See how to renew projects with creativity and economy. Check out 7 practical tips to transform the house without spending much.
Submitted at Jul 11, 2025, 11:40 AM
HUM Studio for Leroy Merlin - Paula Neder and Coletivo PN. CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2019 project. (Divulgação)
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to transform any projects is to change the color of the walls. A new coat of paint already brings a sense of freshness and renewal. To save money, paint it yourself and choose just one wall to highlight with a more vibrant or different color from the rest of the room—the famous accent wall. Light tones visually enlarge small spaces, while warmer and darker shades create coziness in living rooms and bedrooms.
Before thinking about buying something new, try reorganizing the furniture in the projects. Changing the arrangement can improve circulation, highlight forgotten elements, and even create the feeling of a completely new space. Moving the bed, creating a new reading nook with a chair, or centering the sofa can make a big difference. The tip is to test, observe, and adjust according to how you use the space.
Vinyl stickers and wallpaper are accessible allies for those who want to change the look of a room without major renovations. They can be used on walls, ceilings, furniture, doors, and even appliances like the fridge. There are self-adhesive models that are easy to apply and remove, ideal for renters or those who want temporary changes. Models with geometric, floral patterns, or imitations of textures (like burnt cement and wood) are quite popular.
Fabrics play a significant role in creating a cozy and stylish project. Changing pillow covers, adding a colorful throw to the sofa, or investing in new curtains can change the mood of a living room or bedroom. The best part is that you can find very affordable options or even repurpose fabrics you already have at home. A good idea is to create a color or pattern scheme that communicates with each other and brings more life to the space.
Lighting plays a fundamental role in the ambiance. Cool lights make the space more functional, while warm lights create visual comfort. To renew without spending much, replace white bulbs with yellower ones, use LED strips on shelves or headboards, and invest in floor lamps or table lamps. You can find simple and modern models in popular stores or even repurpose bottles, baskets, and jars as handmade lampshades.
Before discarding that old furniture, think about how it can be transformed. A new paint job, different handles, the application of stickers, or even a renovated upholstery can create a new look. Old nightstands can become side tables, dressers can be reinvented as desks or console tables, and loose shelves come to life with colorful paint. Customizing is a sustainable and economical way to give identity to the projects.
Small objects with sentimental value, such as paintings, travel souvenirs, books, and photographs, help personalize the project. Instead of buying new decorations, value what you already have and create interesting compositions—like a wall of pictures or a shelf with books organized by color. Additionally, including plants is an accessible way to renew any corner. Species like pothos, snake plant, and succulents are easy to care for and add freshness and charm.
A gallery wall is a creative and economical way to add personality and style to the projects. You can use pictures, prints, posters, personal photos, illustrations, or even empty frames to compose.
You don’t have to spend much: you can print images at home, scavenge at thrift stores, or download free files from the internet. The composition can follow a symmetrical or asymmetrical order, depending on the desired style. It’s a quick way to renew empty walls without major interventions.
Rugs are elements that help define areas, visually warm up the project, and add texture and color to the space. When used strategically, they can even hide imperfections in the flooring. Narrow runners work well in hallways or beside the bed.
Ideally, choose models that match the color palette of the room and have a good cost-benefit ratio. Sisal, cotton, or synthetic rugs are usually cheaper and durable.
DIY projects (Do It Yourself) are great allies for those who want to renew while spending little and getting hands-on.
Simple ideas like creating shelves from fruit crates, transforming glass jars into lamps, or painting old pots with spray paint can make a difference. Free tutorials on the internet can guide you through creative transformations with recyclable or low-cost materials. Besides being economical, these solutions make the space more authentic and full of personality.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
