The Best Budget Decorating Ideas (Smart Trend Choices): Part 4 of 4

Is bigger always better? Not in my world!

When it comes to decorating your home, it’s easy to go overboard, especially as it relates to trends. This season’s hot countertop, next season’s best pattern, exploring trends can be an expensive fetish.

However, many large-scale trends (with big budgets) don’t deliver strong returns on investment.

Why does the above matter?

• If your home is always stylish, it can be DARN EXPENSIVE to update it with the next big thing, whether that’s a new countertop, bathroom tile, or cabinet color/style.
• If you’re staying in your home, but can’t afford to redo expensive finishes every 5-7 years, you’ll be stuck with this trend long past its life cycle (which matters if you care about being trendy).
• If you plan to sell your home, some trends can date it and affect its perceived value.

While you’re welcome to fill your Louboutin boots with expensive trends, I prefer filling my fleece-lined Crocs with more affordable ones.

First, let’s have a quick chat about ‘timeless vs. trendy’.

TIMELESS VS. TRENDY

What makes something timeless (en masse), with staying power for 10+ years? Well, that’s a blog post unto itself (which you’ll find RIGHT HERE).

However, what makes something timeless for YOU, is choosing finishes that you love and have loved/coveted forever; pieces you crave, regardless of whether they’re featured in House & Home or your favorite HGTV show.

That’s what makes something timeless for you (even if others don’t agree).

But back to trends, timeless finishes, and how they relate to the average homeowner…

We all know when this next bathroom was designed (the early 2000s) – how many trends can YOU spot?

There are 8 trends by the way – EIGHT!

BTW, notice the vase on the counter? That’s my booby vase – I found it at a thrift store, and it has two legit boobs on it (sorry the photo isn’t clearer, it’s really quite lovely).

This next photo is the same bathroom – updated (about 10 years ago – sans booby vase)…

For today’s trends, this palette is too cool/gray – just like full wine bottles, nothing lasts forever.

Again, for what’s timeless, I’ve dedicated about half a dozen blog posts to this topic. The main idea is that most timeless finishes are better at transitioning between trend cycles. 

From there, you can dabble in trends on a SMALLER, more affordable scale. 

But before we talk about those ideas…

SHOULD YOU DO A PARTICULAR TREND OR NOT?

There are FIVE questions you should ask yourself before committing to a trend:

1. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO REPLACE/REDO IT IF YOU WANT A CHANGE?

If you get bored in a year (or five, whatever the time frame is that you’re usually wanting a change), will it cost you a FORTUNE to replace this?

Getting these cabinets painted? Not a dealbreaker, but it ain’t cheap.

2. WHAT IF YOU DECIDE TO/NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME?

If you decide to sell in 3-5 years, will this trend HELP or HINDER the sale of your home, given your target market?

Gorgeous, but it has to suit your home as a whole – it shouldn’t be ‘random’ or ‘out of character’. 

3. IS IT A SMART INVESTMENT OR WILL IT COST YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN?

If you have to update this surface to get my home ready for the market, will it make you money or just COST you money?

A handy mudroom/entryway area? Always a good idea.

If you choose a finish that has a reasonable amount of mass appeal and some timeless quality, chances are, it will make you money.

While this is friggin’ GORGEOUS, it’s definitely more risky.

However, if you get more creative or lean into a more ‘out there’ trend, it could cost you money.

How?

Either someone factors needing to update that surface into their offer, or you might need to update it (again) before you sell.

Updating your countertop with a reasonably timeless countertop? Not always exciting, but it can be smart. 

4. IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE IT, WILL IT BE HARD TO DO?

Is it a great DIY project, or is it something you hire someone for? For example, if you can tile your own backsplash, then it wouldn’t be a big deal to change it. However, if you were to hire out for the job, that could play a part in your decision.

You’re DEFINITELY hiring someone for this tiling job! 

And the most IMPORTANT question of all…

5. IS IT SOMETHING YOU’VE ALWAYS LOVED & THAT’LL NEVER CHANGE?

If it weren’t a trend, would you still like it (if you aren’t planning to sell in the near future)?

