So today I wanted to share a few tips I've picked up along the way to maybe help you transform your house without hitting the red.
Repurpose and recycle. The chances are you, family members or friends have got old pieces of furniture they no longer want and were planning on chucking out. Have a good look at these pieces - how would the look with a makeover? I've upcycled many a piece of furniture by painting, using decoupage and if you're handy with a set of tools you can repurpose them completely. If there's nothing to hand try the local salvage yard, eBay or Gumtree and you might find a bargain.
Buy at the right time. Now is a fantastic time of year for buying things for the garden - Mr H and I have just bought some lovely outdoor furniture for nearly half the price it would have been earlier in the summer. For home furnishings try Black Friday (November 27th this year) or the January sales for the best bargains - you may need to fight for what you want though!
Make it yourself. Are you crafty? Why not try making what you want. Cushions, curtains, bedding, tablecloths can all be sewn and aren't difficult if you have the time and patience. Some can even be made no-sew so you don't even need a sewing machine.
Change your accessories. Stick to a neutral, classic style for your larger items and add colour in your accessories and soft furnishings. When the time comes to update it, it will cost you a lot less to change cushions or vases than it will to repaint or change your sofa.
Upper West Side Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects
Sell on. When you're ready for a change, sell your old to buy your new. Sites like eBay or Gumtree are fantastic for this and it means you don't need to fork out much when you are wanting to update the look of your house.
I hope this has given you a few ideas on how you can save money and still have the house you dream of. If you are determined there is nothing to stop you going out there and still saving your pennies at the same time.
*This is a collaborative post.