8 ways to make your home look beautiful on a budget

Cool interior design tips that won't break the bank

Want to give your home some TLC but don't have a big budget to play with? Home stylist and blogger Maxine Brady has some simple and affordable interior tips.

1) Experiment with the latest paint effects

You can vamp up a room with a single tin of emulsion. Instead of painting a feature wall, try being playful with paint by using it in everything from ombre effects to murals.

TIP: Make YouTube your first port of call where lots of home style vloggers post how-to videos.

Delphinium bed linen, from £20, BHS

2) Blend old with new

Rather than decorate your whole home head-to-toe in junk shop bargains, mix in brand new buys that have a vintage vibe. This will keep your home feeling fresh rather than fuddy-duddy.

TIP: It’s worth buying modern lighting rather than risking buying an old lamp that might need rewiring.

Lamp, £165, Rose and Grey

3) Lux up your light fittings

You’ll be amazed how much more luxurious your home will look when you’ve kitted it out with some new light fittings. Pick a shade as big as your room allows to make a real statement.

TIP: A cluster of paper lanterns costs next to nothing and can transform a room Lanterns, from £2 each, Sainsburys

4) Create customized wall art 

Make your own personalised artwork using glittery gold letters (£5 from Wedding in a Teacup).

TIP: Pinterest is full of amazing Ikea hacks that transform ordinary off-the-shelf items into something completely bespoke.

5) Remember metals are your friend 

Look out for furniture, cushions, lighting or bathroom accessories in chromes, coppers or golds – or even better, grab a can of spray paint and customize existing furniture.

TIP: Look for homewares with a brushed or matt metallic finish - they bring a stylish look for less money.

Bathroom accessories, from £20 each, Amara.

6) Don't rush 

The most stylish homes have pieces gathered over time. Shop around for things you love and try making interesting displays on your sideboard or shelf. Your home will look more personal than if you’ve just bought everything from one shop in one go.

TIP: Look out for homewares when you’re on a holiday or trip to give your home a more ecletic feel.

Linea collection, from £20, House of Fraser

7) Keep it fresh

Don’t keep everything in the same place – if you’re bored try moving things around in your home, playing with the layout of your pad. You can make your home feel fresh by just moving the sofa.

TIP: Finish off your home’s look with an inexpensive bunch of seasonal flowers displayed in group vases.

Vases, from £5 each, Oliver Bonas

8) Banish Clutter

This one is self explanatory. Clutter = Unpolished. Stash away unsightly paperwork, clothing and mess in stylish storage.

TIP: There is so much stylish storage out there that it’s a shame to hide it away – make a display of it.

Copenhagen storage items, from £10, Sainsburys

Follow Maxine Brady on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube, or visit her interiors blog We Love Home

Now excuse us while we pop off to Habitat...