10 Easy (And Cheap) Interior Design Updates

Want to update your home without a remodel? It can be easier (and less expensive) than you think. For a few hundred dollars you can turn your space from dated to darling.   

Update #1: Ceiling Fans

Old ceiling fans can be a little intimidating to replace. Most people are afraid to take these big boys down and have to worry about wiring a new one. And are there even better choices out there? Well I'm here to tell you that YES, there are better choices and replacing that old ceiling fan is easier and less expensive than you may think. Because the wiring and support system are already in place, replacing that old hunk-a-hunk-a-burning fan is actually pretty easy. There are even plenty of YouTube videos who say so. 

So what should you replace it with? How about one of these!

​Home Depot Merwry 52 in. Matte Black Indoor LED Ceiling Fan $119​

Wayfair 42” Alloy 3 Blade Ceiling Fan by Westinghouse Lighting $119

Amazon Minka-Aire Roto Brushed Aluminum 52" Ceiling Fan $169

Update #2: Hutches

Nothing dates a space more quickly than an outdated hutch that needs a little sprucing up. If you have one of these, don't worry! You don't have to ditch it all-together. Just take some time to bring it a bit more up-to-date with these fun ideas. 

Paint & colorful backing are usually all that's needed to go from blah to "aah!"

Some clever organization can make a hutch work, even in an office or bedroom

Go bold with a dark color and maybe even some wire in place of glass to get a super- hip look

Update #3: Front Door

You know that they say about first impressions. And you don't want your guest's first impression to be a tired, weathered door. Doors can be very expensive to replace. So if yours is solid wood and in good condition, all it may need is a bright pop of color. If it's aluminum or sports beveled or gold-accented glass, we recommend replacing it for a more modern look. There are usually door outlets in town that carry floor models at a fraction of the cost of ordering them custom. 

Check out these beautiful doors for inspiration:

Update #5: Bathroom Lighing

These "hollywood" style lights were all the rage in the 80's and 90's. Now? Not so much. The great thing about these is that they're actually very easy to replace and make an amazing, immediate impact. Once you unscrew that bad boy, you'll probably see a single junction box behind it. If you see two, you have the perfect excuse for sconces! If you or your partner are handy, installing a second junction box is more of an advanced project but will turn out great. As a general rule, you usually want at least one light per sink. Here are some pretty and affordable options. 

Wayfair Steele 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Capital Lighting $164

Home Depot Compass Collection 4-Light Antique Bronze Bath Light

Wayfair Bentley 3 Light Vanity Light by Feiss $149

Update #6: Bathroom Mirror

Frameless mirrors seem like standard issue from home builders. But replacing them is an inexpensive and easy way to give your bathroom more personality and style. Check out these affordable alternatives. 

Overstock Rally Wood Mirror $68

Wayfair Mirror by Wildon Home $209

Ikea SKOGSVÅG 
Mirror, white, beech veneer $39.99

Update #7: Track Lighting & "Boob" Lights

Track lighting seemed like such a good idea! Focus certain lights on works of art, add more lighting to a room without a bunch of lamps. But the problem was in the execution. Clearly, designers were not involved in the creation of these relics. And those flush-mount semi-circle lights? We've heard them referred to as "boob" lights. They're just not...pretty. Luckily, both are easy to replace with updated lighting that will add a style and a new glow to your room.

Get the look of can lighting with this retrofit from Amazon $23.72

Ikea VITEMÖLLA 
Triple ceiling spotlight, metal $59.99

Home Depot Inspire Collection 2-Light Brushed Nickel Semi-Flush Mount $68

Update #8: Fake Foliage

At one point, fake plants were all the rage. And it makes sense! Plants you don't have to water or fertilize!? Sign us up! The problem was in the execution. These funny plastic items ended up neglected, dusty and sad. Honestly, there are still some decent fake plants on the market but they're few and far between. We recommend the real thing. And no ivy or plastic birds of paradise please. Stick to these three reccos and you'll be golden.

Succulents. So many shapes & varieties, it's fun to pick these guys out. And their planters!

Cactuses are amazing for their strong impact and low-maintenance nature.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are the hottest plant around at the moment. And for good reason. Just look how pretty!

UPdate #9: Sliding Shower Doors

This one stumps me. I'm not quite sure why these sliding shower doors were invented. Spend a bunch of money now so that you never have to replace your $5 shower curtain liner? Get some slightly-blurred privacy? I can't think of a good reason. And why would you miss the opportunity to put up a beautiful shower curtain! We recommend ripping that puppy out and putting one of these gorgeous curtains up. 

Urban Outfitters Romantic Floral Scarf Shower Curtain $49

Urban Outfitters Elisa Cachero Odyssey Shower Curtain $69

Urban Outfitters 4040 Locust Pyramid Geo Shower Curtain $39

Update #10: COffee Table

There are two main items in a living room. The couch and the coffee table. The couch is a bit more expensive to replace (we'll do another post on this later) but the coffee table is easy! Are you still sporting one of these 80's numbers above? How about those rickety $5 Ikea tables? It's time to upgrade! But don't spend a fortune. Here are some good options. 

Target Coffee Table - Brown $84

Wayfair Owen Retro Coffee Table by Altra $73

Overstock Modern Chrome and Glass Round Cocktail Coffee Table $119

Need more help with any of these design conundrums or others? We're here to help with our online interior design consultation! Just contact us and we'll get you started on a more beautiful home today.