New year, new home, new you: 29 cheap and easy home makeover ideas to banish the January blues - Grand Designs Magazine

New year, new home, new you: 29 cheap and easy home makeover ideas to banish the January blues

Blue Monday is the most depressing day of the year for good reason: Christmas is over; all the money’s spent; and pay day feelsl a long way off. But don’t despair, we’ve got some easy and cheap makeover ideas to cheer you up...

By Mary Richards |

There’s no denying January can be tough. Money’s tight after Christmas; the weather’s awful; self-employed folk gotta do their tax returns; and lots of us are struggling with new year’s resolutions that might not be going too well…

On top of that, it’s also national break-up month, as many people use the new year to take a long, hard look at their relationships – just at the time when chickens are coming home to roost after one too many rows over the festive season.

Yep. January can be A LOT.

A breakfast bar in a stylish kitchen

Image credit: HollandGreen

But the turn of the year can also be a positive time of renewal and new beginnings.

It’s not just a time when people start healthy habits they can’t maintain, it’s also a time for reflection, positive goal-setting, and, in the home, a refresh.

As well, traditionally, it’s the time when people start thinking about moving house.

Makeover don’t move

A green standard light in a room setting

Image credit: ValueLighting

Now, that may well be something else that might feel difficult right now, what with property prices being sky high, and the cost of living still feeling critical for so many – but, if moving isn’t on the cards for you right now, there are still things you can do to embrace the fresh-start spirit of the new year: positive, mood-enhancing décor spruce-ups that will lift your spirits at this coldest time of the year.

Marlena Kaminska, from ValueLights says, “There are so many ways to provide a fresh new feel to your home without having to spend a lot of money, or renovate. One of the first steps to take is to look at your décor and see where you can make small switches to have a big impact – and the new year is the perfect time to do this.”

A beautiful lavishly decorated dining room

Image credit: OKA

Sue Jones, Co-founder of OKA, enthuses, “I love the idea of making everyday, simple things beautiful. You don’t have to totally re-do an entire room every time you want to update it. It’s simply not realistic.

“Little elements can make a massive difference to the look and feel of your home.

“When I update a room, I like to start with decorations on my walls. Re-homing much-loved family photos into a vibrant frame or simply reworking artwork you already have can make a space feel fresh.

“Even doing something as simple as moving them to a new spot in the home, or switching out the prints in a gallery wall can have a big impact.”

Our 29 ideas for minimal-cost mini makeover ideas with maximum impact will help you bring new energy into 2025 – without breaking the bank.

You’ll feel like you’ve moved house – without the cost or hassle.

1. Just swap things around

A beautiful living room in an old house with a large green sofa

Image credit: DFS

Ann Marie Cousins, owner of AMC Design, advises, “Look at the pieces you already have – furniture, artwork, accessories, and even textiles like throw pillows or blankets – and think about how they might work in different rooms or configurations.

“For example, switching out cushions, throws and rugs from the bedrooms to the sitting room, or bringing a chair from the corner of your bedroom into the sitting room are great ways to enliven the space.

“I’m about to switch the ornaments and art from our sitting room and place them in the bedroom, then, to complete the look, I’ll just add in a few different cushions.”

2. Refresh existing pieces

Ann Marie continues, “You can also mix and match colours, patterns, or textures you haven’t tried before to give your space a fresh look.

“Reupholster an old chair with fabric you already own, or update a lampshade with some new trim.

“Adding new zest to a room can not only leave you feeling energised, but it can also help you understand what other bigger interior-design changes may need to be made.”

3. Get decluttering

A bedroom with built-in wardrobes

Image credit and above: Sharps

As Ryan McDonough, from MyJobQuote.co.uk, points out, January is the perfect time for a declutter.

He says, “Clutter can increase our stress levels and leave our home feeling disorganised and chaotic.

By getting rid of the items you no longer need, and carefully organising the ones that you wish to keep, you can improve your mental health and sense of wellbeing.”

Rachal Hutcheson, from Sharps, has this good advice. “Although it can be tempting to jump straight in, the best way to effectively declutter is to first make a note of what you need and want before you begin, rather than doing it as you go along.

“This will help prevent a ‘clutter-mist’ where you can’t see through the mess and inevitably give up the tricky task.

A pair of pink bedside cabinets between two beds

Image credit: Bisley

“Prioritise the most used areas of your home, as you will feel the impact of your efforts sooner, which will spur you on to finish the job.

“Assess your clutter weak spots – these are the spaces that tend to get congested.

