We all want our homes to be a welcoming living space, where we can relax and recharge. But, when money is tight, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis, creating that dream home might feel some way off. So, it pays to get a little creative and sort a few quick fixes. Here are seven simple ideas to make your home comfortable and stylish on a budget.

1.The concept of Hygge

Regular readers will know that we are no stranger to the Danish concept of Hygge, which is about finding pleasure in simple everyday things. It evokes the mood of cosiness and being comfortable, alongside feelings of wellness and contentment; for example, that welcoming feeling from a hot cup of tea, a bubble bath, or a Sunday stroll followed by a roast. Think: warm, fuzzy, and wholesome. The best thing about hygge is that it can be achieved relatively low cost or free, as it is about creating a feeling.

Here are a few tips to make your space cosy, whilst keeping the cost down:

• Light some candles.
• Turn off the main lights and opt for lamps or a salt lamp.
• Create a warm environment with blankets or throws. And keep the oven door open after cooking (sounds mad, but all that electricity comes at a cost, so you may as well make the most of it!)

2. Get to know your style

Pinterest will be your best friend for inspo here.  Start by searching ‘home interior’, and before long, you will be recognising styles such as ‘boho chic’ or ‘cottage core’ and filtering down to ways of achieving this in your space.

3. Don’t underestimate soft furnishings

Soft furnishings can really tie a room together and make it feel super cosy! This includes items such as mirrors, rugs, cushions, artwork, and throws. These things don’t need to cost the earth – we love retailers like H&M Home, Dunelm, IKEA or Home Sense.

Before buying lots of items, it can be useful to create a mood board on PowerPoint to see what works alongside photos of your current furnishings. Then save up to purchase items a few at a time, so you can build the room slowly, and decide what you might still need, perhaps to add a splash of colour, introduce texture, or create a cosy corner.

Photo by Charlotte May at Pexels

4. Declutter

Living in a clean, uncluttered space can lower stress and anxiety (and may reduce arguments if you’re in shared accommodation!)

• Have a clearout.  Sell stuff you don’t want and use that money to buy something you do.
• If you have open shelves, hide odds and ends in decorative baskets or matching boxes for a stylish storage solution (IKEA sells a great range of inexpensive storage options).

5. Utilise second-hand & upcycling

Buying pieces for your home can get expensive, especially when you are young and sharing accommodation. Stuff gets damaged, or glasses get smashed when your friends come over for one too many. Buy cheap where possible to avoid any heartbreak, like when that £12 Anthropologie glass smashes on your kitchen floor. Search local charity shops for hidden gems; and check out Gumtree, eBay and Facebook marketplace for any furniture that needs a fresh lick of paint to look good as new! Not only is it cheaper, but it’s more environmentally friendly, and can give you a real sense of satisfaction for putting some love into your home pieces.

6. Heat your home for cheap (well, cheaper) this winter

The inside scoop from friends who work at energy suppliers is the most cost-effective way to heat your home is to only move the thermostat up and down slightly. So, rather than turning your heating off, and then cranking it up to 25°C when you’re cold, hover the thermostat around 18°C (or whatever the threshold before the boiler kicks in) and then move it up enough so the heating starts. This way the boiler doesn’t need a surge in energy to heat the entire house, and it can also help prevent the build-up of damp and mould.

Turn it up by one degree each day until you find a temperature that suits you. Apparently, the ideal temperature is between 18°C and 21°C. (The Energy Saving Trust say you can save £80 a year by turning your thermostat down by one degree).

7. Bring nature inside

Enhance your decor with a bunch of fresh flowers or a selection of houseplants. As well as looking beautiful, they can positively influence your mood and wellbeing, even lowering stress levels. Plants are known to have benefits for physical health too, including improving air quality.

Find out more:

How Hygge Can Make You Happier

Wellbeing Hacks to Enhance Your Environment