Designers swear by these cheap tricks to make your house look better & save you money

Whether your vanity or coffee table is looking cluttered, placing items on a cute serving tray is an easy way to make everything look a little more organized. “One of my favorite money-savers when it comes to home decor is to use decorative trays to serve as a styling element as well as a catch-all to help keep track of essentials like remote controls, keys, pieces of mail, and phone chargers,” explains Kathy Kuo, a noted interior design expert as well as the CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “I've found that my favorite trays save me money because I don't have to buy as many random storage boxes and I am able to keep track of odds and ends much more easily, and thus I don't have to replace them as often!”

With that in mind, this serving tray is definitely worth a look. It’s made from a combination of stainless steel and smooth MDF, making it just as stylish as it is functional. The best part? With more than 15 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home.

Too-bright lights can make even the coziest homes feel stale and unwelcoming. Luckily, Ms. Mahwish Syed, the founder & author of MAHWISH SYED DESIGNS, has an easy fix. “Dimmer switches are easy to install and help create an ambient mood,” she tells Mic. “This simple inexpensive design trick transforms your ceiling fixtures or table lamps to ambient chic and saves you money while also helping the environment with a reduced carbon footprint.”

This particular dimmer switch is compatible with incandescent, halogen, LED, as well as CFL bulbs, making it easy to incorporate throughout your home. Its 6-foot power cable means you shouldn’t have any trouble using it with distant outlets — and installation is as easy as plugging it in, and then adjusting the brightness by pushing the slider switch.

Got a room in your home that feels a little bland? Consider spicing it up with some removable wallpaper. “Removable wallpaper behind your bookshelves, in your closet, on an accent wall creates luxury because textures like plaster, grass cloth, and concrete add sophistication to plain gypsum board walls,” explains Syed. And since this particular roll is made from thick vinyl, the chances of it tearing while you’re setting it up are incredibly low. Its concrete texture is sure to give any surface a modern look — and there are even small grooves on the back to help prevent bubbles during application.

If that previous removable wallpaper didn’t suit your style, consider taking a look at this grasscloth version. It’s waterproof enough that you shouldn’t have any trouble putting it up inside humid bathrooms — and with 12 colors to choose from, finding one that suits your home should be a total breeze.

Sometimes the cheapest changes can make the biggest impact — especially when it comes to your kitchen. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to customize your kitchen. Try changing your hardware,” explains Syed. “This cheap trick instantly elevates your home from institutional to exceptional.” Though if you aren’t sure what sort of hardware you should change out? She goes on to suggest, “Try swapping out your boring cabinet knobs and pulls for something that reflects your unique aesthetic. Don’t stay with the same bland builder’s set — add some bling to your home with brass knob shaped like a ginkgo leaf or a faceted crystal knob...”

Not only are these ginkgo leaf knobs cute in their own right, but their gold-colored finish also delivers a pop of color to every cabinet door. They’re made from a tough zinc alloy, making them just as durable as they are cute — and installation is as easy as screwing them right into place.

Not a fan of those gingko leaf pulls? Then these diamond-shaped ones are definitely worth a look. They’re made from sparkling crystal glass, with an aluminum base that keeps them firmly in place without any wobbling or shaking. And if you aren’t a fan of the silver base, fear not — you can also grab them in gold, black, bronze, or rose gold.

When no amount of decor seems to make a room look better, it may be time to bust out a bucket of paint. “A fresh coat of paint may change a room and is an affordable way to boost your home design,” explains Andra DelMonico, the lead interior designer at Trendey. Though if you’re going to paint, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have this roll of painter's tape to help you out. It’s great for creating sharp lines, as the adhesive backing works to prevent bleeding. The best part? It can stay in place for up to 60 days, yet won’t leave behind any gooey residues upon removal.

Just because your home is low on natural light doesn’t mean you have to live in the dark. According to DelMonico, “You can put table lamps or floor lamps, brightening up dark corners and generating a cozy ambiance.” And since this miniature table lamp is currently available for just $10, you truly don’t have any excuse not to at least give it a look. It’s great for small spaces, including nightstands, desks, or even shelves — all while the ceramic base makes it feel way more expensive than it is. Choose from eight colors: orange, yellow, purple, and more.