“If you can work out why this is, you are more likely to be able to come up with solutions to prevent it happening all over again.

“Bespoke storage options really help to hide everyday clutter like blankets and books in closed cupboards, but having a declutter strategy at the start of the year can be just as effective and definitely invigorating.”

A stylish modern kitchen

Image credit: The Used Kitchen Company

Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, adds “Our kitchens often end up cluttered, becoming a dumping ground for various items such as kids’ homework, unopened post and stacked dishes and plates.

“By investing in proper storage solutions for frequently used items you can create the illusion of a larger and cleaner kitchen and as a bonus spend less time cleaning and tidying.

“Using a dedicated drawer for post and bills will keep everything neat and tidy.

“Using your large drawers for crockery, rather than cupboards, and streamlining your spices to those still in date will help free up space and keep your worktops clear.

“By freeing up counter space you’ll create the illusion of a bigger kitchen instantly.Team with rechargeable lighting and your kitchen will be transformed.”

4. Curtain it off

Tori Young, from HollandGreen, adds, “When you’re decluttering, hide anything unsightly behind a curtain – a smart, affordable alternative to custom joinery.”

5. Make your bed

A white bed piled high with cushions in a pretty bedroom

Image credit: Lighting Superstore

Tori Young also  has some advice for starting the day the right way.

She says, “Always make your bed! Finish with a beautiful bedspread, two throw cushions, and a long bolster for a luxurious touch.

“A well-made bed is a simple thing that can boost your mood every day.”

6. Pick up some plants

A plant in a pot on a bedside table

Image credit: Beards & Daisies

Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies, says, “Transforming your space for the new year doesn’t have to break the bank, houseplants are an affordable, stylish, and mood-boosting way to refresh any room in your home.

“Not only do they bring a beautiful, bright pop of green, they also work wonders for your mental wellbeing.

“Studies show that surrounding yourself with plants can reduce stress and anxiety, which will help to lift your spirits during dark winter days.

“Whether it’s a calming snake plant placed on your bedside table or a quirky pothos trailing from a shelf, houseplants add a natural warmth that instantly makes a room feel cosier and more inviting.”

7. Crack out the paint

A room painted red

Image credit: HollandGreen

Tori Young recommends, “You can instantly transform any space with paint. Highlight skirtings, architraves, and doors in a deeper shade than the walls for added depth.

Alternatively, choose one hue and colour-drench the entire room. Don’t forget the ceiling – a painted ceiling makes a striking statement. Or breathe new life into bookcases by painting the back panels in a contrasting shade.”

Home-staging expert Liv Conlon, founder of StagerBoss, agrees, recommending, “A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to change the mood of a room.

“Choose uplifting tones like soft yellows, calming greens, or serene blues to create a positive atmosphere.

“If painting the entire room isn’t feasible, consider creating a feature wall with bold wallpaper or a vibrant shade to add instant character.”

8. Update brassware

A contemporary brass tap on a sink

Image credit: Nuie Bathrooms

James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms, says, “In any refurb, it’s not always necessary to update the whole room.

“Installing new brassware, such as taps and showers, is a small change that can make all the difference and offer a fresh new look without the expense of a complete new bathroom.

“Then just replace old towels and bath mats with fresh ones, and incorporate new accessories to update the space and complement your new chosen brassware.”

9. Tidy up sealant

A stylish modern bathroom

Image credit: Sanctuary Bathrooms

James continues, “Talking of bathrooms, one of the easiest ways to refresh a bathroom is simply to ensure it is clean and sparkling.

“Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mould, damp, and fungi because they are hot and humid.

“So, it’s always worth spending the time to clean any mould from bathroom sealant, or removing and replacing it with new if the damage is deep.

“This minor change will leave the space looking fresher and tidier, making it more attractive to visitors and helping to reduce any health hazard.”

10. Restyle it

Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom, says, “Restyling a room is the simplest and most time-efficient way to elevate a space, without the need to redecorate or introduce new furniture.

“For bedrooms, it can be as simple as switching out your bedlinen and cushions, while in the living room we love to swap curtains and rugs – often seasonally – to introduce new colours and textures, and let the summer sun in, or help keep the winter cold out.”

11. Pick a large rug

Lena Gierasinska, of Barker and Stonehouse, says, “Investing in a well chosen oversized rug can be a savvy move when you’re trying to spruce up your home on a budget.

“By opting for a larger design rug and positioning it under a sofa, you can instantly elevate a space and make it feel more luxurious.