If you like it JUST BECAUSE it’s trendy and you’re seeing it everywhere, be prepared to change it in the near future – because trust me, it’ll go faster than me after my morning coffee.

Thank you, Dirk Heydemann Photography, for taking this great photo of our lake home! 

That said, there’s something to be said for ‘always wanting a green kitchen’ or always loving checkerboard flooring’ – I get it, it’s your home, you should love where you live! 

But, if resale is at all a consideration, it’s worth thinking about what you commit to.

Now, before we take a look at some ideas, I have a long-winded Ginger rant (seriously, I don’t stop talking in real life either)…

INSERT GINGER RANT ‘HERE’…

The design industry should support large-scale trends having longer lifespans. This isn’t just for the WASTE of it all, but for the common sense of it – most people can’t afford to change their homes every 3-5 years to stay valid in the design world (which is why you shouldn’t decorate your home based on large-scale trends UNLESS you’re thinking of resale).

TRENDS and what is in & out should be based on SMALL to MEDIUM-scale trends, with the goal of encouraging individuality, creativity, affordability, and ACCESSIBILITY for everyone who wants a beautiful space to live in.

Paint your front door a trendy color? GREAT IDEA! 

And in the words of the great Britney Spears, let’s hit that baby one more time…

What’s ‘in & out’ should be based on SMALL to MEDIUM sized trends, with the goal to encourage individuality, creativity, affordability, and accessibility to everyone wanting a beautiful space. 

There, done.

This is why today, we’re going to chat about the best way to decorate with trends so you don’t get over your head and out of money.

While this powder room is cute as a button, it’s full of trends that are past their prime.

COMMITTING TO TRENDS ON A SMALLER-SCALE

When deciding whether to do a particular trend or not, answer the previously listed 5 questions. Then, decide which SCALE you want to commit to.

LARGE-SCALE TRENDS

• Flooring (carpet, wood, tile, etc.)
• Countertops
• Windows
• Tiled surfaces (not including a kitchen backsplash)
• Full-scale fireplace (insert and floor to ceiling or expensive facade)
• Appliances (like GE Cafe White is right now)

As beautiful as this next space is, I know when it was built thanks to the flooring (and wall color)…

MEDIUM-SCALE TRENDS

• Kitchen backsplash
• Smaller-scale fireplace surround
• Painted kitchen island or bathroom vanity colours
• Large furniture pieces (assuming you have moderate tastes/budget)
• Light fixture styles and finishes (room by room). For a WHOLE HOME, that’s more expensive
• Bathroom fixture styles and finishes

The chevron pattern on this next backsplash isn’t super trendy anymore. It’ll have a few more years, and then white subway tile might be the next best thing…

SMALL-SCALE DECORATIVE TRENDS

Let’s take a look at some of the accessories and finishes that qualify…

• Toss cushions or an area rug in today’s popular pattern or color
• Artwork that picks up a certain style or vibe
• Lamp bases in a popular accent color
• Door hardware (e.g., bedroom doors)
• Kitchen faucet and cabinet hardware in a trendy metal finish
• Painted feature doors (but not EVERY door in your home)
• Peel & stick wallpaper
• Paint colors
• Fabrics on smaller pieces like toss cushions, throw blankets, and bed linens
• Smaller or affordable furniture pieces

Remember when shag area rugs were popular, like 10 years ago? That same rug is more like a pelt now. But, HOW EASY was it to change that shag rug out for the next new texture or pattern? Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Area rug, throw, cushions, linens, light sconces – even the headboard is an affordable update down the road. 

The shiplap on the fireplace won’t be too expensive to update when needed.

Now, let’s take a quick peek at some small and medium-scale trends. These won’t necessarily have staying power (most trends don’t), but will give you the satisfaction of a FRESH space, without breaking your kid’s piggy bank open every time you’re hankerin’ for a change.

1. AFFORDABLE DECORATING IDEA: TOSS CUSHIONS

Seriously, I change my toss cushions more than I change my underwear #jokingnotjoking. Not only are they an affordable switch (if Home Goods is your second home), but they can totally shift the personality of a room!

Sherwin Williams Egret White Color Review

It’s like a revolving door of toss cushions and decor in our home; the only thing that’s semi-permanent is Tim (wink wink).