If your space calls for a larger light source, this floor lamp might be what you’re looking for. Its minimalist style easily pairs with nearly any type of decor, while the wide, sturdy base helps keep it from wobbling. You also have the choice of four finishes: black, gold, silver, or white.

Once your walls are painted and your home is beautifully lit up, it’s time to tackle all the smaller details. “Incorporating accessories is an easy and cheap way to boost the home decor,” explains DelMonico. “Add throw pillows, area rugs, and curtains to put color and texture to the place.” And if your home is already brimming with all of those? She goes on to say that “you can add artwork or family photos to customize the home and let it feel more welcoming.”

In the event that your home doesn’t have any throw pillows, however, consider grabbing some cute covers and filling them with these inserts. Their microfiber exterior gives them a soft feel, while the polyester stuffing quickly rebounds. They’re also unlikely to lose their shape over time — and with four sizes to choose from, you can easily use them with a variety of covers.

Whether you’re in the market for a new rug or already have a few on your floors, these grippers are a must-have if you want to make sure they stay lying flat. Their V-shaped design makes it less likely they’ll get twisted out of shape, which can happen when using straight pieces of rug tape — and the adhesive is so strong that you can use them indoors as well as outside.

Not only do these blackout curtains come in four gorgeous shades, but they’re also made from thick polyester that blocks up to 99% of outside light. The result? You may notice yourself sleeping in later on the weekends — and since they also help insulate your windows, don’t be surprised if your utility bills are noticeably lower.

Can’t find any artwork you like? Consider making your own using these canvases. They’re made from 100% cotton — and since they’re already primed, you can start painting your own unique masterpiece the moment they arrive. You can use them with watercolor, oil, as well as acrylic paint. And with more than 10 sizes to choose from, creating a stunning accent wall is easier than ever.

Now that you have a set of quality canvases to work with, it’s time to take a look at these acrylic paints. Each order comes with 24 colors, ranging from bright blue to deep red — though you can also mix them together in order to create custom shades. The best part? you also get a set of six brushes to get you started.

Whereas some picture frames feature flimsy plastic faces, these ones are made with real glass so that you have a crystal-clear view of all your favorite photos. The MDF frames have a faux wood grain, making them look more expensive than they are — and the varying sizes are already styled to look good when arranged together.

Bedspread looking a little worse for wear? “You don’t have to buy a new comforter if the one on your bed is dated or looking less than new,” explains Nichole Abbott, an interior designer for FLOOR360. “A new duvet cover will breathe new life into your bedroom décor without breaking the bank.” She goes on to say that you should “look for a duvet with texture for an extra layer of comfort” — and this one in particular has a brushed microfiber surface, making it feel just as soft as it is cozy. A zipper closure at the bottom helps keep your comforter insert from sliding out. And with more than 10 colors to choose from, finding one that suits your style should be no problem at all.

If you’re running out of bedroom storage space, it may be time to start hiding things underneath your bed. “Underbed storage containers are the perfect design solution for small bedrooms,” explains Abbott. “Don’t spend more money on dressers and shelving units that will take up precious floor space in your room when you can take advantage of hidden storage ideas.”

With that in mind, these storage bags have a low profile, making it easy to slide them underneath your bed. Their mesh tops also let you see what’s inside each one without having to unpack everything — all while the reinforced handles make it easy to pull them out whenever you need something.

If floor and table lamps don’t suit your home, consider opting for a wall sconce instead. “Add a touch of vintage charm with brushed gold sconces or pendant lights with a glass detail encasement or globe,” explains Abbott. “If you have a cottage-style, farmhouse, or eclectic-style home this type of fixture will bring a sense of delight to your room.”

Luckily, this wall sconce is available for less than $45, making it just as fashionable as it is affordable. The high-quality glass shade helps protect the bulb from dust — and unlike some sconces, this one is compatible with dimmer switches. Choose from two finishes: black or gold.

Whether your dining table or kitchen counters could use a little extra illumination, these pendant lights are a cute pick. You can adjust their length anywhere from 34 to 73 inches, making them suitable for ceilings both high and low. Plus, the sleek metal is resistant to rust, so there’s no need to worry about them corroding over time.

