? Here are 4 design hacks that will help you incorporate the latest trends on a budget.
#1 Keep your big ticket items style neutral.
In the 70’s, people decided green bath tubs, yellow appliances, shag carpet, and floral couches looked super cool. This current generation is now working to get rid of those trendy design elements! If you have an older home that is decked out in 70’s decor, you know it can cost a good chunk of change to update everything. Not an easy task!
Today, our goal is to make design choices that will be flexible enough to keep up with the times. The best way to do this is to keep your materials and big ticket items simple and jazz them up with smaller touches of trendiness. Go for a neutral tone couch or sectional and add bold, decorative pillows. Pick a conservative flooring material and pull in those stunning colors and textures with area rugs. Decide on cabinets and countertops that will look good with a variety of paint colors and have straight, simple lines. Don’t be afraid to go with a design you love, but think about keeping your priciest items simple so you don’t have major remodel projects waiting for you again down the road.
#2 Accent with those trendy treasures!
Incorporating smaller trendy pieces is a great way to add an updated touch to any space. Think about items that really make a statement without costing an arm and a leg to change again later! Light fixtures, lamps, side chairs, end tables, wall hangings, rugs… you get the picture. These are great items to save your trendy splurges for!
On the other hand, sometimes all it takes is some creativity to transform one of these older pieces into something new and beautiful. Plus, repurposing items is an easy way to limit waste. Click here for some inexpensive DIY lighting ideas for any skill level!
#3 Make bold moves in small spaces.
If you’re going to make a bold design move, we suggest saving it for a smaller space. A powder room would be a great space for some fun wallpaper and an encaustic cement tile floor. An accent wall in a living space or bedroom would be perfect for a dramatic emerald green paint color. If you limit your trendiest design elements to smaller spaces, it will cost less to change them out later on.
For some budget-friendly accent wall ideas, click here.
#4 Mix in some classics.
Some things will never go out of style: wood floors, marble countertops, oriental rugs, campaign chests, black shutters on a white house. It’s always a good idea to invest in items that will still look beautiful decades from now, old or new. Adding a vintage piece here and there makes your home look custom and unique by boosting visual appeal. You’ll also appreciate those classic touches when you don’t have to replace them to keep up with changing trends! Click here for some ideas on decorating with vintage pieces.
If you’re going to update your home design with a remodel project, check out our recent blog on How to Make a Renovation Budget!