I’ve been wanting a bedstead to make my bed look smarter, but haven’t found one I like. Instead, I took a curtain sample I picked up from a local easy home furnishings shop and hung it behind the bed. Very little work involved, and it makes my bedroom look super-smart.

Sofa looking a bit shabby? Buy a fabric remnant and toss it over the sofa. You can find stylish throws at stores like IKEA or Pottery Barn. I covered my boring leatherette sofa with a piece of chocolate fake fur I picked up for a couple of euros. No sewing involved and it feels lovely to sit on.

Here are a few quick fabric options to consider:

Want a cheap artwork to spruce up a plain wall? Buy a plain canvas, get a piece of patterned fabric (if you’re like me, you’ll have a stash you’ve been collecting), and staple it round the canvas. Hey presto, a work of art in minutes!

Inherited some bookshelves or tables that you don’t much like? Give them a coat of paint using quality paints from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams. Don’t worry if the result is a bit rough, just pass it off as a shabby chic furniture makeover. Much like hanging fabric art, painting allows you to completely customize your decor on a dime.

Dull dining room chairs? Cover them with some cool fabric. I got hold of some leopard print fake fur and turned my chairs from frightful to fab (yes, someone had deemed it a good idea to cover them in pink material with black spots!). Just like covering your sofa, re-covering chair cushions gives immediate results.

Get bored with looking at the same old things? Collect postcards – pick them up at market stalls or collect free advertising cards. Clip them to a piece of string or ribbon, hang it on the wall, and when you get bored simply change them around.

Make your very own art display. Place found objects on a desk, or feature decorative accents from West Elm, and arrange them to your satisfaction. You can include anything and swap things when you feel like it – it’s your own taste that matters.

I hope this has inspired you. Do you plan to try any of my ideas? How have you cheered up your own house without spending too much time or money?