How to Freshen Up Your House Without Spending Money

Sometimes I feel like I just get in a lull and want to redesign my entire house! It's absurd, I know. But my creative self can get a little unsatisfied and bored with a space over time. Since an entire remodel or makeover can't happen every couple of months, I've learned a few tricks that help keep me content and happy with the spaces that I already have. It just takes a little refreshing, and you don't even have to spend any money, assuming you have a few basic supplies on hand. Plus, with the holidays coming up, it's nice to have a few secret weapons up your sleeve!

Do all of the following or some of the following to help freshen up your spaces today!

Clean - Let's get the obvious one out of the way, right? Well, truth be told this is probably the best way to fresh up any space. A nice deep clean goes a long way. I don't know about you, but I love the look of freshly vacuumed carpeting and sparkly counter tops. I always think of touring homes at open houses, or what our house looked like when we first moved in. Picturing a move in ready home motivates me to finish strong when it comes to cleaning.

Make Your Bed - This one is a no-brainer, just like cleaning. It takes just a couple of minutes, but makes all of the difference for a bedroom. This is a must do.

Light a candle or spray air freshener - Engage the senses, folks! Alternate your air fresheners and candles from time to time to keep them noticeable. I like to put a fruity tropical scented plug-in in all of our bathrooms, even if it's fall, and I have apple cinnamon candles everywhere else. It instantly makes the bathroom feel recently cleaned. Candles instantly create a relaxed and charming feel in a space, so break those out from time to time -- or all the time. I can't seem to keep candles around here very long; that's how much I love them!

Rearrange the furniture - I'm the queen of this category! No really. I think I might rearrange more than anyone I know. Transforming the layout of the space through carefully positioned furniture pieces creates a whole new feeling in a room. How you place the furniture can make a space feel smaller and cozy; or just the opposite, open and functional.

Swap accessories and decor from other places in your home - There is a good chance that accessories and decor pieces from other parts of your home will work well in the space you are trying to freshen up. Most people tend to stick with the same look and feel throughout their homes because they gravitate to things they are interested in. For example,  I will often trade out end tables from other rooms when I rearrange my living room. Some tables work better with certain layouts, and the finishes work in any space. I also move vases, books and plants around.

Switch out linens and pillows - This one goes hand in hand with the tip above if you are speaking in terms of a living room. Updating accessories such as pillows and throws is a great way to bring in new color and texture. Also, changing your sheets and pillowcases to a different set will instantly transform a bedroom space. We always have at least two sheet sets for each room.

DIY new artwork - This is an easy way to make your home feel like your own. Adding your own creative creations here and there can not only enhance a space, but also entertain you in the making. DIY a wreath, wall art, a vase... the possibilities are endless! I DIYed the artwork in the picture above by framing some pretty fabric & printing out an "m" on cardstock. Simple and easy!

Rearrange shelf decor - I love this tip, especially if your shelves are a focal point in a space. We have a big media unit in our upstairs, and I rearrange the shelf decor from time to time to keep it visually interesting.

Update framed photos - I love this simple switch to liven up a space. Pictures can be updated to reflect the current season, current ages, or recent vacations. OR just the opposite -- find some vintage, old school photos of family members. Choose pictures that tell a story or have history. These make for great conversation pieces in your home.

Snip a branch or flowers from outside and place in a vase - Fresh flowers or fresh plants = Freshness, plain and simple. I love the idea of bringing the outdoors in. This tip is a go to if you are having company over. It's the small details like this that make a big impact. In the fall and winter, bare branches look beautiful and still bring in a natural element.

Put some things in storage - Sometimes, less is more. And sometimes, you just need to put some of your "stuff" away... out of sight and out of mind. In a sense, this is de-cluttering your space which will instantly open it up and streamline a room. Plus, when you use the items down the road, they will be "new" and exciting again.

There you have it! My methods for keeping me satisfied with my spaces and money in the bank! What things do you do to freshen up your house? Let me know!