Dwelling Envy Interiors

Easy and Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home for the New Year Without Breaking the Bank
Picture of by KRISTIN PATRICIAN

by KRISTIN PATRICIAN

Author, Owner & Principal Designer of
Dwelling Envy Interiors

Date

What a whirlwind the end of the year turned out to be.

Between Christmas and New Year’s, I found myself on a mission—clearing out old things that had been weighing me down. I donated bags of clothing and jewelry, shredded piles of unnecessary paperwork, and let go of anything that no longer served a purpose. It was more than just decluttering; it felt like a reset—clearing my mind, revitalizing my energy, and setting the tone for a fresh start in the New Year.

With that momentum, I decided to tackle a few small home projects to keep the motivation going. First up? My home office. But here’s the catch—I didn’t want (and let’s be honest, my husband didn’t want me) to spend a fortune completely overhauling the space. And truthfully, I wasn’t looking for a total transformation either—just a few intentional updates to make the room feel fresh and inspiring again.

So, I took a step back, got creative, and focused on ways to save money while bringing new light and energy into a space that had started to feel uninspiring and joyless. In the process, I came up with a few simple ideas that not only worked for me but can also help you give your own space a quick and affordable refresh. 

 

Keep reading to discover my easy and budget-friendly tips for transforming those dull, uninspiring spaces in your home into fresh, inviting areas you’ll love to spend time in this New Year!

**Please note this blog may contain affiliate links which means Dwelling Envy Interiors may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you!**

1) Revitalize Your Framed Artwork

 Swapping out artwork is one of the simplest ways to update your space. Printable art, in particular, is a budget-friendly way to refresh your gallery walls or add new life to any room.

We’re currently obsessed with Etsy shops offering instant downloadable artwork—beautiful, affordable options that you can print at home or at your nearby print center and hang up using inexpensive frames! There’s also super inexpensive already framed options available these days as well in all different design styles – To check out both, click the link to check out some of our favorites and find pieces that fit your style from our shop on LTK.

2) update your vingettes

Whether it’s your coffee table, bookshelf, or kitchen counters, updating small vignettes can instantly breathe new life into your space.

Repurpose and rearrange what you already have, then mix in a few new decor pieces to keep things feeling fresh. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite budget friendly home decor finds in our LTK shop— Click the link  to explore!

3) REARRANGE EXISTING FURNISHINGS

You’ve heard the saying, “Waste Not, Want Not,” and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to home design.

Rearranging your furniture costs $0 and can completely transform your space. Move pieces from one room to another or experiment with new layouts to improve flow and function.

Need that one missing piece to pull it all together? Check out our Custom Curated E-Shop for affordable accent chairs, benches, and end tables to complete the look.

4) When in doubt, throw it out!

Clearing out unnecessary clutter from your home isn’t just about creating a tidier space—it’s about creating a calmer, more intentional environment that supports your well-being. 

Purging items you no longer need can reduce stress, improve focus, and make your home feel lighter and more functional. Letting go of excess allows you to reclaim your space, making room for what truly matters—whether it’s new decor, meaningful keepsakes, or simply a sense of peace. 

Plus, donating or repurposing old items is a great way to give them a second life while helping others in the process. A clutter-free home isn’t just visually appealing—it’s mentally freeing!

One trick I try is asking myself the honest question,  “have I used it in the past year” and if the answer is NO, then I re-evaluate if its necessary to keep.

The start of a new year doesn’t have to mean overwhelming renovations or expensive overhauls. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional updates—like swapping out artwork, rearranging furniture, or refreshing a vignette—that can have the biggest impact on your space.

We’re excited to share how we’ve used these budget-friendly design tips to breathe new life into our own home office. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates and inspiration as our office revamp comes together!

And if you’re ready to tackle a larger project, we’re here to help. Explore our virtual design services to bring your vision to life—no matter where you are. Let’s make this the year your home feels as fresh and inspiring as you do!

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