Redecorating your home doesn’t have to drain your savings or require a complete renovation. With a little creativity, some clever hacks, and a willingness to do things yourself, you can transform your entire apartment on a shoestring budget. That’s exactly what I did — and I’m sharing every trick I used so you can do it too. Here’s how I gave my apartment a fresh, modern, stylish makeover… all for under $100.
1. I Started With Decluttering (It Cost $0 and Made the Biggest Difference)
Before buying anything, I cleared out the visual noise. Old decor, unused items, mismatched pieces — all gone.
Decluttering instantly made my home feel cleaner, brighter, and more open. And it didn’t cost a penny.
Quick tip:
If you don’t love it, use it, or need it, donate or recycle it. Free upgrades are the best upgrades.
2. I Rearranged My Furniture to Refresh Each Room
Instead of buying new furniture, I simply changed the layout. Moving the sofa away from the wall, shifting the dining table, and creating smaller “zones” gave my apartment a completely new feeling.
Why this works:
- It changes the flow of the room
- Makes the space feel bigger
- Costs absolutely nothing
Sometimes the makeover you need doesn’t require new things — just a new layout.
3. I Added High-Impact Decor From Dollar Stores ($10–$15 Total)
Dollar stores became my secret weapon. I picked up a few inexpensive items that instantly elevated the space:
- Two matching vases
- A small artificial plant
- Picture frames
- A $1 glass jar I turned into a candle holder
Once styled together, they looked far more expensive than they were.
4. I Transformed Old Items With Spray Paint ($6)
Spray paint is pure magic. I took items I already owned and unified them with a matte black and soft beige finish:
- Old picture frames
- A tired-looking vase
- A thrifted candle holder
Everything looked brand new — and high-end.
5. I Made DIY Wall Art for Under $5
Instead of buying artwork, I made my own abstract prints using cheap supplies:
- Brown kraft paper
- Leftover paint
- A permanent marker
I framed them using thrift-store frames. Simple, modern, and incredibly budget-friendly.
6. I Upgraded Textures With One $8 Throw Blanket
Texture instantly makes a home feel cozy. I bought one soft, neutral throw blanket and draped it over my sofa. It tied the room together and made my seating area look intentionally styled.
7. I Created a Cozy Lighting Setup for $12
Warm lighting changes everything. Instead of buying new lamps, I purchased affordable LED warm-light bulbs and placed them in the lamps I already had. The entire apartment went from harsh to cozy for just a few dollars.
8. I Added a Few Thrift Store Gems ($15–$20)
Thrift stores are treasure chests for budget decorators. I found:
- A wooden tray
- A ceramic bowl
- A stylish basket
Each piece added character and depth without costing more than a few dollars.
9. I Brought Life Into the Space With Plants ($5–$10)
You don’t need expensive plants to make a home feel fresh. I grabbed two small plants from a discount store and placed them near the window. Plants add color, energy, and balance — even the tiny ones.
Final Cost Breakdown
âś” Dollar store decor: $15
âś” Spray paint: $6
âś” DIY wall art: $5
âś” Throw blanket: $8
âś” Light bulbs: $12
âś” Thrift store finds: $20
âś” Small plants: $10
âś” Rearranging + decluttering: $0
Total spent: $76 — well under $100!
Redecorating doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart swaps, simple DIY projects, and budget-friendly finds, you can give your home a complete refresh without overspending. The best part? A small amount of money can deliver a big transformation when placed in the right details.
🌿 Peter Stevens is a passionate gardening writer and plant enthusiast with over a decade of hands-on experience. From urban balcony gardens to full-scale backyard transformations, she shares practical tips and inspiration to help everyone grow their green space. When she's not writing, you'll find her with soil under her nails and a smile on her face. 🌱
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