10 Easy Home Hacks to Quickly Update Your Space on a Budget

We all want our homes to be aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's a quick refresh or a full-on makeover, even small changes can totally transform your space. It's no secret that giving your home a little glow-up can do wonders for your vibe (and mood). With our homes doubling as workspaces these days, it’s no wonder we’re all craving gorgeous spaces to make our everyday better. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to make it happen. A few clever tweaks and  budget friendly ideas, you’re good to go... Hello dream space!

1. DIY Pendant Lights

Yes you heard us right! No these are not those annoying puck lights with seperate remotes that seem to get misplaced, or run out of battery at the most inconvienet times! Check out these new innovative DIY kits by Snap Lighting that easily convert your existing downlights into stunning pendant lights. Renter friendly (game changer!), easy to use, no electrician required.

Something that takes licenced professionals over half an hour and hundreds of dollars can now be done free and safely by anyone in minutes. Simply push in and push out to change styles in seconds. Even adjust pendant height and rotation without tools. Take a look at the range from our freinds at Snap Lighting and grab some gorgeous pendants.

 

2. Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the most versatile & cheap ways to update your space for maximum impact. They can make small rooms feel larger, brighten up dark corners by reflecting natural light, and giev your room a more high-end feel. The right mirror can transform your home in minutes. We have a small range of mirrors in aesthetic organic shapes on our website, have a look if you prefer a door to door delivery option. 

If youre after a more budget friendly (but more time consuming) solution, try the popular IKEA mirror hack. By combining multiple affordable small mirrors into a larger arrangement, you can create the look of a high-end statement piece without breaking the bank—or violating your lease. It’s the perfect way to achieve a sleek, custom feel in your space while keeping things stylish and practical. Be warned though we HIGHLIGH recoomend doing this on a piece of plywood or board, as they are very paintful to remove from the wall piece by piece later (yes, even if using command strips).

Image Credits: (left to right) Print and Proper Mirrors, DIY Ikea Mirror Hack by The Sorry Girls.

 

3. Peel and Stick Tiles 

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a simple way to update it is by easily applying peel and stick tiles onto the splashback. Bathroom in need a lift or a modern update?  Go for it! Not only do they look great, but they are also easy to clean, removeable, water + mildew resistant, and easy to cut into shape with scissors, making them an excellent choice for the kitchen or bathroom. They are an awesome product for a trendy look without the price tag of traditional tiles. 

Peel and stick tiles are easy to install and come in a range of colours and styles. If your granite counters are busy, you might want to go with a backsplash tile that is simple and has few patterns. In a minimalistic kitchen, you can select a statement-making backsplash. So if you’re looking for the perfect facelift and you don’t want to mess with mixing up mortar and grout, peel and stick tiles are a great option.

You can grab these from places like Kmart, Bunnings and Stick on Tiles Australia. 

Image Credits: Stick on Tiles Australia

 

4. Family Photo Grid / Gallery Wall

Family grid photo walls are a great way to get your favourite photos off your phone and onto your walls - all in a stylish way so it doesn't look dated. Better yet get them done in black and white, for a class-ay vibe! By displaying cherished memories in a cohesive, symmetrical layout, you can transform an empty wall into a shrine for your family or friends. If someone has been cheeky, you can even threaten to take them off the wall until they behave (this doesnt just apply to kids!). The grid style adds a touch class-ay to your home.

You can buy these via our website if you want a ready to hang and professionally framed solution: custom gallery wall photo sets. Alternatively you can DIY a budget-friendly method by selecting uniform frames and printing photos at home or through places like kmart photo centre. You can even take inspiration from DIY approaches like those shared by Hazel Ridge, where the focus is on creating high-impact designs without overspending. Whether you’re a homeowner or renting, a family photo grid is a beautiful, customizable way to uplift your space and showcase the moments that matter most.

Image Credits: (left to right) Print and Proper Custom Gallery Wall Photo Sets, Home on Hazel Ridge Budget Gallery Wall Blog Post.

 

5. Accent and Feature Walls

Accent and feature walls are the ultimate way to inject character and personality into any room. They’re a perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine and can completely transform the vibe of your space without the need for a full-scale renovation. One simple yet impactful idea is to paint a contrasting colour on one wall to instantly refresh the room’s energy.

To lift this a bit more, try adding decorative wall mouldings in various patterns (like the gird style mouldings in the photo below). These can be arranged in vertical paneling or geometric designs. 

Wallpaper, Wall decals, or painting a pattern on the wall is another option, like in the photo below of the neutral check wall. For an easier method you can try peel-and-stick wallpapers. Wallpapering has never been easier or more renter-friendly! Feature walls are all about making a statement, so whether you go for paint, mouldings, or wallpaper, choose a style that feels authentic to your space and brings joy every time you walk into the room.

Image Credits: (left to right) House of Hanes, Classy Clutter Blog DIY checkered Wallpaper Hack.

