9 Ideas for Updating your Home Decor

Updating your home decor does not require a full renovation or a massive budget. Some of the most effective changes cost under £100 and take a single afternoon. Here are nine ideas for refreshing your home that make a genuine difference to how your space looks and feels.

Quick and Affordable Home Decor Updates

1. Repaint One Accent Wall

A single painted accent wall transforms a room for under £30. Choose a colour that contrasts with your existing walls but sits within the same tonal family. Deep greens, warm terracottas and rich navy blues are all popular choices for 2026. Farrow and Ball offer tester pots for £6 if you want to try a premium shade before committing to a full tin.

2. Update Your Cushions and Throws

New cushion covers and a fresh throw on the sofa are the easiest way to change a room’s mood. Swap lighter covers for richer textures in autumn and reverse it in spring. H&M Home, Dunelm and IKEA all offer stylish cushion covers for £5-15 each. Buy in odd numbers (three or five) and mix sizes and textures for the most natural look.

3. Add or Replace Indoor Plants

Plants bring life, colour and improved air quality to any room. If you have killed every plant you have ever owned, start with near-indestructible options like snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants or peace lilies. A single large statement plant in a corner makes more impact than several small ones scattered around. Good quality ceramic or woven pots elevate even a £5 supermarket plant.

4. Upgrade Your Lighting

Swap harsh overhead lighting for layered light sources. A table lamp, a floor lamp and some LED candles create warmth and atmosphere that a single ceiling light cannot match. Warm white bulbs (2700K) make every room feel more inviting than cool white. Dimmer switches cost £10-15 to install and make a disproportionate difference to how a room feels in the evening.

Bigger Impact Home Decor Changes

5. Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall of framed prints, photographs and artwork adds personality and visual interest to any blank wall. Start by collecting frames in the same colour (all black or all natural wood gives the most cohesive look) and arrange them on the floor before committing to nail holes. Desenio, JUNIQE and Poster Store offer affordable art prints from £5-20, or frame your own photographs for something more personal.

6. Update Cabinet and Door Hardware

Replacing kitchen cabinet handles, door knobs and bathroom fixtures is a surprisingly effective update. Brass and brushed gold hardware is trending strongly, adding warmth to white or grey kitchens. New handles cost £3-8 each and require only a screwdriver to install. For a kitchen with 20 cabinets, the total cost is under £150 for a dramatic transformation.

7. Add a Statement Mirror

A large mirror makes any room feel bigger and brighter by reflecting natural light. Hang one opposite a window for maximum effect. Round mirrors with thin metal frames are particularly popular right now. You can find quality options at IKEA, Dunelm and TK Maxx for £30-80. In narrow hallways, a mirror is practically essential for creating a sense of space.

8. Restyle Your Bookshelves

Bookshelves crammed with books spine-out look cluttered. Instead, mix vertical and horizontal book stacks, intersperse with small objects (a candle, a plant, a small print), and leave some breathing space between groups. The rule of three works well – arrange items in groups of three at varying heights. This takes zero money and transforms the feel of a room.

9. Invest in Quality Bed Linen

Your bedroom probably gets more daily use than any other room. Good quality bed linen in 100% cotton or linen instantly upgrades how the room looks and how you sleep. White or off-white looks hotel-fresh, while deep green or terracotta makes a bedroom feel like a retreat. John Lewis, The White Company and Piglet in Bed offer excellent options from £40-100 for a duvet cover set.

For more inspiration, see our living room design ideas and our bedroom design guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to update home decor?

New cushion covers, rearranging existing furniture, decluttering and adding plants are the cheapest ways to refresh a room. Repainting an accent wall costs under £30 and creates dramatic impact.

What home decor trends are popular in 2026?

Warm neutrals, curved furniture, natural materials, layered lighting and warm metallics like brass and gold are the dominant home decor trends in 2026. Cold minimalism has been replaced by warmer, more textured spaces.

How often should you update your home decor?

Small updates like cushions and throws can be swapped seasonally. Larger changes like paint colours and furniture typically last three to five years before feeling dated. There is no fixed rule – update when your space no longer feels like it reflects you.