The outside of your home is the first impression you make on guests, so it makes sense that you’d want to keep it looking good. “Homeowners on a budget can update their home by fixing and cleaning up the exterior parts of their home: painting, landscaping, etc.,” explains Amber Shay, National Vice President of Design Studios at Meritage Homes. However, if you aren’t sure where to start, consider revamping your garden with help from this sprayer. A few pumps on the handle are all it takes to send out a fine mist of water — and at two liters in size, you won’t be stuck constantly refilling it.

Now that your gardens are looking good, it’s time to light up that dark outdoor space. Though if you aren’t sure doing so is worth your time? Shea tells Mic, “Exterior light fixtures can enhance your sidewalks or driveways and the overall style of your home” — which means you truly don’t have any excuse not to at least take a look at this umbrella light. Not only is it great for dining outside at night, but it’s also designed to fit nearly any umbrella pole. Plus, you only need to supply three AA batteries in order to keep it shining bright for up to 75 hours.

Not only do these garden lights have flexible stems so that they sway in the wind, but each one is also powered by a built-in solar panel that keeps them lit for up to 15 hours at night. The best part? Installation is a total breeze — simply press them into the ground and they’re ready to go.

There’s nothing wrong with having a plain garage door — though that doesn’t mean you can’t make it look nicer. Luckily, Shay has an easy tip, as she suggests that you “add hardware to garage doors to make them feel more upscale...” Or, if you’re going for a really dramatic change, she goes on to say that “paint creates a statement, especially on a front door.”

Thankfully, these garage magnets are currently available for less than $20. Installation is as easy as sticking them onto your garage door, and then walking away — that’s it. And since they feature a protective RSF coating, you can rest assured that they’ll stay looking good from season to season.

If you’d prefer a more dramatic change, however, consider giving your garage or front door a makeover with this paint. It comes in a variety of bold colors, ranging from classic green to deep red — and the water-based formula is made to last. The best part? Since it only takes about an hour to dry, you won’t be stuck waiting around in order to apply multiple coats if needed.

While buying mass-made decorations can help you save money, it can also leave your home feeling stale and cookie-cutter. Instead, Shay suggests that you “DIY your home design by bringing artisanal objects into your home.” She goes on to say, “I expect to see artisanal elements such as pottery, tile, and dishware.”

If you don’t have a good artist market in your city, however, you can spice up bland tile and pottery using these stencils. They’re made from tough PET material that can be washed and reused dozens of times — and each order even includes nine distinct styles, all of which have a timeless look to them.

Don’t have time to make your own artisanal pieces? Not a problem — these bowls are a cute choice that won’t break the bank. Each one features a different embossed style, with a smooth ceramic surface that makes them look way more expensive than they are. And unlike some types of dinnerware, these bowls are safe to run through the dishwasher as well as the microwave.

When in doubt, incorporating nature into your home is an easy way to make it feel cozy. “Bring the outdoors inside by embracing nature in your design,” says Shay. “Incorporate colors, textures, plants, and wood accents for a touch of nature in your home.”

These houseplants thrive in partial shade, making them suitable for homes that don’t receive a ton of natural light. And since they only require moderate watering, it’s way less likely that you’ll wind up with parched plants if you happen to forget to water them.

Speaking of watering plants, these self-watering planters are a must for anyone looking to do the least amount of work possible when it comes to keeping their plants thriving. The reservoir on the inside can keep your plants hydrated for up to a full two weeks. And unlike some planters, these ones are easy to fill, as each one features a small lip on the bottom that lets you fill the reservoir directly.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of live plants, this alarm clock is a clever way to bring some of the outdoors into your home. Its faux wood grain gives it a rustic look, while a USB port in the back lets you charge your devices overnight. Plus, the dimmable face can be adjusted so that it doesn’t disturb you when trying to sleep.

On the off chance that you aren’t a fan of plants and you’re satisfied with your alarm clock, then these wood coasters are likely the easiest way to incorporate some nature into your home. They’re made from real pine wood — not plastic — and feature a gorgeous layer of natural bark around the outside. “Absolutely gorgeous addition to my table setting!” raved one reviewer. “These are good quality and look great.”

