Ready to transform your house design from drab to fab without draining your wallet? You don't need a designer budget or an advanced knowledge of interior design to create a space that feels uniquely you.
According to a 2023 study, homeowners under 35 spent an average of $1,000 on home improvement projects, the highest among all age groups. With a little creativity and a few simple supplies, you can bring handcrafted charm and inspiration to every room, from the living room to the kitchen.
We've gathered 6 stylish home decor ideas that prove beautiful designs are accessible to everyone. Each of these design ideas can be completed for under $35, requires no advanced tools, and most take less than two hours from start to finish to decorate your house.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting your journey, you'll find something here to inspire a fresh decor trend in every room of your house. Let’s get started!
1. Wall Art
Cost: ~$20 | Time: 1 Hour
Materials List
- Blank canvas (any size)
- Acrylic craft paint in 2-3 coordinating colors
- Painter's tape
- Foam brushes
- Wide, decorative wired edge ribbon
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
- Create a geometric pattern on your canvas using painter's tape. Think triangles, chevrons, or abstract lines.
- Paint the exposed sections of the canvas with your chosen colors. Let each color dry before painting an adjacent section to prevent bleeding.
- Once the paint is completely dry, carefully peel off the painter's tape to reveal your crisp design.
- Measure a piece of ribbon to wrap around the edges of the canvas, creating a "frame."
- Secure the ribbon to the back of the canvas frame with a hot glue gun for a clean, polished look.
This project is a fun way to experiment with colors and geometric patterns to decorate your space and follow current design trends. Hang your finished piece in the living room, bedroom, or even the kitchen for a fresh pop of personality. This art also offers new design ideas and sparks inspiration for other wall decor throughout your home.
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Pro Tip: Coordinate your ribbon color with other accents in the room, like throw pillows or curtains, to tie the whole space together. A bold pop of color can make your art piece the perfect focal point in any room. |
2. Handmade Throw Pillows
Cost: ~$15 per pillow | Time: 1.5 Hours
Materials List
- Pillow insert
- 1/2 yard of durable fabric (cotton, canvas, or linen)
- Sewing machine or fabric glue
- Measuring tape and scissors
- Optional: Appliqués, fabric paint, or ribbon for embellishment to match your style
Instructions
- Cut your fabric into one long rectangle. The width should be the same as your pillow insert's width, plus a 1-inch seam allowance. The length should be twice the pillow's height, plus 6 inches for the overlap.
- Hem the two short ends of the rectangle by folding them over 1/2 inch and sewing or gluing them down.
- Lay the fabric right-side up. Fold one hemmed end toward the center.
- Fold the other hemmed end to overlap the first by about 4-5 inches. This creates the "envelope" opening.
- Pin the top and bottom raw edges together and sew (or glue) them with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- Turn the cover right-side out, press the seams, and stuff your pillow insert inside!
The envelope-back design means you can easily remove and wash the covers whenever needed to refresh your space. Try making several in different styles to switch out with the seasons.
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Key Insight: Before sewing, add embellishments! Sew lines of textured ribbon across the front, or use fabric paint to add a monogram. Look for seasonal flair and inspiration, like a floral appliqué for spring or a flamingo for summer decor that follows the latest trends. |
3. Upcycled Furniture
Cost: ~$35 | Time: 3-4 Hours (plus drying time)
Materials List
- Small piece of wooden furniture (end table, small shelf)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Primer
- Chalk paint or latex paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear sealer (polyurethane or wax)
- New hardware (optional)
- Optional: unfinished wood cutouts for extra detail
Instructions
- First, clean your thrift-store find thoroughly with soap and water.
- Lightly sand the entire piece with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and give the new paint something to grip. Wipe away all dust.
- Apply a thin, even coat of primer. Let it dry completely according to the can's instructions.
- Apply 2-3 coats of your chosen paint color, allowing it to dry between coats. For a rustic look, use chalk paint and lightly distress the edges with fine-grit sandpaper after painting.
- Once the final coat is dry, apply a clear sealer to protect the finish from scratches and spills.
- Finish by adding new knobs or drawer pulls for an instant upgrade that will refresh your furniture piece.
Don't be afraid to take your time and experiment with distressing techniques to create statement pieces for your house. Each piece of furniture you transform becomes a unique conversation starter that tells a story in your house and brings inspiration to your design.
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Key Insight: The magic of upcycling is seeing potential in forgotten pieces and finding inspiration in unlikely places. A little effort transforms thrift-store finds into unique furniture that truly reflects your personal style. It’s one of the best budget design ideas for creating your dream house. |
4. Candles & Decorative Holders
Cost: ~$25 | Time: 2 Hours
Materials List
- Soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks with bases
- Glass jars or containers
- Essential oils for scent (optional)
- A double boiler or a heat-safe pitcher in a pot of water
- D. Stevens ribbons to decorate the jars
Instructions
- Secure a wick to the bottom center of each jar. You can use a dab of hot glue or a wick sticker.
