
7 Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Over Any Room in a Day
You might be under the impression that making over a room is a major process that takes weeks, requires countless decisions, and involves a lot of moving parts. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. You can easily transform a room in just a day. Even small changes can have a big impact if you know what to do. So, here are seven ways to make over a room in a day, as recommended by interior designers.
Declutter
There’s nothing attractive about a messy room, and tidying things up can make it feel entirely different, according to interior designer Kathy Kuo. “When it comes to a room refresh on a tight timeline, the key is in decluttering,” she says. “It’s surprising how much of a difference a good tidy-up and reorganization can make.”
The best part of this room refresh plan? Decluttering won’t cost you a penny.
Make Seasonal Swaps
After decluttering, Kuo suggests investing in details with an eye toward seasonality. Her approach—think small. “For example, in a living room, you can swap your cozy winter throw pillows for spring-inspired ones and make changes to your wall art and shelf styling choices,” explains the designer. “If you have the budget for it, swap your light fixtures and rugs. Finally, tie the room together with fresh florals and a nice, new scented candle in a seasonal scent. All of these updates and refreshes can be done without purchasing pricey new anchor furniture.”
Install Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been one of the biggest interior design trends in recent years. It’s a fantastic way to completely change the vibe of a room. Whether you want to add color, texture, or a pattern, there are endless options. But traditional wallpaper takes days, requires professional installation, and can be costly. Fortunately, peel-and-stick wallpaper has come a long way and is easy to apply yourself.
Blair Britt and BettyAnn Kraft, owners of Bella B Home Designs love the idea of using peel-and-stick wallpaper to refresh a room. “[It’s] easy, fun to install, and makes a huge impact as an accent wall,” Britt says.
If you’re new to peel-and-stick wallpaper, it will probably take the better part of a day to complete an accent wall. But even this small change can make a big impact—without the need to invest in a lot of expensive new furniture.
Put Up Some Peel-And-Stick Tiles
You might think you’re stuck with your current kitchen backsplash unless you’re planning a full renovation. But if you want to elevate the space in just a day, consider installing peel-and-stick tiles. Whether you prefer simple subway tiles or something more elegant, like faux marble herringbone, a new backsplash can instantly modernize your kitchen.
Just be sure to measure and cut properly—and no one will be able to tell the difference between peel-and-stick and the real thing.
Install Wall Molding
Britt and Kraft say wall molding only takes a day to install, and it’s totally possible to DIY.
However, renters may want to consider peel-and-stick molding. With a variety of styles available—from chair rail to wainscoting—the options are endless. This is an easy way to achieve a truly refined look.
Paint a Wall
Painting is a project many people can complete in a day, depending on the size of the room. You can go for a bold accent wall in a unique color, or, instead of simply painting a solid shade, consider using textured paint like Roman clay or limewash paint for added dimension.
Add Vintage Touches
Instead of ordering from the same furniture store you’ve seen all over Pinterest—or where you’ve already purchased a lot of pieces—Kristin Harrison, principal designer at Bungalow 10 Interiors, suggests exploring your local vintage shop, estate sale, or thrift store instead. “A great—and affordable—way to transform your space in just a day is to visit a vintage store and select various unique, budget-friendly pieces,” she says. “Think artwork, beautifully patinaed accessories, and well-worn wood or leather accents. By thoughtfully incorporating these finds throughout your room, you can introduce a fresh layer of warmth and character without major expenses or time-intensive projects.”