• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • EnsuiteLuxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
    • AilantoThe best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

How to: Restyle your home with what you already own

March 22, 2018 1 Comment

FacebookPinEmailTweet

While weโ€™d all love to constantly splurge on new interior buys, most of us can only afford the occasional rejig. And while cheap and chic homewares are widely available (meaning seasonal updates are within the reach of most), what if I challenged you to work with what you already own?

When it comes to interior styling, working with what you already have can seem like an unexciting option but thereโ€™s something hugely satisfying in heading down the thrifty path. Like rediscovering old clothes, restyling your home with your existing belongings will bring a lot of joy to both you and your bank balance.

Play with height
“I rent my apartment so I know a thing or two about working with what youโ€™ve got, because in a rental there are things that I donโ€™t like but unfortunately canโ€™t change,” saysย Hunting for George co-founder Lucy Glade-Wright who likes to remind people to use their entire space (floor to ceiling) when styling at home.

โ€œOne of my biggest tips when it comes to styling a space is to think about the height of your dรฉcor and try to add multiple levels. For example, instead of all your pot plants being on the floor, try raising some on a plant stand or crate. Or when hanging your artwork, why not think about resting one on a bench so they are not all at the same level,โ€ says Lucy who loves hanging things from the ceiling and mantelpiece too. โ€œBy varying heights when styling you are creating more depth within your space, which will result in a far more interesting layout,โ€ says Lucy.

Kitchen styled
The laundry and kitchen live side by side in this apartment but clever styling tricks mean that you hardly notice. I love the pop of hanging greenery on high.

Create a focal point
โ€œIf you donโ€™t love your floors or perhaps you donโ€™t like the features within your space, then create a focal point to draw your attention away from these areas,โ€ says Lucy. This could be a dining table, statement rug, side board or amazing artwork. The idea is basically to redirect attention away from the bad stuff onto the good. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to physically cover something to hide it. If you choose a striking artwork or a gorgeous piece of timber furniture that is where your eyes will be drawn,โ€ says Lucy.

Gallery wall
A fabulous gallery wall will always draw the eye. The latest art prints from Hunting for George give endless styling options.

Consolidate your storage
โ€œIf youโ€™re anything like me then you would have accumulated lots of different furniture items over the years. In my dining room, for example, I had a bookshelf in one corner, a drinks cabinet in another and a small bench,โ€ says Lucy who decided to consolidate three pieces of furniture into one. โ€œNow I have one large sideboard that provides even more storage than the other three pieces combined. By consolidating three items into one I created more space and that made the room feel larger and less cluttered,โ€ says Lucy.

Greenery
Itโ€™s something weโ€™ve been banging on about for a while now โ€“ no doubt most of you are schooled in the necessity of greenery and Lucy agrees. โ€œIโ€™ve said it before and Iโ€™ll say it again, indoor plants will make your space look divine! Adding greenery to your interiors not only looks great but it purifies the air. Be sure to position your plants in a good position. All plants have different needs but they all need sunlight so try to find a nice light space for them to live,โ€ says Lucy.

Multi-purpose kitchen with greenery
This home features plenty of greenery outside and in

Lucy recommends devilโ€™s ivy or a rubber plant for novice gardeners due to their hardiness. โ€œThey are both nice and sturdy and able to handle a range of conditions. Then style with your choice of pot to complete the look,โ€ says Lucy.

Pot plant
Hunting for George’s best-selling ‘Jimmy’ ceramic planter, $95

Paint
Itโ€™s not always an option if youโ€™re in a rental but for those that arenโ€™t, paint is a relatively inexpensive way to makeover a space. โ€œThere is nothing a fresh coat of paint canโ€™t fix. Choose a white or a neutral light colour. This will help to make your room appear larger and give it an instant upgrade,โ€ says Lucy.

Shop Hunting for George’s new art prints and more online | Steve Cordony’s sideboard styling tips

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • AFTER lounge 80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Lounge room 90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home
  • Terrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail

Follow us on Instagram

While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

#neutralhome #neutralhomedecor #bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #builtinbunkbeds #skylights #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #holidayhousesofinstagram #nswsouthcoast #wollongong #wollongonghomes

@projection_build @lumiere_collective @shersonarchitecture 
๐Ÿ“ท@the.palm.co
Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

#kidsroomstyling #kidswallpaper #playmats #feedingchair #nursingchair #nurseryroomdecor #washablerugs #washablerug #bouclechair #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ท @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Amy Collins Walker

About Amy Collins Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

More from Styling

Ailanto

The best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!

Add warmth and energy in your home with terracotta accents

Make rug shopping enjoyable with the Miss Amara difference

Discover what styles Australian renovators like the best

Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

Bedroom

How to embrace colour & maximalist style in your home

Christmas wreaths 2022: traditional, minimalist and even Lego!

How to Hamptons: An expert guide to the popular aesthetic

The best Christmas table cloths: Our picks for all budgets

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarSaurabh says

    February 13, 2020 at 12:53 am

    Very useful tips to rejig the interiors without having to spend a bomb! I liked the first tip the most and the most unusual one that only an expert interior designer can suggest – Playing on Height! Will try these tips at our home!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!