15 Free Interior Design Hacks You Need to Try
Does your home feel like it needs a refresh, but you’re worried about the cost? Don’t worry—you’re in luck! Transforming your space doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Interior design isn’t just for those with big budgets or professional expertise.
With a bit of creativity, resourcefulness, and some free (or nearly free) hacks, you can breathe new life into your home and make it feel stylish, cozy, and uniquely yours.
Whether it’s finding clever storage solutions, rearranging furniture for a fresh perspective, or repurposing old items into something completely new, there are countless ways to enhance your interiors without breaking the bank.
This articles shares 15 brilliant tips to upgrade your home, showing you how simple changes can make a big impact.
Get ready to reimagine your space and fall in love with it all over again—without spending a dime!
15 Free Interior Design Hacks You Need to Try
1. Declutter Your Space
Every design expert agrees that decluttering is the first step toward achieving a cohesive and stylish home.
Over time, we collect items that no longer serve a purpose, and these can make a space feel overcrowded.
Start by going room to room, purging items that you don’t use or love. Less clutter means more room to showcase your favorite pieces and fully enjoy your space!
Decluttering doesn’t mean dumping items. Consider donating or swapping things you no longer need with friends or neighbors.
2. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, refreshing your space doesn’t require buying anything new—it just takes some creativity with how you arrange your furniture.
Experiment with different layouts to optimize the flow of a room or create cozy, functional zones.
For instance, moving a chair closer to a window can create the perfect, sunlit reading corner. Or, try shifting the placement of a rug to redefine the room’s purpose, like designating a dining or lounging area.
Rearranging furniture can completely change the look and feel of your space while helping you rediscover its potential.
3. Use Mirrors to Maximize Light and Space
Mirrors are a timeless design trick for instantly making a room feel brighter and more spacious. By strategically positioning a mirror opposite a window, you can reflect natural light throughout the room, creating an airy, open vibe.
Large mirrors can also act as statement pieces, while smaller ones can add charm to entryways, bedrooms, or hallways.
If you don’t have a decorative mirror on hand, check your closet, basement, or garage for unused options—or ask a friend for one they no longer need before heading to the store.
4. Shop Your Own Home
Before spending money on new décor, take a walk through your home—you might be surprised by what you already have! Vases, picture frames, baskets, or even throw blankets hiding in one room could be just what another room needs.
For example, a small basket could become a chic plant holder, or an old frame could be repurposed into a gallery wall piece.
Shopping your own home not only saves money but also ensures your space reflects your personal style with items you already love.
5. Add Nature’s Touch with Plants
Indoor plants are a surefire way to bring life, color, and vibrancy into any room. If you don’t have plants lying around, try taking a cutting from your outdoor garden or ask a friend for clippings from theirs.
Many plants, like pothos or succulents, can be propagated in water or soil, giving you a virtually free way to grow your indoor greenery.
Even a simple glass jar with a few sprigs of herbs or flowers can add a fresh, natural touch to your space.
6. Repurpose Old Items
Don’t overlook those old or unused items sitting around your home—they could have new life with a little imagination! An old ladder collecting dust in your garage could become a rustic bookshelf or towel rack.
Unused mason jars can be transformed into stylish candle holders, vases, or storage containers. Even an old wooden crate can serve as a unique side table or storage box.
Repurposing items not only adds character to your home but also reduces waste and makes the most of what you already own.
7. Hang Curtains Higher for a Luxurious Look
A simple way to make your ceilings look taller and your space feel grander is to hang your curtain rods higher than the window frame—about a few inches to a foot higher, if possible.
This small adjustment creates the illusion of height and draws the eye upward, making the entire room feel more open and luxurious.
Pairing this with long, flowing curtains can elevate your space instantly, all without spending a dime on new furniture or decorations.
8. Use Art to Create Focal Points
If your walls are bare, consider creating your own DIY artwork to add personality and focus to your space. Grab some blank paper or unused canvases and experiment with painting abstract designs, stenciling patterns, or collaging images that inspire you.