“A common mistake many people make is buying a small rug that sits in front of a sofa and under a coffee table.

“But a larger rug can instantly elevate a living room – particularly when paired with wooden flooring and a mix of floor lamps and low-level lighting. The resulting look is not only stylish but effortlessly timeless.”

12. Create colour pops

A pot plant on a table

Image credit: Beards & Daisies

Tori Young suggests, “You can add a splash of colour to every room using the simplest of accessories.

“Think: a bowl of lemons, a basil plant in the kitchen, or a red picture frame. Small touches like these bring vibrancy and fun to your space – so get creative!”

13. Add a garden room

A small garden room in a garden

Image credit: Forest Garden

At the other end of the scale, a garden room can be a great way to add liveable space to your home without moving. Jenny Davis, from Forest Garden, says, “For homeowners who feel limited by a lack of space, a garden building is the perfect solution.

“Not only do they look great, but they are easy to install, and offer a blank canvas – ideal for creating a dedicated study or home office, a private home gym, or even a sumptuous reading nook in which to relax and unwind.”

14. Clip in some new blinds

A woman putting up a window blind

Image credit:Blinds2Go

Clip-in blinds like those from Blinds2go are a quick and easy way to add a new window treatment even if you haven’t got the best DIY skills.

15. Add easy-to-fix shutters

A bathroom with shutters on the window

Image credit: California Shutters

Similarly, no-drill shutters are a game-changer if you want to install shutters easily, quickly and on a budget.

California Shutters make ‘Easy Fix’ shutters no-drill shutters and now Perfect Fit shutters specifically for uPVC windows.

The shutters are frameless, meaning they simply clip directly into their brackets onto windows. And they suit ‘tilt and turn’ or inwards opening windows, which aren’t often suitable for classic hinged shutters.

Close up of window shutters

Image credit: California Shutters

16. Splashback swap out

A kitchen with a pink splashback

Image credit: Alusplash

Changing the splashbacks can give your kitchen a whole new vibe.

Covering your old tiles with one of Alusplash’s super-contemporary aluminium splashbacks in a gorgeous fashion-forward colour is a simple way to give your kitchen a facelift.

17. Soft furnishings makeover

A cosy living room

Image credit: DFS

Kellie Wyles, from DFS says, “One of the easiest ways to make your space feel refreshed and ready to take on 2025 is to add textural depth and a sense of warmth using soft furnishings, which are easy to add, move, and change around.

“For example, in the living room, adding new cushions and throws to your sofa can offer a quick update to your colour palette or give the room a refresh without too much effort or cost.

“Similarly adding a rug is another great way to add instant impact. A plush, textured rug is a great way to add a touch of luxury, and to subtly zone a seating area within a larger space.”

Liv Conlon agrees, saying, “Small touches can make a big difference. Swap out tired cushions or throws for ones with new textures and patterns.

“Layering textiles, such as velvet, knits, or faux fur, adds warmth and depth.

“Don’t underestimate the power of rugs; they anchor your space and bring a cosy feel, especially in bedrooms or larger living rooms.”

18. Swap out your tiles

A bath in a tiled bathroom

Image credit: Sanctuary Bathrooms

James Roberts recommends, “One of the easiest ways to transform a bathroom on a budget is by changing up the tiling – and that doesn’t have to cost a lot. Try just retiling the largest wall to create a feature wall.

“Leave the rest as it is. Or, if the expense of a complete re-tile isn’t in the budget, self-adhesive, stick-on tiles are an affordable alternative.

“Another option is using a grouting pen, which come in various shades, to update any tiles that are already in place.”

19. No-cost change

Liv Conlon points out there are lots of things you can do without spending anything at all.

She says, “Sometimes a fresh perspective is all a room needs. Experiment with rearranging furniture to improve flow and function.

“Repurpose items you already own, like using a sturdy trunk as a coffee table, or turning a ladder into a display for throws or books.”

Tori Young agrees: “Play with proportion by rearranging accessories. Moving your cherished objects to new locations can give them a fresh perspective.

“Add a tablecloth to your dining table for texture and warmth or take time to style your bookshelves for a polished look.”

Funky light fittings

Image credit: Lighting Superstore

20. Add lights for ambience

Liv Conlon suggests, “Lighting dramatically influences a room’s ambience. Consider swapping old lampshades for contemporary designs, or introducing fairy lights for a soft, inviting glow.

“Floor and table lamps with warm bulbs can create cosy nooks perfect for winter evenings.”

