8 Simple Ways to Decorate With What You HaveEugene Chrinian

Redecorating your home doesn’t always mean pulling out your wallet or heading to the store. Here are eight easy decorating ideas that need nothing more than everyday objects and supplies you likely already have around your home. Not only will you save money, you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that previously un- or under-used objects are now getting a new life.

BooksWe all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the truth is that those covers are what make books such inspired and versatile decorating items. Using books to decorate can be as simple as arranging the books on your bookshelf to maximum effect—whether that’s grouping together books of similar sizes or with the same colored spines, alternating different books for a random visual effect, or turning books with particularly attractive covers outwards. There are also more creative ways you can put books to work in your home. Empty, non-working fireplaces, for example, look great when filled up with stacks of colorful books.

DishesWhy get rid of that serving platter you never use, or that set of mismatched plates, when you can use them for decorating? You can use all kinds of dishes in all kinds of ways to add a touch of whimsy to any room. Mount the serving platter behind your couch like you would a mirror, or create a “feature wall” by hanging different sizes and colors of plates in a collage-like arrangement. Use bowls or teacups as handy pots for small indoor plants; teacups are also great in the bathroom as holders for soaps, cotton balls, or other small items. And stringing up unused cutlery with some fishing line makes a great, quirky set of wind chimes for your porch or balcony.

Bottles and JarsRather than sending them straight to the recycling bin, save any bottles or jars that have interesting shapes or colors. You can use them individually, as vases for fresh flowers, holders for candles, or as attractive storage vessels for practical items like pens and pencils in an office or wooden spoons in the kitchen. You can also group them together in a collection on your mantelpiece or as a table centerpiece.

Backyard GreeneryIf you’re lucky enough to be a gifted gardener, you’ll always have access to a good source of fresh flowers for your home. But you don’t have to have a green thumb or a dozen different kinds of rosebushes to bring a bit of greenery into your home. Chances are your backyard has at least one or two plants or trees that you can clip a few slips of to put in a vase: new twigs with young leaves on them look beautiful in the early spring, and evergreen boughs add rich color and a lovely scent, especially during the winter months.

Family PhotosRather than hiding your family photos away in albums, put them where they belong: on display! Photos bring a wonderful, personal feel to a room that even the best artwork can’t always match. It’s easy to create a unique and compelling photo wall by choosing two or three different styles of inexpensive photo frames, mounting your photos in them, and arranging them in an asymmetrical combination on an empty wall. If you prefer a more ordered look, try a multi-photo frame with neat sections of different sizes for each photo. You can also create a striking effect by mounting black and white photos against a colored wall.

JewelryYou use jewelry to decorate yourself, so why not use it to decorate your bedroom? Earring trees—small metal or wire frames with hooks for individual pairs of earrings—are not only a practical organization tool, they also make a great decorative piece for the top of a night table or dresser. Or go for a different look by pinning earrings, bracelets, and other small jewelry pieces to a fabric-covered, framed cork board, which you can then hang on your bedroom wall or in your bathroom.

Paper and Fabric SquaresUsing leftover textile and decorative paper scraps as lining is an easy way to bring a new look to the backs of bookcases or cabinets. You can also jazz up basic storage staples that are out in the open, like cardboard boxes or file folder cases, by covering them with leftover wallpaper.

Outdoor FinishingsIf your living room, kitchen, or dining room is in need of a change of furniture, try checking your garage or patio. Though they may have been created for outdoor use, wicker, wrought iron, and decorative aluminum garden or patio furniture can freshen up an indoor room by adding a lovely beach, cottage, or garden feeling. Plus, this way you can enjoy these pieces all year round, instead of just the few months when it’s warm enough to sit outdoors.