Don’t be afraid to mix media and play with colors to create something truly unique. If DIY isn’t your thing, you can also group family photos, postcards, or mementos into a creative arrangement.
Use matching or complementary frames to give it a polished, gallery-like effect that tells your story.
9. Create Balance with a Color Palette
A cohesive color palette can bring harmony and balance to a room, making the space feel well-designed.
Start by taking inventory of the colors already present in your space, whether in your furniture, curtains, or décor. Then, group complementary hues together to create a palette that ties everything together.
You can also add pops of color with throw pillows, artwork, or vases to create contrast and interest. This approach achieves a polished and intentional look without having to spend extra on new décor.
10. Layer Textures for Depth
Introducing multiple textures is an easy way to make your space feel rich and multidimensional.
Layer soft fabrics—like throw blankets, cushions, or plush rugs—with smooth surfaces such as glass vases, metallic accents, or wooden furniture. Mix and match materials like leather, wicker, and velvet to create both visual and tactile interest.
This layering technique not only adds warmth and coziness but also gives your home a magazine-worthy depth.
11. Upcycle What You Already Have
Before tossing old items, consider how they can be given new life with a little creativity. For example, turn old t-shirts into unique pillow covers, or knit them into a rug.
Paint over outdated furniture to match your current aesthetic or add decorative hardware for a quick upgrade. Even glass jars can be cleaned and turned into elegant vases or candle holders.
Upcycling not only saves money but also gives your home a personal touch with one-of-a-kind pieces.
12. Lean into Lighting
Lighting is more than just functional; it can completely transform the mood of your space. Use candles for a cozy, intimate atmosphere in the evening or add string lights for a whimsical touch.
Swap out existing light bulbs for warmer tones to create a softer, more inviting glow, or cooler tones for a clean, modern feel.
Consider adding floor or table lamps to brighten darker corners of your room or experiment with adjustable dimmers to set the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
13. Use Everyday Items as Décor
Everyday items can double as décor, adding charm and utility to your space. Arrange a stack of visually appealing books on a shelf, coffee table, or countertop for an instant design upgrade.
Display your most charming dishes on open shelves in the kitchen or dining room, or hang wooden cutting boards and utensils to add a rustic vibe. Even baskets, jars, or bowls can be used as both functional and decorative elements.
14. Experiment with Layered Rugs
If you have extra rugs in storage, try layering them for a boho-chic look that adds warmth and depth to your floor.
Pair rugs with contrasting patterns, colors, or textures for a unique style that reflects your personality.
For example, layer a smaller, patterned rug over a larger neutral one to add interest without overwhelming the room. This simple trick instantly transforms your space and makes it feel more inviting.
15. Paint Accent Walls or Furniture
If you have leftover paint from previous projects, put it to good use by revitalizing an accent wall, bookshelf, or piece of furniture.
A fresh coat of paint can completely change the feel of a room. Choose bold, vibrant colors to create a focal point, or go for soft, muted tones for a more calming effect.
Even small projects, like painting a chair or side table, can make a big difference and breathe new life into your home.
FAQs
How do you start redecorating on a budget?
Start with what you have! Take inventory of items that can be repurposed or moved to different rooms. Then, gradually incorporate these interior design hacks without spending unnecessarily.
Can you make your space feel larger without renovations?
Absolutely! Use mirrors to reflect light, hang curtains higher, and keep furniture away from walls to give the illusion of more space.
Are DIY projects time-consuming?
Not necessarily. Many DIY projects can be done in an afternoon. Focus on simple transformations, like repainting furniture or creating a gallery wall, to see immediate results.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of these interior design hacks lies in their accessibility. With just a little effort, you can breathe new life into your living space without spending a penny.
Whether you’re rearranging furniture or shopping your own home, these tips prove that great design doesn’t have to cost much.
Feeling inspired? Share these hacks with a friend or get started right away. Small changes add up to big transformations!