 

6. Let it Grow

YES we are talking plants! Such an obsession and this hack looks stunning, all while cleaning & oxygenating the air inside your home. 

A vertical plant wall is a stunning way to bring life and greenery into your space while making a bold design statement. Perfect for both plant lovers and style hunters, these walls add a lush vibe. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile so it doesn't matter if you have a small apartment or a spacious home.

A great DIY hack is to use the IKEA Skadis pegboard system with attachments. This clever hack lets you customise your wall with hooks, pots, and baskets to create a dynamic, ever-evolving display of your favourite plants. If there is no IKEA near you then you can use traditional shelving, or even easier and renter - friendly option like our test tube plant hangers with removeable 3M strip attachment method.

Image Credits: (left to right) Gardening Etc blog post using Ikea Pegboard. Cozynity Nest. Print and Proper test tube plant hangers.

 

7. Updating Soft Furnishings

Updating soft furnishings like cushions and rugs is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your space. These small changes can have a big impact, instantly lifting the mood of a room and giving it a new lease on life. 

When it comes to rugs, they are now more practical and budget-friendly than ever. Machine-washable rugs are a game changer for busy households, combining style with easy maintenance. Even better, some brands now offer rugs with interchangeable tops, so you can swap out designs to suit your mood or the season—without the expense of replacing the entire rug.

Cushion covers are another soft furnishing hero. Cheap & cheerful, swapping them out can completely transform your space. Think bold patterns for a statement, textured fabrics for added depth, or neutral tones for a minimalist vibe. The best part? They’re quick to change, letting you freshen up your décor in minutes. By focusing on soft furnishings, you can create a space that feels brand new—without breaking the bank.

Image Credits: (left to right) Kmart catagloue cushions, Ruggable Checkered Stone Rug. 

 

8. Statement Wall Art 

A great way to pack a punch is to stick a big picture on the wall 👊. You can buy one from us, or DIY your own!

Create textured wall art using fabric and plaster. By layering fabric over a canvas and applying plaster, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that feels both modern and tactile. The fabric adds depth and interest, while the plaster provides a cool, sculptural effect that’s sure to stand out.

Another budget-friendly DIY option is using large textiles, like printed bedsheets or shower curtains, to create art on a canvas. This is an easy way to introduce bold patterns, vibrant colors, or a serene scene into your home without breaking the bank. Simply stretch the fabric over a canvas and staple it in place—voila! You’ve got yourself an affordable, custom piece of art that adds character to any room. 

Image Credits: (left to right) Simply Gharib textured wall art DIY video. Focal Point Styling DIY Framed Fabric. Print and Proper Artwork by Bea Muller.

 

9. Secret Storage 

Keep your space looking tidy and stylish while hiding away those everyday items you don’t necessarily want on display. Think of it as hiding in plain sight—storage that blends seamlessly into your decor while keeping clutter under control. One popular option is using fake books on a shelf that actually function as storage boxes. These decorative books open up to reveal hidden compartments for things like remote controls, chargers, or even those often-forgotten cords and cables.

Another simple hack is swapping out your standard tissue box for an aesthetic container that doubles as a design feature. Opt for a sleek ceramic or woven tissue holder that fits with your home’s vibe, making it look less like an eyesore and more like part of the décor. 

You can also use decorative baskets or boxes to stash things like modems, electrical boxes, or even extra toiletries. The key is to choose items that blend with your existing design while still offering practical storage solutions. This way, you can enjoy a clean, organised space without sacrificing style.

Image Credits: (left to right): Ikea Hack on Instagram. Cardboard Book Storage from Temu. Fake Book Storage from Etsy.

 

9. Wall Arches

Wall arches are a creative way to add depth and style to a room. Used in the right way, it can even make your space look bigger. These can be painted directly onto a wall, or by using pell and stick arch wall decals. They're a simple yet striking way to create a focal point or highlight specific areas in a room. Versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for adding some flair without the need for major renovations.

A painted arch behind a bed can double as a statement headboard, an arch behind a desk creates a stylish workspace that feels intentional, or an extra layer of functionality an arch can be used to frame shelving, making the shelves pop while giving your walls a curated, gallery-like feel.

Use wall warches to define spaces and draw attention to the areas you love most in your home. Plus, with stick-on decal options, they’re perfect for renters or anyone looking to update their space without committing to permanent changes.

Image Credits: (left to right): Fall for DIY blog post on how to DIY a painted arch. Kelly Marr via Pinterest.

 

Final Thoughts

Turning your home into your dream space doesn’t have to drain your bank account, or your energy ⚡ With a few clever home hacks & a sprinkle of creativity, you can totally glow-up your space and give it some serious personality.

Start start before try to paint a wall arch to grow your DIY confidence levels, try hiding your Wi-Fi modem in a sneaky storage box, or making a DIY masterpiece from a shower curtain (yes, really!), it’s all about having fun and making your home feel uniquely you. So, grab a coffee (or wine 🍷) and get started. Your dream space is waiting for you when you're ready!