As someone who lives and breathes interior design, I’ve always had a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, I love discovering beautiful new home furnishings and accessories to spruce up my space. But on the other hand, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing that constantly promoting the “latest and greatest” products may be contributing to our environmental crisis.
It’s a tough balance, isn’t it? We all want our homes to feel fresh and inviting, but do we really need to constantly be buying new things to achieve that? I’ve been mulling this over a lot lately, and I think I’ve come up with a solution – refresh your home the sustainable way.
Restyle with What You Already Have
One of my favorite things to do as a child was rearrange the furniture in my room. I’d spend hours moving things around, trying out different configurations until I found the perfect setup. Back then, I didn’t have the luxury of ordering new furniture online or hitting up the latest home goods store. I had to work with what I had.
And you know what? It was incredibly satisfying! That sense of accomplishment you get from creating something new out of the familiar is hard to beat. Cate St Hill suggests taking a similar approach in your own home. Rather than automatically reaching for new purchases, try restyling the spaces you have with the items you already own.
Start by gathering everything in one corner and giving your surfaces a good clean. Then, challenge yourself to put things back in a completely different arrangement. Move artwork, swap out accessories, and play around until you land on something that feels fresh and new. It’s amazing how just a little rearranging can transform a room.
Swap with Friends
Speaking of working with what you have, have you ever thought about doing a homeware swap with your friends? Cate St Hill suggests this as another great way to give your space a refresh without spending a dime.
We’ve all got those little decor items or knick-knacks that we no longer love or use. Instead of letting them gather dust in a closet, why not see if any of your friends would be interested in trading? It’s kind of like a clothing swap, but for your home.
Not only is this a sustainable way to update your space, but it’s also a fun way to connect with your pals. Imagine the delight of discovering a “new” piece for your home that used to belong to a friend. And who knows, maybe you’ve got something they’d love too.
Get Creative with Paint
If you really want to make a dramatic change without spending a lot of money, it’s time to bust out the paint cans. Cate St Hill suggests digging through your basement or garage to see what leftover paint you’ve got stashed away.
Even if you don’t have enough for a full wall, you can still get creative. Paint some picture frames, freshen up some old terracotta pots, or add a pop of color to your woodwork. A little bit of paint can go a long way in refreshing the look and feel of a space.
Just be sure to use the right type of paint for the surface you’re working with. You don’t want your beautiful new accent wall to start peeling a week later.
Bring the Outdoors In
One of my favorite ways to breathe new life into a room is by bringing in elements from nature. A few fresh blooms or a stunning branch can instantly elevate the vibe.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – doesn’t that mean I have to go out and buy a new bouquet every week? Not necessarily! Cate St Hill suggests looking for free, natural materials you can forage from outside your home.
Maybe there’s a fallen branch in your yard that would make a gorgeous DIY sculpture. Or perhaps you spot some beautiful wildflowers that have blown in from a nearby field. As long as you’re not damaging any living plants, these found treasures can be the perfect way to add a touch of the outdoors to your indoor spaces.
And if you’re really lucky enough to have a lush garden, you can absolutely cut some of your own flowers, foliage, or herbs to use in your home. It’s a sustainable, free way to keep your space feeling fresh and vibrant.
Style with the Seasons
One of the easiest (and most budget-friendly) ways to update your home is by styling it to match the changing seasons. Cate St Hill is a big proponent of this approach, and I have to agree – it’s genius.
Think about it – in the summer, you probably want your home to feel light, airy, and full of life. But when the cooler months roll around, you’re probably craving a cozier, more intimate vibe. Rather than buying all new decor to achieve these different looks, you can simply rotate in and out the pieces you already own.
Swap out your lightweight throws and pillows for thicker, warmer textiles in the winter. Tuck away your candles and string lights in favor of fresh greenery and potted plants when the weather warms up. It’s a simple way to keep your home feeling seasonally appropriate without spending a ton of money.
Declutter and Organize
Sometimes, the best way to refresh your home isn’t about adding new things – it’s about taking things away. Cate St Hill is a big believer in the power of decluttering and organizing, and I have to agree. There’s something so cathartic about paring down your possessions and creating a calm, serene space.
Start by going through each room and being ruthlessly honest about what you really need and use. Donate, recycle, or rehome anything that’s just taking up valuable real estate. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, take some time to organize what’s left. Invest in some smart storage solutions, label your shelves and drawers, and make sure everything has a designated home.
Not only will this make your space feel more peaceful and inviting, but it’ll also make it easier to maintain that fresh, uncluttered look. And who knows, you might even uncover some hidden gems in the process – forgotten treasures that could be the perfect addition to your newly refreshed home.
Care for Your Existing Pieces
Finally, one of the best ways to keep your home feeling fresh and updated is to simply take better care of the pieces you already own. Cate St Hill points out that a little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your furnishings and decor.
Maybe it’s oiling that wooden table, fixing that wonky shelf, or giving your sofa covers a good wash. These may seem like tedious, annoying tasks, but trust me – once you get them done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Suddenly, those “problem” areas in your home will look and feel brand new again.
And let’s not forget about the sentimental value of these well-loved pieces. The more you care for them, the longer they’ll stick around to tell the story of your home. Plus, it’s way more sustainable than constantly replacing things.
Putting It All Together
At the end of the day, refreshing your home doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on the latest and greatest. In fact, some of the most rewarding updates can come from working with what you already have. Whether that’s restyling your existing pieces, swapping with friends, or simply giving your space a good decluttering, there are so many creative ways to breathe new life into your home without breaking the bank.
And if you do decide to invest in a few new items, be mindful about where they come from and how long they’ll last. Adam Cleaning can help you find quality, sustainable options that will serve you well for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get creative and give your home the refresh it deserves – the sustainable way.
