Easy Ways To Update Your Space (Without Destroying Your Life In The Process)

After my last blog post extolling the virtues of a rug to completely change the look of a room, it got me thinking - what are the best ways to change your space without breaking the bank? Below are some thoughts I have born of much experience, laid out among eight easy options for you to consider. Put on your thinking cap and let’s dream of what could be!

So, you’re staring at your living room, kitchen, or maybe that one sad corner of your house that feels off, thinking, “Something’s gotta give.” But your space feels less Nancy Meyers and more Nancy Drew — is style a mystery? Well, here’s the good news: you don’t need to sell a kidney to get a fresh, updated space. You just need a few simple, strategic tweaks.

I’m talking minimal effort, maximum impact — like putting on a great outfit and pretending you got a full eight hours of sleep. So grab your beverage of choice and let’s go through the easiest ways to refresh your space without knocking down a single wall.

1. Change Your Wall Color (or Just Fake It)

Paint is basically the Botox of interiors — one little tweak, and everything looks fresh. Consider:

- A wall finish with depth: This isn’t 2004, so make it good. Try a deep, moody color, a soft limewash, or even a textured Venetian plaster. It screams “I have taste”, even if your socks say otherwise. 

- Wallpaper: This can make a HUGE difference in a space, and doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you select correctly. For the commitment-phobic, try a peel and stick option. It’s removable, fabulous, and perfect if you change your mind every five minutes. It can make a “pocket square” moment, adding texture, pattern, and depth to a room. 

- Ceiling drama: Don’t forget the “fifth wall”! Painting the ceiling a rich, unexpected color is like putting on designer shoes — it instantly elevates everything. Painting a room a dark, moody color but forgetting to paint the ceiling is like wearing flip flops with socks - just, don’t please. Google “color drenching” and notice what an impact painting all the walls, the ceiling, the trim, EVERYTHING one color has. Now that’s drama!

2. Upgrade Your Lighting (A.K.A. The Instant Glow-Up)

Bad lighting is the villain of home design. Fluorescents? Hard pass. Too dim? Also no. Your goal is warm, layered, and flattering — like the perfect Instagram filter.

Try:

- Swapping out your light fixtures. Statement pendants, sculptural sconces, or a chandelier that whispers “I summer in the Hamptons.” Lighting is the statement jewelry of the room, that one pop that makes the room stand out.

- Table and floor lamps. The more, the merrier. A room with just an overhead light is a room that gives up too easily.

- Smart bulbs. Adjust the warmth and brightness to match your mood. Who doesn’t want “Golden Hour Glow” at all times? Can’t splurge on the fancy bulbs? Then ALWAYS go for the 2700k warmth - it does what you want, gives a crisp, bright light without casting too much of a yellow or blue tone on the space.

3. Shake Up Your Textiles (Because Fabric is Your Friend)

Changing out textiles is the easy genius move of interior updates. It’s like swapping accessories on an outfit — you’re not getting a whole new wardrobe, but suddenly, it feels fresh!

- Throw pillows & blankets. The fastest way to change the season, your mood, and your commitment to coziness.

- Draperies. If yours have been there since the Bush administration, maybe it’s time. Linen for airy elegance, velvet for drama, and anything sheer for a little mystery. Patterned for something modern and "of the moment", plain fabrics for something more timeless, but consider adding a tape trim for some added detail and elegance. 

- Rugs. A new rug can single-handedly pull a room together, like that great rug in “The Big Lebowski” but with fewer bowling alley vibes. See my previous blog post for more on rugs.

4. Move Your Furniture (For Free!)

You know what costs zero dollars? Rearranging your furniture. Before you sigh dramatically, hear me out:

- Float your furniture. Pushing everything against the walls isn’t a rule, it’s a bad habit. Create cozy zones instead. That accent chair in the corner? Try it in the bedroom. Your console table? Maybe it belongs behind the sofa. Shake it up.

- Declutter aggressively. If your space is filled with things you don’t love, it will never feel right — kind of like dating someone just because they have a nice car. Consider cleaning out those “meh” items and put more emphasis on the treasures you have left. Less is more here many times. Try revolving your favorite accessories based on seasons — that keeps things fresh but also clutter-free.

5. Bring in Natural Elements (Because Mother Nature is Chic)

Every room needs life and I don’t mean your unpaid insurance bills on the counter. Try:

- Plants. You don’t need to turn your home into a jungle, but a couple of leafy friends instantly elevate the space.

- Natural textures. Woven baskets, wooden bowls, stone trays. It’s giving collected, effortless, lived-in.

- Dried flowers or branches. No watering, no drama — just cool, organic shapes that say, “I read Architectural Digest.”

6. Update the Small Stuff (Hardware = House Jewelry)

Tiny changes can make a huge difference. Think of hardware like the earrings for your home:

- Swap out cabinet knobs. Instantly modernizes your kitchen or bathroom without touching the cabinets.

- Update switch plates and outlets. If they’re cracked, discolored, or just plain sad, they’re dragging everything down.

- Change doorknobs. Vintage, matte black, brass — whatever makes you feel like you live in a Nancy Meyers movie.

7. Style Your Stuff (Because Details Matter)

Styling is the secret sauce of interior design. Even if you don’t change a single piece of furniture, curating your space makes it feel intentional.

- Declutter surfaces. Take everything off your coffee table, side tables, shelves — then put back only what you really love.

- Bookshelves deserve effort. Mix books, vases, framed art, and little sculptural objects to create layers.

- Rotate your art. Hanging the same thing in the same place for 10 years? Let’s switch it up, or even just move it around. Try leaning a big piece against the wall for a relaxed, cool vibe, or layer your favorite pieces together to create a deeper meaning between them.

8. Swap Out Your Artwork (A.K.A. The Easiest Statement Ever)

If you’re still staring at a mass-produced print from your college days, it’s time.

- Try a gallery wall. Mix frame styles and artwork sizes for a collected look. Choose a theme that represents your personality — witty, refined, storied, whatever represents you. 

- Oversized art = instant drama. It’s like a power suit for your walls. Play with scale to add an unexpected twist.

- Frame something weird. Vintage textiles, a love letter, an old menu — instant conversation starter.

Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

Refreshing your space doesn’t have to be expensive, exhausting, or involve a sledgehammer (unless that’s your thing). With a few intentional updates — like better lighting, fresh textiles, smart styling, and a little furniture shake-up — you can make your home feel brand new without breaking a sweat.

Now tell me: which of these tips are you trying first? Or better yet, let’s hear your go-to easy updates. I’m all ears!