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The easy trick to make your home look better - without breaking the bank UK-based interiors expert Zoe Warren shared how to add character on a budget READ MORE: Interiors expert reveals the common feature she hates to see in homes - and how to fix it By MARIA CHIORANDO, SENIOR REPORTER Published: 15:26 BST, 26 September 2025 | Updated: 17:27 BST, 26 September 2025 An interiors expert has shared her top design tips for creating a sophisticated home on a budget. UK-based Zoe Warren, who has worked as an interior design expert for over 10 years, said a 'massive budget' is not required when giving a house a 'classy facelift'. The designer, from PriceYourJob.co.uk, said the secret to updating interiors is not about the price tag: rather, she noted, it's about having 'the eye for a hidden gem'. According to Zoe, the most stylish homes are not filled with brand-new, expensive furniture. Instead, they are 'curated with unique, characterful pieces sourced from places like Facebook Marketplace, charity shops and flea markets'. She listed some of the best items to incorporate into a home to give it the genuine character to make it stand out. 'By upcycling or giving a pre-loved item a new home, you can create a truly unique space without breaking the bank,' Zoe said. 'You can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few well-chosen, budget-friendly pieces. It is about hunting for items that tell a story and have a history.' Creating a characterful interior is not about spending lots of money, but about having a good eye for statement pieces, according to design expert Zoe Warren (stock image) According to Zoe, mirrors are a good place to start, as a good statement mirror is 'a fantastic way to instantly elevate a room'. This, she explained, is because it adds light, creates a sense of space, and can serve as a beautiful focal point. 'Look for ornate, gold-glided mirrors or minimalist, elegant designs with a striking frame,' advised Zoe. 'You can often find these in charity shops. Car boot sales and flea markets are also excellent hunting grounds for unique pieces. 'If you find a mirror with a tired frame, a quick coat of spray paint in a new colour like matte black, gold, or a bold jewel tone can give it a new lease of life.' Vintage Furniture Finds A vintage sideboard or cabinet can bring a touch of timeless elegance to a dining room or living room,' said Zoe. She said 'beautifully made wooden pieces' can often be found on Facebook Marketplace for a 'fraction of the cost of new furniture'. Dated pieces can be 'transformed into a stylish and functional storage solution' by sanding them, and giving them a new coat of paint or stain, she added. According to interior expert Zoe, vintage pieces of wooden furniture can be found online for much lower prices than new pieces (stock image) Lighting can completely change the mood of a room, according to the interiors expert. She said: 'Look for pre-loved table lamps with unique bases and pair them together with a new shade in a luxurious material like velvet or linen. 'A statement floor lamp from a charity shop can be a brilliant find. Giving the base a good clean and a new coat of paint is a very easy and effective way to update it.' It's possible to 'breathe life into any room' by incorporating natural elements, according to Zoe - namely, plants. She explained: 'Potted plants add colour, texture, and a sense of calm. You can find low-maintenance options like succulents and snake plants, or grow your own from cuttings. 'Don't forget to update the pots - old containers can be painted or repurposed for a shabby-chic look.' Plants can 'breathe new life' into a space, according to Zoe. She said: 'Potted plants add colour, texture, and a sense of calm' (stock image) 'Do not underestimate the power of art,' said Zoe. 'Instead of expensive paintings, look for vintage prints, old maps, or even stylish postcards that can be framed.' She continued: 'Charity shops often have a small art section where you can find some beautiful, antique-style frames that can be repurposed. 'Creating a gallery wall with an eclectic mix of budget-friendly framed pieces is a fantastic way to add personality to a space.' A touch of paint One of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform a room is a new coat of paint, according to Zoe. She said: 'You can go for a bold feature wall, try a colour-blocking technique, or simply use paint to refresh old, tired furniture. 'Remember to use the right paint for the right surface, especially if you're painting radiators or kitchen cabinets.' Another decor tip Zoe suggested was using artwork to create a unique space - she noted that this doesn't have to be limited to expensive paintings (stock image) 'Wallpaper is coming back, and it's coming back with a bang,' said Zoe. 'What was once considered taboo in the interior design world is now making its mark again due to high-quality, stylish prints, dimensional fabrics, and new materials that make it easier than ever to install.' She added that wallpaper 'offers much more drama than a simple paint design', making it a fun way to add character and personality to your home space. 'Plus, you can completely transform a room with wallpaper, adding your personal style without breaking the bank,' Zoe explained. A well-chosen rug can fulfil a host of decor functions Zoe said, it can act as an anchor, grounding furniture and defining a space. 'This is especially useful in open-plan rooms,' she continued. 'You can find affordable rugs in a variety of colours and textures at home improvement stores. Layering a smaller, more colourful rug on top of a larger, neutral one can also add depth and visual interest.' Incorporating rugs into decor can also give a space character, said Zoe, who said a well-chosen rug can act as an anchor, grounding furniture and defining a space (stock image) Working fireplaces are rarely found in contemporary new build homes, said Zoe. 'But,' she added, 'they are hard to beat when it comes to creating a stunning focal point that creates a heart-warming and cosy atmosphere.' Zoe noted that to have a working fire, a flue system must be installed, along with air vents and a faux chimney breast. 'There are, however, plenty of other options for achieving the cosy feel of sitting around a fire on a cold winter night, such as electric fireplaces with artificial flames or electric stoves,' she said. 'A free-standing electric stove is simple to fit, requiring only a plug, and is an easy way to achieve that wow factor.' Natural materials 'One very simple way to bring character into your new build is by incorporating natural materials,' said the designer. Fireplaces are 'hard to beat when it comes to creating a stunning focal point that creates a heart-warming and cosy atmosphere' said Zoe (stock image) 'This can range from using wood accents on your walls or ceiling to bringing in a range of live plants. Not only do natural materials add warmth and texture, but they also bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to your space.' For a subtle touch, Zoe suggested trying to incorporate woven textures - like rattan or jute - into décor. She said a woven rug or a few baskets can 'add a touch of bohemian style to your home without completely overwhelming it'. Fixtures and Fittings An inexpensive way to give a space an instant facelift is to swap out door handles, drawer pulls, and light fixtures said the expert. Zoe added: 'You can find unique and budget-friendly options online or at hardware shops, and this small change can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room.' Share or comment on this article: The easy trick to make your home look better - without breaking the bank Add comment
