Spending copious amounts of time at home made me rethink my space. Currently I’m still living at home with the parents — actually managing to save in the meantime — so the only space that is purely mine is my bedroom. For a long time, I had to share a room with my brother so I’m so grateful for having my own space and I love it. 

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I’ve been on a mission to redecorate my room since we moved house about 2 years ago, but I just haven’t got it to a place where I’m happy. Making my space into something where I’m happy and comfortable hasn't been a priority and I’ve constantly put it off. Now that I’m spending so much time in my room and using it as a work space I’ve had time to reflect and add those long awaited changes. 

So I’m on a mission to refresh my space on a very tight budget. Lockdown had me perusing H&M home and the holy grail that is Pinterest at 4am. I’ve also found the cutest home decor accounts on the gram which has been exciting - shout to @oursmallplace, @vanessadhome and @smpl_space. My Instagram algorithm has also been completely homified with bedding, lamps and furniture.

 

I’ve really enjoyed refreshing my space, but I know I still have a few bits to do. I’ve put together a few tips to help get you started on your own space: 

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Have a vision 

The first step is to know what you want. It’s pointless and counterproductive to haphazardly add trinkets and colours, cushions or throws into your room without thinking how these elements will come together. Consider things like how much space you have and what you already have in your room. Think of an overall colour scheme and think about what will work with the shades you’ve selected. Work with what you’ve got but don’t be afraid to take risks with the style. Browse homeware websites and Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. You could even create a vision board like I did on Pinterest and work your way from there. 

 

Remove clutter 

Make sure everything has a home and make it a priority to put things back where they belong. A simple tip but it will cost you nothing and will keep your space clutter free. Keeping your space tidy will help you to enjoy it and feel calm and relaxed when you spend time in it. 

 

Change those sheets girl (or boy)

Fresh bedding is like a breath of fresh air. Something as simple as changing your bedding can radically refresh your space. Of course you should be changing your bedding regularly for hygiene purposes but sometimes change it for aesthetic purposes too. Maybe even invest in a whole new set. I’m usually a Primark girl when it comes to bedding but I’ve found some beautiful styles online at made and at H&M Home.
 

Let there be light 

Yes you guessed it, my next tip for that bargain room update is the humble candle. Although they can come in at some steep prices — yes Diptyque I’m looking at you — you can find some absolute beauties for a few coins. My favourite candle haunts are Primark, Matalan, TK Maxx and Sainsburys — I work opposite a Sainsbury’s so I’ll often pick up a fresh new scent with my Meal Deal. I buy candles as much for the scent as for the aesthetic look, and the ambience and a cozy vibe is also a win. 

 

Upcycle, upcycle, upcycle 

What do you have lying around your home that you can repurpose into something beautiful? You can turn something preloved into something completely new with a bit of DIY.  I use an old cupboard door as my mirror, and I spray painted it white to fit into my room aesthetic. Jars also work wonders and can be transformed into inspired miscellaneous items for your space — I use an old beetroot jar as my pen pot. The possibilities are endless — have a look around your house and see what you can find. 

 

Make it art, darling 

There’s something about an empty wall that doesn’t sit well with me. For years I left my bedroom walls naked and now that I’ve spiced them up, empty walls just grate on me. The thing with using wall art is you can go crazy or you can keep it minimalistic, whichever reflects you. Wall art injects an extra dose of character into absolutely any space. 

 

Wall art doesn’t need to be expensive, lots of online print stores offer discounts and you can get something cute from about £3. You could also use pictures of yourself, friends or family as well. Use command strips or something similar to make sure your wall paint stays intact — it also means you can put your art absolutely anywhere on your wall. Why not push the boat out and put your art on the floor; it’s what all the cool kids on interior design Instagram are doing. Check out Desenio, Fy or The Poster Store for your art. 

 

Get moving

It could be furniture or it could be a book, the idea is just to reposition a few items in your space. This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of refreshing your space – a simple tweak here and there makes a big change. Do this regularly and you’ll never be bored in your space. 

 

Knick-knacks 

This is where you may have to spend a few pounds but the results are really worth it. Buy a couple of cute and quirky ornaments and place them all around your space for a fresh look. Scatter cushions for your bed or sofa, an ornamental lamp or some fairy lights can brighten up your space and make it feel new. These ornaments don’t need to serve a purpose; they can be there simply for the aesthetic. 

 

Plant babies 

As well as having proven medical and psychological benefits for you, plants are also healthy for your space. They offer an instant and long-lasting refresh for your space. They can be quite pricey but plants are a great investment. Place them absolutely anywhere and you’ll notice a change immediately. If you haven’t mastered the art of keeping something alive yet, check out my article for plant beginners. Check out Canopy who deliver UK-wide. 

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Now that you’ve made your changes, stand back and admire your work of art. 

The most important thing is gratitude! Having a roof over your own head and a space to call your own is more than enough. I’m so grateful for having my own space and it’s been exciting making it somewhere that I’m happy to spend time in.