Six Smart Designer Hacks to Cut Costs on Your Home Makeover

Home makeover doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Designers share six clever strategies to refresh your space affordably:

  1. Hunt for Secondhand Treasures
    Instead of buying everything new, look for quality pieces on resale platforms or at consignment shops. You can find everything from furniture to lighting to artwork, often with character and craftsmanship that outshines mass-produced items.

  2. Reupholster Your FurnitureEWD2BDIXON-26-575a26f014704090906222746b2fd5cb
    Give well-built chairs or sofas a fresh life by reupholstering them. Designers can swap in modern, durable fabric and even replace internal padding, saving you the cost of buying entirely new pieces while keeping the original structure.

  3. Choose Cost‑Effective Backsplash MaterialsScreenshot2025-05-19at9.32.12AM-6e013542741f4bf2b9c69dea90fe372e
    Rather than pricey stone slabs, opt for large-format porcelain tiles for your backsplash. They mimic the elegance of natural stone but are cheaper to install and more budget-friendly overall.

  4. Refinish Rather Than Replace
    Whenever possible, revive what you already have. Re-staining hardwood floors, repainting cabinets, or updating hardware can make a big visual impact — all at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.

  5. Invest in a Few High‑Quality Textiles101-2-99b18342a29c4a68a465b17c8d3e0376
    Rather than filling your home with lots of average fabrics, select a few luxurious or statement pieces (like designer pillows or high-end throws). These act as focal points and elevate your space without blowing the budget.

  6. Upgrade Your Lighting
    Smart lighting changes can dramatically transform a room. Swapping out old fixtures or repositioning lights enhances ambiance and style, often without needing a full renovation.