- Melt the soy wax flakes gently in your double boiler. Stir occasionally until smooth.
- Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool slightly before stirring in your essential oils.
- Carefully pour the wax into the prepared jars. Use clothespins or pencils laid across the jar opening to keep the wick centered.
- Let the candles cool and harden completely for several hours or overnight.
- Once set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.
- Wrap the outside of the jar with a beautiful ribbon. Secure with a bow or a dot of glue for a charming finish that adds a festive vibe for Christmas or any season.
Homemade candles create a warm, inviting mood in any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom, and make thoughtful gifts that offer a cozy experience to friends and family.
Try different scent combinations to find your signature blend for everyday use, and make extras to give as thoughtful gifts throughout the year for Christmas and special occasions.
5. Seasonal Wreaths
Cost: ~$30 | Time: 1 Hour
Materials List
- Grapevine or wire wreath form
- Faux greenery (like eucalyptus or boxwood)
- Floral wire
- A selection of high-quality seasonal wired edge ribbon
- Interchangeable accents (faux flowers, small Christmas ornaments, wooden cutouts)
Instructions
- Start with a neutral base. Attach bunches of faux greenery to your wreath form using floral wire, covering the entire form.
- Create a large, beautiful bow using a high-quality wired ribbon.
- Instead of gluing accents, attach them with floral wire or pipe cleaners, twisting them on the back. This makes them easy to remove.
- For each season, simply swap out the bow and the accents! Use a red plaid bow for Christmas, switch to pink roses for Valentine's Day, then to red, white, and blue mesh ribbon for the Fourth of July.
Store your extra ribbons and seasonal accents in labeled containers so you can quickly refresh your wreath for each holiday. A well-made base wreath will last for years with proper care.
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Pro Tip:The key to a truly versatile wreath is a neutral, high-quality base. Invest in good faux greenery, then easily swap out inexpensive seasonal ribbons and accents for year-round style as decor trends change. |
6. Personalized Name Plaque (Bedrooms & Nurseries)
Cost: ~$20 | Time: 1 Hour
Materials List
- Round or rectangularunfinished wood blanks
- Acrylic paint for the base coat
- Stencils or vinyl letters (from a Cricut)
- Contrasting paint color for the name
- Small paintbrush or foam pouncer
- Decorative farrisilk ribbon for a hanging loop
- Staple gun or hot glue
Instructions
- Paint the wood blank with your chosen base color and let it dry.
- Position your stencils or vinyl letters on the plaque to spell out the name.
- Using a pouncer or small brush, carefully dab on the contrasting paint color over the stencils. Use thin coats to prevent bleeding.
- Once dry, carefully peel off the stencils or vinyl.
- Cut a length of ribbon, form a loop, and attach the ends to the back of the plaque with a staple gun or hot glue for hanging.
This makes a perfect baby shower gift or birthday surprise with personalized design touches. Consider adding the child's birth date or a sweet phrase below the name for an extra personal touch they'll love as they grow. You can even enhance the look with simple floral decoration ideas, like small painted blossoms or tiny faux blooms around the frame.
Bring Your Home Design Ideas to Life
You don’t need a designer budget or a workshop full of tools to give every room a handcrafted charm. Each project is an opportunity to learn a new skill and add a beautiful, personal touch to your space.
Whether you’re setting a cozy mood for a quiet evening or showcasing your personality through decor, these design ideas make your house feel truly yours and provide a fun decorating experience for everyone.
Loved what you made? Share your finished projects on social media with the hashtag #aDOORableCreations so we can see your creativity in action!
When you're ready to gather your supplies, visit Michelle’s aDOORable Creations to pick up the premium ribbons, florals, and seasonal accents that will take your projects to the next level. Ready to make it aDOORable? Start crafting today!
FAQ
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What are some easy home décor ideas for beginners?
Beginners can start with simple projects like painted picture frames, peel-and-stick wallpaper accents, floating shelves, or repurposing old jars into decorative storage. These projects require minimal tools and deliver quick style upgrades.
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How can I make my living room look more stylish without spending much?
You can refresh your living room by rearranging furniture, adding throw pillows, hanging wall art, creating custom slipcovers, or refinishing a coffee table. Small updates often make a big visual impact at little cost.
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What décor ideas work best for bedrooms?
Popular bedroom s include custom headboards, hand-painted nightstands, floating bedside tables, accent walls, and personalized photo displays. Soft lighting projects—like lanterns or LED-lit shelves—also elevate the atmosphere.
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How can I incorporate décor in smaller rooms like bathrooms or entryways?
Add floating shelves, framed mirrors, decorative hooks, mini-plants, and simple wall art. In tight spaces, functional décor—like organizers or wall-mounted storage—helps maintain style without clutter.



