11 Easy Steps to Creating a Cozy Home on a Budget

There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day’s work. Collapsing into a comfortable chair and breathing in a deep breath can be so soothing after a hectic day.

view from the door of the Vixens Den she-shed/studio

Creating that special haven doesn’t happen with the snap of your fingers. It’s a journey of discovering who you are and what matters to you. If you let it, that journey can also become very expensive.

But since you found your way here, I have a secret to share with you! Just between us…

Creating your cozy home doesn’t have to be expensive.

In fact, I have 11 steps to help you create your cozy haven away from it all, without having to take out a second mortgage! And within those 11 steps, there’s a whole book’s worth of tips and ideas to help you along the way.

Are you ready to get started?

Me too!

But first, some mandatory legalese for your reading pleasure:

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS. IF YOU PURCHASE PRODUCTS THROUGH THESE LINKS THEN I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO COST TO YOU. I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS THAT I USE AND/OR HAVE RESEARCHED AND WOULD USE.

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES AT NO COST TO YOU. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.

1. Paint the Walls

The simplest and most cost-effective way to update anything is with paint! But don’t think that any paint will work. You wouldn’t use mayonnaise in place of jelly on your peanut butter and jelly sandwich just because they both came out of the refrigerator, right? The same concept applies to paint from the paint section. There are different types for different jobs. My favorite interior paints are scrubbable and roll on like butter!

Pro Tip: Sign up for coupons to make your makeover even more affordable!

close up of metal garage cabinet lined with peacock fabric and paint supplies

2. De-Clutter

It’s difficult to feel relaxed when you’re surrounded by clutter. De-cluttering is not only free but free-ing! Use these great tips and de-cluttering strategies to filter out what isn’t meaningful or useful. The important step here is to immediately box up what you’ve decided to de-clutter. Letting clutter hang out in the corner just creates more clutter and provides more opportunities for it to sneak back into your home.

Pro Tip: Turn decluttering into an opportunity to earn back some of that cash by selling your clutter or earn a tax deduction by donating it to a 501(c)(3) organization.

3. Organize

Corral your stuff into containers so that you can easily find what you need, but don’t feel pressured to buy expensive matching containers. Instead, grab these items from the thrift store or your attic, and paint or decoupage them to match your decor:

  • Baskets
  • Wood boxes
  • Trunks – these can also double as coffee tables and side tables
  • Suitcases – stack a couple on top of each other to make a side table
  • Metal tins – stack these on shelves to make interesting statement storage
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Plastic containers with lids
A green trunk with brass handles and a plant on top.

4. Update Flooring

Updating flooring doesn’t have to mean installing hardwood flooring or luxury tile. It can be as simple as buying an amazing rug or painting that old flooring. Here are my favorite real-life painted and stenciled flooring examples that have held up over the years:

Pro Tip: Always start with a clean surface and a reliable primer! I always use BIN 123 and haven’t had a surface fail on me yet.

  • concrete floor prepped for painting
  • stenciled concrete floor

5. Update Kitchen and Bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms are the hardest working rooms in the house. They are also the most expensive to renovate. If the bones are solid, then you don’t have to start from scratch. Here are some easy updates:

A tea towel with the letter f on it.

6. Update Entryway

Another hard-working space, the entryway should be the spot that sets you up for a successful day and relieves you of the day’s stresses when you arrive home. It may also serve double duty as the spot where you greet your guests. Here are the essentials that you need to make your entryway practical and inviting:

  • Comfy spot to take off/store shoes – repurpose an old storage bench to serve double-duty
  • Place to corral tote bags, backpacks, purses, and umbrellas – a bookshelf, gun cabinet, end table, or dresser would work perfectly (and just think of all the shoes that you could store in a dresser!!)
  • Hanger for coats and hats – use a repurposed cabinet door with strategically placed hooks or knobs
  • Spot for keys – a bowl, tray, or box with a lid would be both beautiful and functional
  • Sturdy rug to capture dirt – washable rugs with a small amount of pile are my favorite
upcycled cabinet door to a hat rack

