The passion I have for decorating with repurposed items isn't new. I used to follow real estate brokers who were home staging their properties for sale in a past life. To this day, I continue to apply the different techniques I learned from this experience in my own home, helping me create a unique, clean, and minimalist interior. Decorating without spending sounds tricky, but rest assured, it's much easier than you think. All you need is a few essentials to help you create pleasing spaces. Here's what I do and some ideas that can inspire you in your own home!
1- Enhance what’s already there
One of the first rules of home staging is to highlight the home's existing architectural features. Whether it's a fireplace, a brick wall, a huge window or a high ceiling, these elements should be the room's focus. Rather than hiding a fireplace behind a large sofa or under a ton of decorative accessories, try to clear up the space around it, so the furniture faces it. Yup that means it's time to declutter.
If the room lacks those interesting architectural elements, you can always use furniture or artwork instead. For example, take that old antique furniture out of storage and warm up the space. Or, fill up a blank wall with a large piece of art to give the room a chic, modern feel. For each room, I decide what its central element is and then fashion the decor around it.
2- Take stock of what you have
Next, I gather up those small everyday items I already have on hand, the ones I'm fond of looking at. Here, I focus on organic materials like stone, glass, wood or natural fibres—no plastic, please! I also have a few books on hand, perfect for adding a little colour and texture to a room or dressing up a side table. This is the ideal moment to put souvenirs from trips and travels to good use—like those rocks your little one found out on a walk or those beautiful vases that have just been collecting dust in a closet.
3- Changing things up
I regularly swap out the pictures in my frames for something a little more current or seasonally appropriate. Usually, I do this by snipping out pictures I love from magazines I have on hand. This small change can create a whole new vibe, and best of all, you don't have to spend a dime.
Remember, lamps, decorative accessories, and doorknobs can be given a fresh coat of paint to instantly step up a room's decor. I once saw a tutorial that said to mix paint with baking soda, then paint a glass jar or vase with the concoction. The results are beautiful and all made by reusing stuff you have lying around the house.
4- Thoughtfully arrange decorative elements
Now, it's time for staging the found objects you've transformed into new. Generally, I follow the same rule, and the results are always flawless. Perhaps the most favourite is adopting the "rule of three." To achieve this, I place three items together in the same area—two books underneath a lamp. Or, I try to create three decorative spaces on one piece of furniture. Here, the first space is the one featuring the decorative vases, candle, and picture frame. The second area is the one with the storage tray, and the third is the area with the solo lamp.
Another composition I like is using vases and small objects of various heights, which helps to give the room a little interest. This is your chance to play around with different colours and textures or go for a more monochromatic effect. A simple frame with a beautiful stone and a vase with flowers create a beautiful and timeless result.
When I decorate, I make sure to respect the daily habits of the home. By that I mean, I provide a space to stash keys, bags, even our shows. I have a basket filled with bottles of oil, spices, and wooden spoons in the kitchen, yet another useful, practical, and eye-pleasing way to arrange items. By combining different everyday items, you can create something that will have lasting appeal.
5- Accent lighting and fresh flowers? Yes, please
The little finishing touch that makes every room achieve that wow factor is proper lighting and garden-fresh flowers. I've been using the same lamp for several years, and I like to change them up however I see fit. I always make sure to choose lightbulbs that give off a warm, soft light to create a lounge-worthy vibe for evenings. I also find that any vase filled with flowers from my garden gives every space life and colour, not a fresh scent. These little details don't cost a penny but make all the difference in a home.
To sum it up, using what I have on hand to decorate without spending has been my go-to strategy for years. By applying the rules of home-staging and thoughtfully arranging things, you can create a beautiful, interesting, and personal space. I encourage you to try out these tips in your own home. Challenge yourself to decorate an empty corner with some objects you have on hand. You and your wallet will love the results!
