Best Forms of Inspiration for When You’re on a Budget

So, you have a list of home improvements you want to tackle in 2017, but you also promised yourself you’d stick to your New Year’s resolution to keep your finances in check. Don’t worry: Updating your space on a budget can be done without sacrificing style—just look at how these top bloggers make it work. We already introduced you to some of our favorite budget-friendly design blogs, but with so many helpful ideas out there, we couldn’t resist sharing 10 more must-reads. Covering everything from cheap renovations ideas to affordable décor to building plans for expensive-looking furniture, here they are, in no particular order. These design blogs prove that beautiful homes don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

1. The House Lars Built 

Brittany Watson Jepsen of The House Lars Built has an impressive skill for creating fun-loving décor that will make your design-loving heart skip a beat. We’re talking lots of images of dreamy interiors, colorful DIYs and festive decorations for any type of party. From detailed instructions and very helpful step-by-step photos, Jepsen’s eye for vibrant yet polished spaces keeps us coming back again and again.

2. The Weathered Door

We can’t get enough of The Weathered Door’s furniture transformations. They prove how a little paint can go a long way. Her fresh ideas for giving not-so-pretty antiques a modern look will inspire you to hit the flea market instead of the big box store. Her advice on painting techniques, color choices, and instructional videos is more the reason to love this furniture-fixing blog.

3. Homey Oh My

Scandinavian décor on a shoestring budget? Sign us up. Amy’s

DIY blog

has us constantly coming back for ideas for chic, minimalistic accent pieces that can be crafted in a weekend or less. Homey Oh My also has no shortage of swoon-worthy images of simplistic interiors that will definitely inspire you on your next Ikea trip.

5. 

Centsational Girl

Kate Riley’s blog never fails to impress us with her stunning room remodels and furniture makeovers that look professionally done. Along with excellent information on affordable ways to achieve specific interior design looks and product lists for inexpensive décor, Centsational Girl practically takes the challenge out of sticking with a strict budget. We bet you’ll be inspired to actually try some of her projects instead of just staring at them.

6. Build Basic

The name of this blog says it all. Expect to find weekly building plans for trendy furnishings—like a Mid-Century Modern magazine holder or an open-shelf kitchen island—that don’t require any expensive tools or advanced skills. Your home will feel extra special when you personalize it with hand-built pieces, and it’s an easy way to impress your friends.

7. Chris Loves Julia

The adorableness of this husband and wife design duo is just one of the reasons why we’re completely smitten with this home renovation blog. With two successful renos under their belt (the second of which was just finished this past fall), the couple has a wealth of information on what it takes to complete a remodel, shocking before-and-after images, and detailed product lists of their budget-friendly décor. Although they’re no longer working on their fixer upper, it’s worth going back through their blog to see their remodeling journeys for lots of cost-effective ideas to steal.

8. IHeart Organizing

Decluttering is one of the least expensive ways to transform your home. While images of perfectly neat pantry closets can be a bit intimidating, Jennifer Jones keeps her approach to organizing down-to-earth and manageable. Visit IHeart Organizing when you need serious motivation to get your home—and life—together. Trust us, you’ll be amazed at how small tricks for eliminating clutter can make your space feel brand new—no big tag purchases required.

9. p.s. – I made this

Sometimes DIYs look like DIYs, other times they look like purchases from your favorite Etsy shop. Every project on Erica Domesek’s blog falls into the later category. Her stylish projects range from small ideas like a tassel trim table runner to bigger undertakings like an ombre wall. Added bonus: She even creates her own beauty products, clothing, and delicious recipes. Browse for beautiful yet frugal crafts that you’ll really use.

10. Manhattan Nest

Daniel Kanter started his blog back in 2010 when he was living in his college dorm room in New York City. After several moves around Manhattan, he decided to buy a 1865 fixer upper in New York’s Hudson River Valley and another condemned house down the road. His entertaining blog captures the ups, downs, ins and outs of trying to restore old homes to their original glory—and it’s one heck of a resource for a budding renovator. Follow along if you love a good restoration project, pin-worthy flea market flips, and stunning room reveals.

11. 

Classy Clutter

From fabulous room makeovers (like this garage transformation) to furniture building plans (check out this cute bohemian-inspired headboard) to storage organization ideas that will keep your home sparkling, Classy Clutter has tips for practically every room in the home. Be sure to scroll through this one regularly.