Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Tapisserie Decoration

Home maintenance is expensive and as much as we’d like to stay on trend with our home decor, we can’t always afford to. Luckily, there are ways we can cut corners and still create a beautiful living space to be proud of. You can make big changes to your home at a fraction of your usual budget if you know where to look for decoration ideas. Make the most out of your home and your savings in two simple steps.  

Make use of existing furniture

It’s all too easy to let a piece of furniture become an ornament. We can be too keen to discard functional pieces in the home at the first sign of a chip in the paintwork or a stubborn stain, but don’t ignore them - salvage them! Bring an old coffee table or armchair out of the shadows with a touch of TLC.

How? If a stool or small coffee table is no longer being used for its original purpose, give it a lick of varnish and use it as a night stand or a decorative table in the bedroom, living room or in the hall. If a ratty armchair is gathering dust in the corner, don’t replace or reupholster the chair - buy a fleece throw and some cheap cushions to liven it up and give it a purpose once more.

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!

Desperate to give a room a makeover but can’t face the hassle? Make use of vacant space by accessorising it with a few odds and ends. Things like wall decorations, vases and trinkets can go a long way toward creating a new look and add charm to an otherwise bland area.

How? Markets and charity shops are a great way to source unique and interesting decorations on the cheap. Decorative ornaments and wall placards and signs can add a great rustic and inviting feel to the home - even something as small as a quirky doorstop or welcome mat can brighten up an ordinary hallway. But you can even revamp your decor for free too! Bring the outdoors in and make use of natural elements such as pebbles and wood for use on window sills or as part of a decorative vase or display. Eco-friendly and wallet friendly!

Being thrifty with your decor is a great way to save money. Another extremely effective way to save is by reducing energy costs wherever you can in the home. And thanks to products such as the energy saving power meter by Energenie, you can. The energy meter can measure the energy use of household appliances and calculate the cost, allowing you to prioritise energy use and reduce bills!