6 no-reno design hacks for the renovation-averse
Home renovations are time-consuming, costly, and not to mention, tiring. Even the projects that seem simple can take weeks, if not months, to finish. But what if I told you there are some easy solutions to achieving the designs you want without all the struggles that come with a traditional renovation? That’s right, no-reno design hacks can give your home that newly remodeled look, with ease.
Renovating a house should be exciting, not dreadful. And while you might have to break out the power tools here and there, you don’t always need to rely on them to give your interiors a new and exciting look. That’s where no-reno design hacks come into play.
From changing light switch covers and door knobs to rearranging art and lighting, these no-reno design hacks are simple, easy, and affordable. Even the smallest DIY project has the potential to transform your interiors. So below, find our favorite no-reno design hacks that’ll effortlessly give your home new life.
1. Swap Light Switch Covers
(Image credit: Future)
Light switch covers might be one of the most overlooked features of a room. Because of their usually muted color and prioritization of function over form, we tend to forget that they can, in fact, be a standout design feature. Swapping plain and uninspiring light switch covers for decorative styles is a no-reno design hack that’s not only easy, but incredibly transformative.
‘This is the quiet luxury trick no one talks about,’ designer Rachel Blindauer tells me about changing light switch covers. ‘These are the details that whisper refinement.’ Light switch covers with ornate detailing, unique colors, or even intriguing textures can make a world of a difference in a room – and all you need is a screwdriver to make it happen.
Monarch Abode
Rocker Decorator Metal Decorative Wall Plate
These hammered switch covers will add the slightest bit of texture to a room. And with their brushed gold finish, they’ll act like a piece of jewelry on your wall.
Anthropologie
Mckay Switch Plate
Anthropologie is the place to go for chic light switch covers. And this design comes in so many options, depending on your switch style, and there are outlet covers too.
Anthropologie
Wiggle Switch Plate
The rope-like design that frames these switch covers is subtle, yet charming. Consider them the decorative detail you didn’t know your room needed.
2. Replace Door and Cabinet Handles
(Image credit: Jessica Fix Photography. Design: Kimberley Harrison interiors.)
Just like light switch covers can make an impact on a room’s overall appearance, so can door knobs or cabinet pulls. Despite being such a small change, swapping old door knobs or cabinet pulls for new styles can give any room new life and instantly make the space look and feel fresh.
‘Cabinet pulls, knobs, plumbing fixtures, accessory hooks, and doorknobs bring bling into your home,’ designer Rosa Santiago Zimmerman tells me. ‘Swap them out and watch your space sparkle with a modern, polished edge.’ If your doors or cabinets have silver hardware, swap for gold, or vice versa. Even a small change like this can make a room sing with style.
SORWDUERM
Gold Door Knobs, 2 Pack
This set of two doorknobs can invite some traditional elegance into your home. They’ll give your interior doors a stylish refresh with their round shape, scalloped detail, and satin brass finish.
Kwikset
Pismo Interior Passage Door Knob
Looking for something a bit more modern? Try these doorknobs. With their sleek black finish and round style, they’ll become a tasteful addition to the doors in your home.
Ravinte Decor
30 Pack Brushed Nickel Cabinet Knobs
New cabinet pulls can instantly change the look of your kitchen. This silver kitchen cabinet hardware is both stylish and elegant – a great no-reno design hack.
3. Incorporate Shelving
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
Are you unsure about what to do with a blank wall? An easy no-reno design hack would be to add floating shelves. Typically, floating shelves can be mounted in minutes with screws and a screwdriver. Once set up, they add dimension to a room, and after styling, they can transform the look of a space.
Floating shelves can benefit any room of your home, from the kitchen or living room to a bedroom or reading nook. And because of their ‘floating’ appearance, they won’t disrupt the flow of a room by take up floor space. They’re easy to install and easy to remove – no tiresome renovation required.
Shario
White Floating Shelves – Set of 2
The white surface and gold detailing makes these shelves effortlessly sleek and elegant. Since the bottom shelf features a handy towel rod, this set of two would be ideal for a bathroom.
Wayfair
Bowen Water Hyacinths Floating Shelf
This floating shelf is made from water hyacinth and can add some natural charm to the walls of your home. Plus, its woven detailing adds texture and visual intrigue.
Ballard Designs
Tulette Shelf
If you can’t get enough of the scalloped decor trend, this shelf is for you. It measures three feet wide and six inches deep, making it ideal for holding books, plants, or other decorative objects.
