A sustainable summer: home updates without spending a penny
Investing in pieces for your home that champion sustainable, handcrafted processes and that are built to last is a great way to be more environmentally conscious. But, sometimes there just isn’t a need to purchase anything new at all.
In moments of feeling tired of your home décor and wanting to impulsively buy new items, consider our following tips before taking the plunge! You and your wallet will thank us later…
Re-position furniture
Sometimes we just need to see things in a different orientation or setting for them to seem new and exciting once more. Moving the furniture around in a room can help a space feel completely different; positioning your sofa or armchairs in a new direction (facing outwards rather than in or perhaps looking out of a window) will make things feel fresh and interesting once more. You could even utilise stools to become side tables, pouffes to become plant stands, or a bench as an ottoman seat – just relocating your favourite every day designs can give them a new lease of life.
Likewise, swapping pendant light shades from room to room is an easy way to instantly switch the aesthetic, especially when the shades produce such different lighting effects and shadows. A table light from your bedroom could breathe new life into a study or living area by offering a softer ambience to work or relax with.
Swap pieces with friends or family
Just as clothes swaps have become fashionable, exchanging or lending furniture to friends and family is also growing in popularity! A great way to pass on designs you’ve fallen out of love with, or are simply tired of seeing every day, furniture swapping means that your pieces will find a new home and you’ll also receive something new in return – without spending a penny.
You could also do the same with smaller accessories, magazines you’ve read and cookbooks you’ve used.
Re-home free items
If you’re still hunting for a few new pieces to add to your home, check out Freecycle, a non-profit website where people list items they’re giving away for free.
People often advertise brand new items too; they might have bought the wrong size or be moving out and don’t want the hassle of taking something with them. Equally, Freecycle is a great way to recycle and reuse items that would otherwise go to waste.
Utilise materials that you have
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders when revitalising your space. Using up those half empty tins that have been collecting dust in the garage or basement is a great way to start – touch up scuffs, scratches and marks on walls and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to the overall appearance of your home.
If you have not got enough paint for a whole wall, or simply have some sample pots kicking about, why not get creative and paint smaller areas like architrave or skirting boards? Just make sure it’s the right paint for the surface first!
Restyle for the season
Style your home with the season by reflecting what’s going on outdoors. Cushion and blanket hoarders will be familiar with the routine of seasonally switching accessories!
In summer put away your winter blankets and thick cosy throws and swap in favour of lighter fabrics, summer textiles and an abundance of plants. When the colder seasons roll around again it’s a joy to rediscover and restyle your home with old favourites.
Bring the outdoors in
Whatever the season, nature has a lot to offer when it comes to simple and rustic home decoration. From collecting fallen branches and pine cones in the wintertime to create festive displays, to foraging wildflowers or florals in your own outdoor space or garden in the springtime, changing up your space by bringing the outdoor inside couldn’t be easier.
If plants and florals aren’t your thing, why not collect leaves on a countryside walk to press at home and create some wall art or, collect shells and pebbles from the beach to add some personality to a modern bathroom.
Posted: 11.06.20
Updated: 15.04.21