Ok, everyone knows that you still love ACDC, but it’s about time you rip that poster off the wall and get rid of your beer bottle cap collection. There are plenty of ways to update your humble abode while still having enough to make this month’s rent. Changing your linens, adding some bright colors or just rearranging what you already have can give your place a new look for less. Clear some clutter, add some new curtains and your room is suddenly like new again. Here are a few ways to freshen up your apartment for less.

Change Your Color Scheme

A fresh coat of paint gives life to any room. Pick a warm color like Glidden’s “Wild Truffle” to give your room a cozy feel or “True Turquoise” to bring you right to the beach. If you’re not too keen on repainting your entire apartment or an entire room, go for an accent wall. A sunflower yellow can add instant brightness without being overpowering. Or a Navy paired with a cooler, lighter tone adds some color without too much pop. A quart of paint will run as low as $8 and a sponge roller with frame will cost about $6 at Home Depot.

Spruce Up the Bed Linens

It’s amazing how much a comforter can change the look of your bedroom. A duvet is an easy way to keep your old comforter, but give the overall bed a new look. Just cover your old comforter and voila, it’s like new! Ikea’s cost as low as $15 — and most come with pillow cases. If your comforter has more of a winter feel, choose a duvet cover that’s suitable for summer. That way, you can switch things up with the seasons.

Accessorize

Accessories can make a blah room look bright and trendy if you choose the right colors and fabrics. Pile some funky throw pillows onto your bed or couch for around $4 each. Try Ikea’s Granat cushions which come in a variety of colors like black, blue, red and green. New curtains like Target’s line of Peach Skin Tailored Window Panels will cost you about $15. You can also lay down a bright floor rug like Ikea’s Karby rug for $18 in your bedroom or living room to give it some personality – and keep your bare feet warm in the winter.

Hang Up Your Own Art

This is to indulge the creative side in you. Pick up your camera on a nice, clear day and take pictures of your favorite things: the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, your dog in the park. Make 8×10 prints for $2 at your local drug store, frame them and line them along your walls. Black and white photos can give your art more sophisticated appeal. For $5 more you can make a big statement with an 11×14 print of your own masterpiece.  Not handy with a camera?  Consider getting reprints of other’s artwork.  Check out Etsy sellers bhamgirl717 and Sharon Powell Photography.

Rearrange

This is an absolutely FREE way to makeover your space. All it’ll cost you is some time and manpower. Moving your couch to the other side of the room and changing your bookshelf and TV accordingly, or facing your bed in another direction can easily give you that change you’ve been searching for. So roll up those sleeves and get moving!

Add Some Green

Bring some of the outdoors into your home. Potted plants and flowers instantly give a room a homey lift. Buy a few and watch them grow like Ikea’s 20” Dracaena Marginata for $4 each or a 47” for $10. Or pick up some potted herbs at the Union Square Green Market for $2 each, and start your own windowsill garden. If you’re likely to let your plants wilt, Target sells some pretty realistic-looking ones for $6.

De-Clutter

Out with the old and in with the new! Getting rid of all of your unused and unwanted things will leave you with more space and realizing that there’s a floor under your stack of video games. Target’s “Itso small” and “Itso large” bins come in bright colors for only $4 – $6. Throw any old documents, knick-knacks or DVDs into a bin and put them on your book shelf or in your closet. It keeps things contained and easy to find. Plus, the cute colors like bright orange and green will stand out nicely.

Focus on Subtle Details

Even the small things matter. Changing the knobs on your kitchen cabinets or dresser drawers is a subtly wonderful way to make them look new again. Home Depot’s Weave Pattern knobs are only $1.20 each. Feeling even more creative? Try stenciling onto your walls. Pick up letter stencils at the Dollar Store and paint your favorite quote above your bed or couch. Wall appliqués will run about $15 at Target for an easier way to adorn your walls.

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