2. AFFORDABLE DECORATING IDEA: ARTWORK & MIRRORS

If you like originals, this could be a slightly more EXPENSIVE venture, but with places like Home Goods and Wayfair, it’s easy to liven up a space with new artwork, framed photos, or a mirror.

Benjamin Moore White Dove Color Review

Or even better, talk to your favorite local artist and see what they have for affordable prints!

3. AFFORDABLE DECORATING IDEA: AREA RUGS

As you all know by now, I have a ‘few’ fetishes, including white wine, Cornuts, and Ryan Reynolds (in no particular order). I also have a major soft spot for area rugs.

Whether you want TEXTURE, COLOR, OR PATTERN, area rugs are a great way to infuse your personal style into a space. With any luck, you’ll be rolling around with Ryan Reynolds ON your rug while drinking wine and eating Cornuts!

The Best Warm Off-White Paint Colors

And anyone who tells me they don’t use area rugs because they want to see more of their beautiful wood floors needs three slaps with a wet noodle. Area rugs enhance wood flooring, giving it something to PLAY with and bounce off of. They also ground a furniture arrangement – just sayin’.

4. AFFORDABLE DECORATING IDEA: LIGHTING

Whether it’s your bedside lamp or dining room chandelier, updating one or more light fixtures in your home is a great way to shift the energy and style of a space without spending a fortune.

5. AFFORDABLE DECORATING IDEA: TRENDY PAINT COLOURS

Oh, you HAD to see this one coming. And it does have a few parameters around it for sure. For example, painting your exterior siding, every room in your interior, or your kitchen cabinets is a huge commitment in terms of both color and money.

The Best Medium to Dark Green Paint Colors

Instead, to decorate with trends and save a little money, check out these more affordable options…

BUDGET-FRIENDLY PAINTING PROJECT IDEAS

Other than decluttering, cleaning, and rearranging, painting is one of the most affordable home updates. It’s also an obvious way to cater to today’s latest trends without a huge $$ commitment.

1.  A SINGLE ROOM

Painting a room is a satisfying project, whether you do it yourself or hire out. It’s also a great spot to embrace today’s trends. Why? If you get tired of a colour or want to sell your home, it’s not a big deal to have it changed.

In this next example, obviously, the furniture and decor changed, but the rest was JUST PAINT!

Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze railings

2.  YOUR FRONT DOOR (inside OR outside)

Hands-down, painting the front door is my favorite weekend project. And it doesn’t even need to take a whole weekend or a full bottle of wine – it can be done in an afternoon with a sippy cup!

Before, this front door was oooookay, but no screamin’ glory…

And AFTER, ain’t she PURDY?

Kylie M Color Consulting: Front Door Paint Color Package

Remember, you can do the inside of your front door too!

3.  FEATURE OR ACCENT WALL

Whoever said feature walls are bad needs a donkey kick. It’s all about the RIGHT COLOR in the RIGHT PLACE. I’ve had feature walls in all of my homes and will never say no to the right one!

The Best Dark Blue-Gray Paint Colors

This doesn’t mean they’re necessarily trendy RIGHT NOW, however, given the minimal commitment, it doesn’t matter.

The Most Timeless Paint Colours

4.  KITCHEN ISLAND OR BATHROOM VANITY

While the idea of painting your kitchen island a different color from the main cabinets isn’t as trendy as it once was, many still do it.

Kitchen islands and bathroom vanities painted wild and wonderful colors are a great way to add ‘today’s trendy paint colors’ to your home. And while they aren’t projects for the faint o’ heart, they are manageable even if you have to hire someone to do it professionally.

BTW, that’s not travertine, that’s LAMINATE countertop – sweet potato! 

Ideas to Update Oak or Wood Kitchen Cabinets

5. FIREPLACE SURROUND

Gone are the days when everyone and their dog needs a white fireplace surround. Instead, it’s a great time to embrace a little depth and drama on your main focal point!

How to Update Your Outdated Fireplace

So, there you have it! Hope this blog post gave you some great ideas to do – or NOT to do!

READ MORE

The 10 MOST Timeless Interior Finishes

The 3 Most Timeless, Trend-Proof Paint Colors

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Updated with fresh content and images for 2026