12 Easy Decorating Ideas To Do In 30 Minutes or Less
Get 12 quick, simple decorating ideas that make a big difference without spending much. These tips really work.
Decorating does not have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. These easy decorating ideas are all simple, doable, and perfect for freshening up your home one step at a time.
Think of this post as a helpful checklist. Twelve ideas you can use to keep your home looking updated and well cared for. Whether you try just one or work through the whole list, these tips really work.
And this post is just part one. Stay tuned for part two, with even more easy decorating ideas coming soon.
Gather And Save Inspiration
If you need a little decorating push or you’re feeling stuck, finding inspiration is the best place to start. Every good decorating idea begins with inspiration. Scroll through blogs (I hope mine is one of your favorites), flip through magazines, or browse Pinterest and Instagram. When you find something you like, save it.
I take screenshots, snap photos, and organize them into a folder on my phone. You can also create a Pinterest board for each room or season. These saved ideas will help you define what you love and make decorating so much easier.
Pro Tips:
- Save images that reflect a style or feeling you want in your own home, not just beautiful rooms.
- Only keep what you truly love—edit your inspiration boards often.
- Add notes under saved images about what you like in each one.
Tidy Up
I know it is not the most exciting decorating tip, but it works every time. A clean, clutter-free space instantly looks better. Start small. Clear off a surface, fluff the pillows, or straighten a drawer. My friend Fran tidies during commercial breaks—and her home always looks pulled together.
Sometimes the best decorating idea is just putting things back where they belong.
Pro Tips:
You might like to read CLEAN YOUR HOME IN 30 MINUTES A DAY and THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CLEANING AND ORGANIZING YOUR HOME for helpful tips and a printable cleaning worksheet.
Clean Off Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters collect everything—mail, keys, snacks, and way too many small appliances. Choose one section and clear it off. Wipe it down and only put back what you use or love to see every day.
You’ll be surprised how much prettier your kitchen looks with just this one easy update.
You will find more helpful tips here: 12 Chic and Practical Ways to Decorate Kitchen Countertops.
Pro Tip:
- Keep only one or two small appliances visible.
- Only keep daily essentials on the counter.
- Group items on a tray to look neater.
Style A Flat Surface
A vignette is a small group of decor arranged with a purpose, adding personality to a room. It can tell a little story or set a mood. Try one on a coffee table, kitchen island, or console. Start with a tray, then layer in a few items you love, like a candle, a small plant, or a stack of books.
Once you start creating vignettes, you will see how they pull a space together.
Pro Tip:
- Add something natural like greenery or flowers.
- Step back and view from across the room to adjust the balance.
- Include meaningful or personal items.
You might like:
Dining Room Table Centerpiece Ideas
This post includes beautiful ways to create styled groupings and centerpieces, which follow many of the same principles as vignettes.
How To Decorate A Coffee Table Like A Pro
This post will help you decorate a coffee table in a way that looks pulled together and still feels comfortable and personal.
Create A Simple Vignette
Changing your pillows is one of the easiest ways to update a room. A new pillow cover in a pretty pattern or fresh seasonal color can make a big difference in how a space looks and feels.
Try mixing textures, sizes, and patterns. Use a few solids, a subtle print, and one that adds just a bit of interest. If you are using feather or down inserts, keep them and just swap the covers. It saves space and makes storage simple.
You do not need to wait for a new season. Style your pillows whenever a space starts to feel a little tired. You will be surprised how this small change can refresh an entire room.
Pro Tips:
- Group items in odd numbers.
- Leave breathing room around the vignette.
- Include something personal like a framed photo.
Change Your Pillows Often
Changing your pillows is one of the easiest ways to update a room. A new pillow cover in a pretty pattern or fresh seasonal color can make a big difference in how a space looks and feels. Pillows are the jewelry of a room.
Try mixing textures, sizes, and patterns to create an attractive look. Use a few solids, a subtle print, and one that adds just a bit of interest. If you are using feather or down inserts, keep them and just swap the covers. It saves space and makes storage simple.
You do not need to wait for a new season. Style your pillows whenever a space starts to feel a little tired. You will be surprised how this small change can refresh an entire room.
Pro Tip:
- Group items in odd numbers. One solid, one geometric and one floral.
- Choose covers you can swap seasonally.
- Avoid stiff or flat pillows—plump them often.
Add Flower, Fresh Or Faux, To A Room
This is my favorite item for decorating a room. Flowers are one of the prettiest ways to breathe life into a room. A vase of fresh blooms or realistic faux stems instantly makes a space feel more cared for and finished.
Clip something from your yard, stop by the market, or pull out your favorite faux arrangement. Even a small bouquet in the bathroom or beside your bed can lift your mood and brighten your day.
I love to incorporate small moments of flowers around my home, but adding a large arrangement of flowers, real or faux, to a room gives it that ‘wow’ factor we all love. Recently, I added a basket of faux hydrangeas (which look incredibly realistic) to our dining room table.