You don’t have to spend tons of money on an expensive renovation in order to make your kitchen look good. According to interior designer Jennifer Stephan, “Textiles are always an easy inexpensive way to elevate your kitchen and bathroom.” Though if you aren’t sure what sort of materials to aim for? She tells Mic that “using materials such as linen, waffle cotton, and turkish towels are a great way to add texture and style.”

For example, this particular tablecloth is made from faux linen, making it look way more expensive than it is. It’s also resistant to stains and wrinkles, helping keep it looking good throughout hundreds of meals — and you even have nine sizes as well as seven different shades to choose from.

If adding a tablecloth doesn’t suit your kitchen, consider opting for these textured dishcloths instead. They’re made from 100% cotton, with a cute waffle weave that looks good hanging from ovens, refrigerators, or even just stacked on your counters. And unlike some dishcloths, these ones are unlikely to fade over time.

Made from 100% Turkish cotton, these hand towels are an absolute steal at less than $20 for four of them. They’re just as absorbent as they are soft — and the looped fibers give them a plush feel when drying off your hands. The best part? With 20 shades to choose from, you can easily use them to bring a pop of color to dull bathrooms.

Feel like something is missing whenever you look at your bathroom? Not a problem, as Stephan has an easy tip. She suggests that you “incorporate matching accessories such as toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, etc. in the bathroom made out of sandstone, matte black or neutral colors, concrete or marble.”

Not only does this particular set come in three finishes (black, white, or faux marble), but each piece is also made from high-quality resin that’s just as durable as it is gorgeous to look at. The best part? At less than $35 for the set, you won’t have to worry about it breaking your bank come the end of the month.

If those organizers don’t suit your style, consider taking a look at this cheaper set. Each order includes a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, and soap dish, as well as two canisters where you can store brushes, razors, and more. Plus, the faux marble exterior easily blends with practically any decor style, including industrial, rustic, country, and more.

It goes without saying that reusable containers will almost always look better than the disposable version. “Swap out your disposable kitchen containers for matching refillable accessories for salt and pepper shakers, flour, pasta, and other products,” recommends Stephan. “This will add a more lux look with pretty coordinating accessories and less labels.”

Not only are these salt and pepper shakers made from sleek stainless steel, but the pour holes can also be adjusted so that you don’t accidentally overseason your meals. Their wide mouths make it easy to fill them up without mess — and their see-through bases let you know exactly when it’s time for a refill.

Flour, spices, pasta, rice — these canisters are great for storing all sorts of dry ingredients. Their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh, while a window on the front of each one lets you see how much is left inside with a simple glance. Plus, the stainless steel walls are unlikely to rust over time.

Soap is another item that comes in a crummy disposable container. With that in mind, Stephan recommends that you “replace hand soap and dish soap with matching dispensers for a more streamlined look” — which is only part of the reason why this dispenser set is worth a look. It comes in three shades to suit any style: white, matte black, or amber. The bottom tray keeps both bottles as well as the scrubber dish looking organized. And unlike some dispenser sets, this one also comes with a bamboo dish brush.

When in doubt, an organized home will always look nicer than one that’s cluttered with stuff. “Decluttering might seem like too simple a solution, but you’ll be glad you took the time to do it,” explains Rudolph Diesel, a top London interior designer. “Decluttering can add more space in your home, and a clean canvas where you can add some decorative accents if you want to.”

With that in mind, these storage bags are worth a look. They’re great for seasonal clothes, toys, linens, and more, as the sturdy walls keep their shape — even when filled to the brim. Plus, each one features a clear window on the front that lets you see what’s inside without having to unpack everything.

Even the cleanest tile surfaces can look crummy if the grout is on its last legs. “Regrouting or recaulking your bathroom or kitchen tiles can make a huge difference when it comes to giving your home a glow-up,” explains Diesel. He goes on to say that “grout or caulk alone are relatively low-cost products, and many people find that they can do it themselves, thanks to the help of an instructional video or two.”

But if applying a fresh layer of grout seems daunting? Consider painting over it instead by using this pen. There’s enough paint inside to cover up to 150 feet of grout, and the precision tip applicator makes it easy to color inside the lines. Plus, its water-based formula is safe to use around kids as well as pets.