8 Ways to Refresh Your Interior Without Going to the Store

They have long since stopped pleasing the eye, introducing disharmony into the interior, and getting rid of them seems like the only right solution. But believe us – you will always have time to do it. An old, worn-out interior item in terms of functionality and appearance deserves a chance for a redesign. We share several creative solutions.

1. Sofa with a Hard Back

Narrow, small sofas are a good option for small apartments. But their backs are often uncomfortable and hard. Fix this flaw by placing several soft, differently shaped cushions on the sofa. Pillowcases with bold colors and patterns on a monochrome sofa will set accents and set the mood.

2. Imperfect Curtains

An impulsive purchase at a budget store or an ill-fated gift, and suddenly you have ridiculous curtains hanging in your home. Sometimes they don't reach the floor, sometimes they barely cover a wide window for decoration. There is a practical solution to this misunderstanding – combine short curtains into one perfect-length set. You can do it yourself or use a seamstress’s services. If the short curtains have different colors, leave the darker material for the lower part.

3. Old Lampshades

Is your old lamp with tangled fringe not pleasing the eye? It's time to act! There are many examples online of how to update a lampshade yourself or make a new one: from simple fabric replacement to complex frame modifications. A monochrome white lampshade can be painted or enlivened with patterns, stickers, or mosaics.

4. Home Gallery

The trend of photo frames lined up along shelves and fireplaces is long gone. Some people have moved photos into albums, others have made photo collages. But there is another solution – a full-wall home photo gallery. About how to make it, we told in detail with designer Nadezhda Zотовa here.

Design: Nadezhda Zотовa

5. The Bedroom Business Card

Are you considering changing your bed only because of the worn-out headboard? Is it worth spending money on that? There are many ideas for updating the bed headboard: from classic upholstery in the capiton technique to wooden planks. The absence of a headboard is also not a big problem. Help will come from contrasting wallpaper, original artwork, designer stickers, or ordinary paint.

Design: Natalia Ananina

6. An Unremarkable Bed

A neatly made bed that looks clean but dull. Everything can come alive differently if you add a set of nice, medium-sized (60x60 cm) cushions to the headboard. Such a simple move, and how much positivity and freshness! For the best effect, combine different textures (e.g., wool with velvet), colors, and styles.

7. A New Life for a Common Mirror

A cheap frameless mirror bought in a hurry can get boring over time. Before sending it to the countryside, try looking at it creatively and make a stylish frame, add decor, and light. As a result, you might end up with a unique interior item that you won't want to part with.

8. Narrow Molding

A wide molding always looks stylish and impressive. Designers love using it in interior design. But as is known, it costs quite a bit. Instead of spending money, just take a regular narrow molding and attach it over the existing one. Then repaint both.