Pro Tip:
- Snip branches or blooms from your yard.
- Use the right size vase for your arrangement.
- Fluff and shape faux flowers before displaying.
You might like:
The Secrets For Keeping Cut Garden Flowers Fresh Longer
This post shares simple ways to care for garden flowers so they last longer in a vase.
How To Make Faux Flowers Look More Real
Learn easy techniques to help faux flowers look believable and beautiful in any arrangement.
How To Keep Cut Hydrangeas From Wilting
This post offers a reliable method for keeping hydrangeas fresh and full after they are cut.
Caring For Cut Tulips
Helpful tips for keeping tulips upright and lovely for as long as possible.
Change Your Lampshades
Changing your lampshades might not be something you think of off the top of your head, but replacing a lampshade can make a significant difference in how a room looks and feels. Try a different shape, a crisper color, or something with a bit of texture. A clean, white drum shade or a soft, pleated, patterned one can instantly update a lamp.
Lampshades can quietly date a room. Over time, they get dusty, discolored, and sometimes even develop those terrible dents that just will not smooth out. Take a look at the lamps in your home and see if a new shade might freshen things up.
This is one of those small decorating details that can make your space feel brighter and more updated.
Pro Tip:
- Match the scale of the shade to the base.
- Use patterned shades if your room needs a fun accent.
- Be sure the lightbulb is hidden from eye level of a person seated.
Add Natural Scents To Your Home
Scent is one of the most overlooked parts of decorating, but it makes a big difference. A softly scented candle, essential oil diffuser, room spray, or even a stovetop simmer can make your home feel more inviting and comforting.
Try using different scents throughout the year. Choose fresh and clean in the spring, herbal or citrus in the summer, and something warm and cozy in the colder months. Choose products using natural essential oils. They smell better and are often healthier for you and your home.
Your home should smell as lovely as it looks.
Pro Tips:
- Use a diffuser with natural essential oils.
- Change scents with the seasons.
- Choose subtle fragrences over strong ones in shared spaces.
You might like:
Easy to Make Fall Simmer Pot
Let the aromas of fall waft through your home with easy-to-make simmering potpourri. Use what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. And it’s all-natural, too!
Christmas Simmer Pot: Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas
Even if it is not Christmas, this post is full of ideas that can be adapted for every season of the year.
Summer Simmer Pot: The Aromas Of Summer’s Best
This easy and natural stovetop recipe fills your home with the fresh, happy scents of summer, using ingredients you may already have.
Rearrange A Shelf
Shelves can either support your decor or weigh it down. If they are too full or cluttered, they stop being helpful and start looking messy. Remove everything, give the surface a quick clean, and put back only the items that truly work.
Think about balance, spacing, and layering. Sometimes, just removing a few items can make your shelves look fresh and styled again.
Pro Tips:
- Start with large anchor pieces.
- Layer small objects in front of taller ones.
- Leave some empty space for balance.
You might like:
Decorating A Bookshelf
This post shares easy-to-follow ideas for styling shelves to create a beautiful, balanced, and purposeful look.
When Less Is Best
If your shelves feel overwhelming or cluttered, this post helps you edit and decorate with intention.
Freshen Up Your Foyer
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. Whether yours is a large foyer or just a small wall near the door, it should feel tidy, inviting, and well-loved.
Clear out anything that does not belong. Add a small rug, a mirror or artwork, and a lamp or basket for keys. A pretty seasonal touch, like a wreath or vase of flowers, is always a good idea too.
Pro Tip:
- Use a lamp or sconce for a warm glow.
- Hang a mirror to reflect light and expand the space.
- Tidy this area daily to keep it ready for guests.
How To Keep A Company Ready Foyer
This post shares practical habits and simple routines to keep your entryway looking neat, welcoming, and always ready for visitors.
Foyer Table Decor: Easy Step By Step Styling Like A Pro
Get clear, step-by-step ideas for decorating a foyer table with beautiful results every time.
These easy decorating ideas are simple to do and can make a big difference in the way your home looks and feels. Try one or two today, and before you know it, your home will feel fresh, updated, and more like you. Small changes really do add up.
What easy idea will you try first?
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Decorating Ideas
Start by tidying up and removing anything that no longer serves its purpose in the room. Clear surfaces, fluff pillows, and fold throws. Then shop your home—swap lamps, move a mirror, or restyle a vignette using things you already have. Sometimes, just rearranging a room’s layout can breathe new life into it.
Choose one flat surface like a coffee table, console, or small shelf, and focus just on that. Start with something like a lamp or a tray, add a few books, a candle, and a small seasonal touch. Once you’ve styled one small area successfully, it’s easier to build confidence and move on to other parts of the room.
Focus on textures and lighting. Add a throw blanket, a few well-placed pillows, and some warm lighting from a lamp or candles. Limit your decor to a few groupings or vignettes so the space stays tidy. A cozy room feels comfortable and welcoming, not crowded.