Ryan McDonough agrees, saying, “Lighting can really change the feel of a room, and, to pick up your spirits in January, you can try experimenting with the mood lighting around your home.

“Fairy lights aren’t only for Christmas and adding these as a subtle touch to any shelf or hanging can bring a cosy warmth to the cold winter nights.”

Marlena Kaminska, at ValueLights, adds, “Use table and floor lamps to create a brand new feel in any room.

“One great way to keep the costs down whilst being able to regularly switch up your style is by changing up the colours and shapes of the lamp shades on your floor lamps.

“For example, a plain, scalloped lamp shade has a completely different aesthetic to a bold patterned one, and you’re able to use the same floor lamp base for two very different looks.”

Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. says, “Even more simply, introduce bulbs with ribbed glass, metal cages, or various filament designs for an affordable upgrade that will add an impactful decorative touch to your lighting fixtures.

“Alternatively, change bulbs to warmer tones (2700-3000K) to ensure a room’s light levels are curated to enhance wellbeing and a sense of calm and comfort, especially through the winter months.”

A stylish bedroom with a low bed

Image credit: Industville

21. Paint your bath

James Roberts explains, “The use of colour in bathrooms has grown significantly over recent years as more homeowners look to create spaces that complement their own personal style.

“While coloured suites are available, consumers can save some pennies by repainting their acrylic or cast-iron bath tub using sandpaper, primer, and paint.

“Start by washing and sanding the tub, applying primer, paint, and repeat.

“Changing up the colour of a bathtub is sure to make a difference to the space and can be easily done on a budget.

“Alternatively, if you have a fitted bath with bath panels, wooden ones can be sanded down and repainted, while all panels including acrylic ones can be replaced to offer a fresh look on its own or as part of a wider bathroom refresh.”

22. Add wall panelling

Room with wall panelling

Image credit: Richard Burbidge

According to the folks at Richard Burbidge: “Wall panelling is a timeless trend that’s making a big comeback.

“It’s one of the easiest ways to add depth and character to a room while staying on budget.

“Pre-made kits like PaintReady Classic Wall Panels are simple to install, so they are perfect for a DIY weekend project with lasting impact.”

23. Decorative mouldings

They continue, “Similarly, decorative mouldings are an affordable way to upgrade walls, ceilings, or hallways.

“These finishing touches can instantly give any space a polished, cohesive look.”

24 Get upcycling

Liv Conlon says, “Unleash your creativity by upcycling old furniture.

“A quick sand then a coat of chalk paint can give tired pieces a whole new lease of life. For a personalised touch, swap out standard knobs on dressers or cabinets for unique hardware.”

25. Create a breakout space

A pink sitting room

Image credit: Sofology

Gisela Lancaster, of Sofology, says,“Breakout spaces aren’t only for those who work from home but offer vital respite for taking a moment away from the noise.

Frame the view with comfortable chairs, positioned to encourage conversation and social interaction.

These spaces are more of a ‘mood-boosting sanctuary’ than ‘total switch-off zone’, with considered seating arrangements, restful colour schemes, inviting textures and natural elements each playing their part in boosting your mood.”

26. Buy fresh flowers

A vase of flowers

Image credit: Adobe Stock

Tori Young reminds us, “Fresh blooms always lift the mood. Save a few stems for a bud vase or jam jar by your bed – flowers in the bedroom add pure joy.”

27.  Swap to LED

Matthew Currington, at The Lighting Superstore, says, “Overspending on electricity can be upsetting and feel wasteful, but you don’t need to sit in the dark during these long winter days – swapping all your bulbs to LED versions can make all the difference and save you money.

“LED bulbs use 70-80% less energy and last up to 10 times longer, while smart LED lights that can morph into a blue energetic light may increase energy and enhance productivity, leaving no room for January blues to creep in.”

28. Introduce infrared

A sitting room with an infrared heater on the wall

Image credit: Warm4Less

Infrared heaters are becoming increasingly popular but the fun new models from Warm4Less are a two-for-one also featuring a print: so with one purchase you can decorate your room and heat it.

29. Introduce scent

A bowl of flowers

Image credit: Adobe Stock

Georgia Metcalfe, says, “Last but not least, scent plays a key but often underestimated role in elevating a space. Consider how you’d like the scent to make you feel, calm, say, energised or nostalgic.

Then choose whether you’d like this scent to come from flowers, diffusers or candles. Place them where the scent will be able to travel, rather than in the corner of the room.”

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