Every now and then, I look around my home and feel that familiar itch for change. Maybe it’s because of a photo I’ve seen online or a friend’s newly updated space … but suddenly my own home feels a little dull.
I’m guessing I’m not alone. Usually, my inspiration comes from some home makeover on Instagram, and there are always thousands of comments, so I know there are at least a few of you feeling me!
But over the years, I’ve realised that what I’m craving in those moments isn’t more stuff—it’s a different energy.
My home feels stale, and I want it to feel fresh and light (because when my home feels that way, I do too). And here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend money or create clutter to get that feeling.
Here are some of my favourite simple, clutter-free ways to update your home—ideas that breathe new life into your space without taking anything away from your peace.
1. Change the Light
This is such a simple update because light changes everything — and it’s easy for renters (like me)!
Here are two swaps I’ve made recently that had a surprisingly big impact:
Swapping lightbulbs: I updated the lamp in my living room with a warm, vintage-style bulb, and it completely transformed my evenings. The space feels cosy and calm, and I can’t say for sure, but I think it even helps my kids wind down at night.
Adding sheer curtains: I have floor-to-ceiling windows, which sound lovely, but in a high-rise apartment, it’s easy to feel like you’re living on display. Our place came with blinds, but when they’re shut, it feels so gloomy. Adding sheer curtains was a simple fix. Now the light is soft and diffused, and my bedroom feels more like a peaceful retreat than a glass box.
Sometimes what we call “updating” is really about wanting to see our lives in a new light, both literally and figuratively.
2. Add (or Protect) White Space
I used to have a gallery wall in my living room, but I took it down because it needed updating. My plan was to add new photos, but once I had everything down, I changed my mind.
When everything feels busy or chaotic, more often than not, what’s missing is space — a bit of quiet and breathing room. I thought my living room would feel boring without photos or art on the walls, but after sitting with it for a while, it actually felt like a relief.
This isn’t to say I’ll never replace the photos or that you need to live in an ultra-minimalist home. But I do recommend experimenting with creating space and seeing how it feels now and then.
Try removing a few items from a shelf or tabletop and leaving it empty for a few days. Notice how that one area feels lighter, calmer, more intentional. Visual rest is design, and it’s one of the most luxurious things you can give yourself for free.
3. Restyle What’s Already There
Instead of buying new, try seeing what you already own in a new way:
- Move a piece of art or furniture to a different wall.
- Swap cushions or throws between rooms.
- Put away a few decorative items and bring out something you haven’t looked at in a while.
This takes a bit more effort than buying something new, but for me, the creative element is what makes redecorating so fun. Even though I live in a small home (just over 660 square feet), I’ve moved my furniture around so many times. It’s like a game, and it brings me so much joy without the stress of new clutter.
4. Turn to Nature
Nothing refreshes a space faster than something alive: add a plant, a sprig of greenery from outside, or even a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter.
(I’m a firm believer that plants aren’t clutter, but even if you’re not a green thumb, one hard-to-kill plant can make such a difference!)
There’s something about seeing greenery — real, living colour — that instantly calms the mind. Studies even show that looking at plants can lower stress and help you feel more focused, but honestly, I don’t need science to tell me that. I feel it every time I walk past the little pothos on my kitchen bench. It’s like a tiny reminder to slow down and breathe.
Tip: Nature is also a great way to decorate for the holidays without spending money or adding stuff that needs storage. You can read more tips to simplify the holidays over here.
5. Play With Texture and Colour
If you want to update a room without adding a ton of stuff, changing colours or textures is a great way to do it.
This might mean buying a few things, but if you’re intentional, it doesn’t have to mean clutter. For example, I recently updated my duvet — I swapped my queen for a king and invested in higher-quality linen. But instead of keeping my old duvet “just in case,” I donated it to a young couple moving into their first home.
Tip: Listing household items for free on Facebook Marketplace is one of my go-to ways for finding things a new home!
Paint is another good clutter-free option. I recently saw an idea of painting the wall behind your picture frames to create the illusion of larger artwork, and I think that would be so much fun. (If I weren’t renting — boohoo!)
6. Reduce Visual Clutter
A quick way to “update” your home without buying a thing? Declutter the little things you see every day.
Clear off your fridge, tidy cords, put away mail and bottles, or give your surfaces a proper clean. It will make your home feel instantly fresher without adding anything new.
An Important Note About Inspiration
I hope this post gives you some ideas for updating your space without adding clutter or spending tons (and if you have more ideas, I’d love to hear them in the comments!).
But before I leave you, I want to share something I learned from decluttering my closet.
Often, our desire for change starts with inspiration — we see something beautiful online or in a friend’s home and want to recreate that feeling. But here’s where it gets tricky.
Just because you love something in someone else’s space doesn’t mean you’ll love living with it in yours.
For example, I love the cottage-core, maximalist-style homes I see online. There are a few accounts I follow on Instagram, and I’m always sending images to my friends (and we gush over the beautiful spaces).
But as for my home? I live in a modern two-bedroom apartment — complete with dust from the nearby construction, limited storage, and young kids. The style I love online would be a nightmare to navigate in real life. (In fact, just imagining having to dust knick-knacks or decorative items is almost always enough for me to put them back on the shelf!)
Of course, your life and priorities are different, and that’s the point: pay attention to what makes your home feel like a home. The better you understand what does (or doesn’t) work for you, the more empowered you’ll be to create clutter-free spaces that truly works for you.
And remember that change doesn’t always mean more. Whether it’s light, space, a plant, or a moment of gratitude, every small shift is a reminder that your home—like your life—doesn’t need to be full to feel complete.
Sometimes, the most meaningful updates are the ones that make room for what truly matters.
Clutter-Free Living Tips
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
10 Tips to Purge Your House of Clutter – Some tips that helped me declutter over 80% of my belongings without feeling deprived.
Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space? 10 Tips That Will Help – As I mentioned, I live live in a pretty small home (with two kids!). Here are my top tips for decluttering and organising.
5 Decluttering Methods You Haven’t Tried (That Really Work!) – Here are five outside-the-box decluttering methods that you haven’t tried but should.
Why “Does This Spark Joy?” Isn’t Always the Right Decluttering Question – If asking, “Does this spark joy?” isn’t helping you declutter, this post will show you a smarter way to make decisions—one that’s rooted in your real values and priorities.