7. Update Furniture

Don’t feel that you have to buy new furniture to create a relaxing and comfortable space. There are so many ways to update furniture whether it’s upholstered, wood, plastic, or metal! Here are just a few ideas:

  • Paint is (once again) at the top of the list – paint a couch, seriously!
  • If painting an entire couch doesn’t sound like fun, then cover the ugly with a new slipcover – not only can you create a variety of looks with different covers, but imagine how much cleaner your home will feel with a freshly washed slipcover!
  • Give saggy cushions a lift
  • Stain – whether you decide to completely refinish a piece of wood furniture, or just cover the wood, plastic, or metal surface with gel stain
  • Update hardware – hardware is jewelry for furniture! There are lots of options, but you can find my favorites at Undead Hardware.
  • Make simple repairs – furniture feels updated when it functions properly. Replace or lubricate those drawer slides, fill in veneer chips, or add new feet
  • Line shelves or drawers – whether you use paint, wallpaper, wrapping paper, or fabric, lining drawers and shelves adds a pop of color and style!
  • Add some texture with pillows and blankets – coziness means soft in my house, so you’ll find lots of squishy pillows and throw blankets to curl up against

8. Add Automation

“Automation” includes improvements to make life easier and more comfortable like these ideas from Smart Home Technologies. These innovations are the next generation of convenience and comfort, the grandchildren to the automatic washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher. Here are some easy DIY automations to create the perfect ambiance for your home:

  • Motion-activated lighting – whether it’s wired or battery operated to brighten up those dark closets and make hallways and stairs safer at night
  • Synchronized speakers – let your music follow you from room to room, setting the atmosphere for your mood
  • Smart lightbulbs – these amazing lightbulbs allow you to change the color to make your home feel more cozy or give you that bright daylight feeling!

Pro Tip: One of my favorite automation upgrades is this handy little vacuum cleaner!

9. Add Greenery

Real plants not only add life to a room they also help clean the air. Easy to maintain plants include, succulents, snake plants, and pothos. If you don’t have a green thumb, however, then artificial plants will still help your space feel complete. There are some gorgeous faux plants that look good enough to water!

A black console table with a plant on it.

10. Personalize Your Space

Whatever you decide to do, make it personal to you! If you love knick-knacks, thrift some adorable tchotchkes and paint, decoupage, or update them to make them yours. If you prefer clear clean lines, then use the tips above to clear out your space. Add meaningful art on the wall using photo walls, or printables that range from adorable scenes to line art. Or fill your space with puns that make you laugh or inspirational quotes that energize you.

she shed interior right corner

11. Create a Cozy Scent

Having all the amazing textures, comfy spots to land, and tidy spaces that invite us in are all for naught if our homes smell like yesterday’s garbage pickup. Creating cozy scents can be seasonal or a signature blend that reminds you of happy times and spaces (mmm, chocolate chip cookies!) Here are some ideas to help you get started:

  • Candles – I’m a fan of these wood-wick candles that provide that comforting crackle of fire
  • Fabric refresher – odors linger in fabric long after dinner is put away
  • Simmers – great on the stove or in a small crockpot these are completely natural and customizable
  • Angry Orange Odor Eliminator – don’t cover pet smells, eradicate them with this amazing cleaner!
  • Essential oil spray – another natural option that can be customized to create a signature scent

Summary

Whew! That was A LOT!

Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed by all of the ideas. Pick the spot or piece of furniture that drives you the most crazy. You know, the one that almost makes you not want to invite people over because it’s soooo embarrassing? That one. Then look back through the list and decide which plan of action fits your style and budget.

folding table with lavender shoots and planner

If you get stuck, just reach out. You can drop a comment below or send an email to: [email protected]. I’m always happy to help out with brainstorming new ways to make our homes feel wonderful!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope these ideas help you create your cozy den. You can find more projects and ideas at the Vixens Den. Don’t forget to join the email list to receive updates on all the newest misadventures!

Until next time, have a beautiful and blessed day!

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Don’t forget to sign up so you hear all about the next misadventure! Until then, you may also like this Magazine Rack makeover or this Dresser upcycle.

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