19 home update ideas that can be completed in a weekend

Often we dream of those huge home transformation ideas, that we would love to execute but never seem to have the time or budget. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't make some changes around the house - interior design is not all or nothing! 

We've pulled together some home update ideas that can be low budget yet still make a big change. What's better? They can all be done in a weekends work.
 

 

1. Up-cycle furniture


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

There are so many ways to update furniture to give them that extra stylistic finish, or make tired items look brand new again. Whether this be painting a bench, changing the kitchen handles and knobs or adding panelling or a cane insert on cabinets.

Check out loads of furniture update ideas in our IKEA hacks blog post.

 

2. Paint your walls


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Never underestimate the effect that a fresh lick of paint can have in a room. It can change the colour scheme, tone, look and feel of the room all at once! Go dark and dramatic with a black or navy feature wall, add some colour with an elegant pastel shade or just brighten up an existing white for an instant refresh.
 

Want some colour inspiration? Check out our blog post: 9 paint colours loved and used by designers. Or watch our house tour of paint pro Tash's London flat from Lick:
 

 

3. Don't forget the ceiling


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

The ceiling is often forgotten when it comes to painting your walls - which is strange, because it's the wall that will be least covered by furniture and other finishing touches, so why not let it shine in the spotlight?

Painting the ceiling can really transform your room. We love a dark ceiling to add depth and drama or a pop of colour in a bathroom, children's bedroom or playroom. 
 

 

4. Put up some shelves


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Have you found yourself staring at empty wall space thinking: 'gosh that looks awfully sad and bare.' Or do you have loads of knick knacks, books and ornaments that don't have a proper home and just scattered around the home randomly? Yep, you need some shelves.

Shelves are not only great for extra storage but also the perfect stylistic addition. They give the opportunity to decorate further and really give a 'finished' look. Make people's eyes dance around your walls, taking in all your precious keepsakes, pictures & books! 

Check out our blog post on 'shelfie' styling. 

 

5. Go green-fingered


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Now might be the time to finally get stuck into some gardening. This could be cleaning up the edges of the lawn, planting some flowers, adding some potted plants or trees or even adding a decking space and cleaning up or incorporating some new garden furniture! 

Even the smallest garden update or tidy up will make a recognisable change. 

 

6. Put up some panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Panelling is a big trend at the moment and there is a style to suit every home and everyone! Whether you are looking for some traditional moulding, shaker style or some modern geometrics, it's going to seriously add style factor points to your home. 

 

7. Reinstate your fireplace


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Traditional fireplaces often get ignored and sometimes even painted over in the colour of the wall to make them look inconspicuous. We think you should make them a feature! Paint in a dark or fun colour and add some interesting patterned tiles - it will really add WOW factor and create a focal point in the room. 

Have a new fireplace? Doesn't mean you can't have fun with tiles too! Let your creative juices flow...

 

8. First impressions count


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Why not focus on creating a warm welcome to your home right from the offset? Give your front door some TLC and paint it your favourite colour, so you're always happy to return home. Change the handle, knocker or letterbox so they all match and look beautiful. 

You could use this as an excuse to freshen up your entire entrance, whether it's a porch, front garden or just a step
 

 

9. Use some stencils 

Have you heard of floor stencils? No? Well, they're a cost effective way to update your flooring without ripping up the entire space. If you've been dreaming of patterned tile flooring in your kitchen, utility or bathroom but haven't found the funds to replace the flooring, this could be your answer! 

All you need to do is buy the stencils, clean the flooring, paint it white, and then paint over the stencils in your chosen floor paint colour. 
 

 

10. That spot under the stairs


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

If you aren't using the space under your stairs as some kind of storage or function, then you're doing it wrong. This area on your floor plan is already in action, the stairs aren't going anywhere without big interior architecture upheaval, so why not make the most of the space? Lots of coats and outerwear and no where to hang them? Create the perfect closet space. Your man drawer is overflowing? Incorporate 8 man drawers. Hard worker but no space to work hard? Build in a desk. Partial to a glass of wine or a few? Say hello to your new bespoke wine rack.

