Six cheap as chips decorating solutions for the broke homemaker

Okay, it’s a no brainer, but painting is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to transform a space – whether you’re going for a neutral base or making a bold statement with colour. Plus, anyone can do it!

You don’t need to purchase brand new to achieve a whole new look. Work with the pieces you have – repairs, sanding, repainting, staining, white-washing, etc, can all be done very cheaply and will give mismatched and second-hand furniture a new lease of life.

And if you’re starting from scratch scour local markets, second-hand furniture stores, websites like ebay and gumtree, garage sales and even keep an eye on the streets on your local council pick-up days for items you can revamp.

Decorative wall hooks won’t break the bank and can become a feature of your decor – not to mention providing storage for things like coats, hats, umbrellas, fashion accessories, etc.

If you’re the creative type, pick up a blank canvas and some paints and unleash your inner Picasso as a much cheaper alternative to buying art, or find some funky fabric or wallpaper offcuts to place in a big old photo frame.

If your sofa or chairs are a little tired but you can’t afford new furniture, spend a little on some gorgeous statement cushions and throws that become the focus of the room instead.

Instead of spending big on new plants from the nursery, hit up family and friends for cuttings and read up on how to propagate plants. Move to bigger pots as they grow.

Whether it’s a fireplace, artwork, or simply your television, the focal point of your room will generally dictate the layout your space. Arranging furniture and seating around that focal point can help a small space feel larger and have more flow.