4. Rearrange Your Art
(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)
I’d be willing to bet that the art that you have on your walls has been in the same position for quite a while. To refresh your space, and give a room that ‘new’ feeling, an easy no-reno design hack is to rearrange your art. Try placing art in new positions or new spots around the room. Even reframing your art can make the space feel different. These changes might be small, but they make a big impact.
Another idea – play with scale. ‘Big art makes a room feel purposeful,’ Rachel Blindauer tells me. ‘The shift in proportion instantly adds drama and elevates the perceived height of your ceilings.’ Look for larger artworks to make a space feel bigger, or consider reframing existing artworks in larger frames for a dramatic statement.
Pottery Barn
Wood Gallery Frames
Adjusting the size of the mat frame within a picture frame can influence the overall look of your artwork. This frame comes with two mat frame sizes that allow you to choose which display you like best.
Prexiso
Multi Surface Laser Level Led Light Vial
No one likes crooked wall art. Before rearranging your art, it’s best to use a level to measure out where everything should go. This level can mount to the wall and features laser lines for precise markings. Aside from helping with hanging pictures, this is a great tool to keep in your home as it will make any renovation significantly easier.
West Elm
Simply Framed Oversized Gallery Frame, 30″ x 40″
This oversized frame is finished with an antique gold rim which gives it a charming feel. It’s made in several different sizes, but the largest model, at 30″ x 40″, could serve as a stunning statement piece in your home.
5. Utilize Peel and Stick
(Image credit: Future)
Traditionally, peel and stick panels, flooring, tiles, and wallpapers have served as a way to decorate rental properties because they are simple to install, don’t require an excess of physical labor, and can be removed with ease. Those qualities make peel and stick a pretty useful no-reno design hack, too.
‘Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple design hack that can add playfulness and visual interest to empty wall space,’ designer Jessica Shaw remarks. ‘I have personally used peel-and-stick wallpaper in my own home, which I think is amazing for someone doing DIY.’
With lots of colors, designs, and shapes to choose from, peel and stick is an effortlessly stylish way to decorate your home that doesn’t involve a complicated renovation.
FloorPops
Floorpops Daphne Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
In need of a new floor design, but not interested in a time-consuming and costly renovation? Peel and stick is the solution. This pack of 10 peel and stick floor tiles can create a lovely design underfoot, with ease.
Drydiet
10 Sheets Tile Peel and Stick Backsplash
Peel and stick tiles are an easy kitchen backsplash idea that can totally transform the look of your kitchen. For a dramatic statement, try shimmering green tiles, like this set of 10, that will pick up and reflect light in a beautiful way.
Smart Tiles
Peel and Stick Gel Backsplash Tile Damier 7″ X 7″ (set of 4)
With its repetitive white and beige pattern and textural illusion, this tile (which comes in a set of four) looks like it belongs in a luxury home, despite being peel and stick. Reviewers rave about its beauty as well as its ease of assembly.
6. Change The Lighting
(Image credit: Pooky)
Your lighting ideas can make a huge impact in a room. Whether you’re a lover of the controversial big light or prefer table lamps here and there, a room’s light scheme can greatly influence its overall design. And since changing the lighting is relatively easy, this is a classic no-reno design hack.
Aside from incorporating more light fixtures in a room, it’s a good idea to consider changing the light output. Rather than relying on bright LEDs to light up a space, add bulbs with a softer glow, like incandescent lights. This easy switch can make a room feel much more cozy.
As Rosa Santiago Zimmerman tells me, ‘Lighting changes everything.’ It really does, and a simple switch in fixtures or bulbs can completely transform a room.
CB2
Polar Grey Cement Floor Lamp
This floor lamp can bring a modern elegance to any room of your home. Its unique concrete base is softened with a silk shade that diffuses light softly and tastefully throughout a room. Available in three colors, this lamp is certainly a style statement.
runquiz
Warm Incandescent Light Bulbs 60 Watt, 6 bulbs
These bulbs are amber in color and emit a soft, yellow glow – they can create a comfortable, vintage-inspired ambience in any room of your home. Made with an E26 base, these bulbs are compatible with most light fixtures.
Wayfair
Fidel Solid Wood Tripod Table Lamp (Set of 2)
This set of two table lamps features a tri-pod style base and a linen shade that emits a soft glow. Their unique style alone could certainly enhance the look of a room.
These no-reno design hacks are so easy and can help you bring new life to any corner of your home with little effort involved. You don’t need a huge amount of skill, time, or budget to make any of these projects come together.
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