If you need help unlocking more storage in your home, don't hesitate to drop us a message. Alternatively, you could book a free, no obligation consultation by clicking the button below. 
 

 

11. What's hiding under the bed?


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room & Da Silva Design

Your clutter of course! Most of the time a bedroom is home to a bed, right? If it's not, perhaps rethink the naming of this 'bed-room'. Beds are built in all shapes and sizes these days, and many include innovative storage space. Whether the storage is open and display storage, or closed away in drawers or an ottoman mechanism, the space within a bed is abundant and not to be ignored. Top tip: if the bed storage is a bit tricky to get to, store seasonal clothes that you only need to get to twice a year for the winter to summer change over and vice versa!

 

12. Don't waste space


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Now might be the time to rethink your space at home and how it functions. By looking at your home with fresh eyes, you might realise there are some empty, awkward spaces that you could utilise. 

Clever storage is all about not wasting an inch of space. For example, if there's a thin gap of nothingness, add some shelving. If you have an awkward corner where off the shelf furniture simply won't fit, build some shelving in. Starting to think you don't need a shower quite so big? Dissect it, and yep, you guessed it! Shove some shelves in there. Bespoke furniture doesn't have to be expensive, especially if it's just a few shelves cut to fit an awkward space.
 

 

13. Make yourself smile


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

We always aim to design interiors that make you beam from ear to ear. However, we're talking about something even more than a beautifully curated room and perfectly designed layout. We urge you to choose one thing in your home, or even each room, that is a bit different, a bit quirky, but you absolutely adore. This added bit of character will be sure to make you smile every time you see it. 

 

14. Hang those frames


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

We don't know about you, but this is always a job that we put off time and time again. Have you got countless family photos that are intended to grace the walls? Plans of a gallery wall that's been pushed to the bottom of the to-do list? Either way, make this year the year that hang those frames and/or put art on the walls. 

Artwork related commitment issues? Opt for a picture shelf! This way you're only mounting one thing on the wall, but you can chop and change your framed prints as often as you like. 

 

 

15. Add greenery 


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

You might want to make it your mission to incorporate more greenery into your home. Plants and flowers have oodles of health benefits such as purifying the air, improve mood, decrease stress and can help you focus. Plus, they look pretty great and are one of the most affordable ways to update your room. 

Need help with finishing touches in your home? We offer a Mini Makeover package for this exact reason. Click the button below for a free, no-obligation chat to see if this could be beneficial for you.
 

 

16. Switch up your layout


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Fancy a room refresh but don't necessarily need or anything new? Why don't you simply just try moving things around a bit? This can completely change how you use a room and how it looks. When considering layout, first use how this room is used most and design to cater to its main function. You might find that you couldn't believe you were coping before! 

If you need a little hand holding when working out the best layout for you, you can always give us a call. Two out of three of our flat fee room design packages offer layouts and we also offer bespoke consultancy if you don't need a complete room transformation. Learn more about our services by clicking the button below.

 

17. Update that room


Image Credit: My Bespoke Room & Da Silva Design

Do you have one room in your house that you just can't bear the sight of? One where you don't know where to start? One that you recently updated but chose a wallpaper/paint that you massively regret? We've all been there. This year, failing that this decade, commit to updating this room to a space that you adore.

 

18. Give a bed a makeover 

bedroom with blue bed sheets and patterned blanket

We're not talking an entire bedroom - but we're not stopping you if this is what you want - we're just talking your bed. Treat yourself to lovely new sheets, a fancy bedspread, stylish scatter cushions or super cosy fresh duvet set, or all of the above. This will make you look forward to bedtime, and even look forward to making your bed in the morning! A life changing update that inspires other healthy habits - two cushions, one bed. 

 

19. Get stuff done 

And finally, let's just try and get stuff done. Those odd jobs, big cleans, clear outs and home updates that we put off time and time again, let's make this the time that we actually make some movements. We're in this together - we'll share our progress with you, remember to share your progress with us on our Instagram: @mybespokeroom.com 

 

Need help transforming your home? Our designers are all highly experienced, qualified and down right lovely. Here's how we match you:

 

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