Absolutely. In fact, a mix of old and new gives a home more personality and charm. Pair a newer sofa with a vintage side table or place modern lamps on an antique buffet. It’s all about balance. Use colors or finishes to visually tie things together so they look intentional.
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Happy decorating, friends…
Such great ideas, but would like to ask a question. How do you decorate around a TV(which I know most have), lol. I find it the most difficult piece to work into a most used room. I don’t think I have saw a TV in the new house, lol Thanks Joyce
I have the tv on the wall of the sunroom. Hanging it on the wall really opens up one’s decorating possibilities. TV’s are the bane of most decorators.
Would love to know about the curtains. Where to purchase them?
Thank you so much
Hi Theresa, I found them at Ballard Designs.
Thanks for sharing these great ideas. Love that you shared, not 10, 15 or 20 ideas but 17 ideas. Cute.
I’m planning on more of these easy decorating tips posts. Glad you like them.
Where did you get the large wall clock? Is it an off-white or bright white? It’s beautiful and am looking for one just like it!
This is such an old clock. I found it about 15 years ago and the frame was brown. I painted it myself. Sorry I don’t have a source.
I recently took an easel with a painting on it out of my bedroom. That corner looked empty so
I put it back. The next day I removed it again and left it out so my eyes could adjust. I then hung a picture on that way with a basket underneath. The corner is now not crowded but neither is it void. I say this because you stated Take Out One Piece of Furniture. A good piece of advice. One’s eye might need to adjust to the blank space so give it some time.
We learn so much from your decorating lessons, Yvonne. You are generous in sharing.
I’m so happy StoneGable is helping you be a better decorator, Joanna!
Have always loved your vignettes. You should do a book devoted to them.
Thanks, Teddee!
May I ask where you got the wall hanging with Numbers 6:24-26…..May the Lord Bless You?? It really stood out to me, and speaks volumes. Loving all your blogs!!
Here you go, Kathleen:https://rstyle.me/+RwPF6k813vfekMqb_3LQMg
Great ideas that can be done so quickly. I’ll be using the commercial breaks much more wisely from now on. Decorating, housekeping and gardening are just a matter of little and often. Thanks for posting.
Don’t you love that idea?
Smart girl, Nancy! Don’t you love this idea?
I love your kitchen backsplash! Do you mind sharing the name of tiles and where you purchased them? Love your blog! Such beautiful decor!
It is Calacutta Gold and it’s a basketweave pattern. Hope this helps.
Boy, do I need you to visit!!!! I moved from a 4000 sq ft house to an 1100 sq apartment and while I downsized and had two three-day yard sales and donated, etc, I still brought with me all my many collections. While I am still donating, selling, there are many things I want to keep. I also don’t want to keep buying although the estate sales in this area are just incredible. My plan is to put away a lot of treasures while not purchasing more and to rotate items seasonally. I love change and am constantly moving items around. Reading your blog is so helpful!!! Now if you could just move in for a week!!!!
What a smart plan, Eileen!
Yvonne
Thanks. This was all so inspirational and also practical and tactical ways to improve our home.
I love reading you, as well as your recipes.
God Bless
Monique-Marie
I love “practical and tactical”. I hope you don’t mind that I use that! So cute. You make me smile!
Absolutely beautiful and so fresh.spring has sprung in your home
Thanks, Markene!
Wonderful ideas and many are easily implemented. You have literally changed my home interior life with your practical, as well as beautiful decor and design suggestions. A huge thank you and a virtual hug for encouraging us to always focus on the positive aspects of our homes. Most importantly, you emphasize gratitude for the homes we are blessed to enjoy. My favorite take away today is fresh cuts. I enjoy an early morning search with snippers in hand, ready to fill even a mini vase with cosmos or dianthus. Flowers and greens bring so much life to any area.
Where did you purchase your lamp above the table. I love it.
I found the big lamp at Pottery Barn. I don’t see it on their site right now.
Hi Yvonne, I needed the paint color info about two weeks ago ?. We just moved to SC and bought a house that is 10 years old. It needed a little freshening up so I chose a color that would work with the trim and painted all common rooms that one color. What a mistake that was! It is a white that looks green in some rooms and does not blend with the trim in others. Your advice, had I gotten it sooner would have saved me lots of money!
Keep on educating us, we need it!!
Lots of Love,
Kay
Oh, my Kay! We all make paint mistakes. Here’s something to remember about white paint if you have lots of green trees right outside your windows. White walls will reflect the green of the trees!
I reworked some shelves. Some small things I put behind closed doors in storage to see if I really adore the item or if it is just a knicknack. If I don’t miss it, I will donate or gift it. I put good sized plants on some shelves instead. I like it already. I think things can be too much clutter and it detracts from the pretty. I also replaced a baker’s rack style shelving piece with a simple white hutch that I really curated as you recommend to have eye-catching large dishes and decor on, and not a cluttered look. Simplified. I think I like it better, too. With the little stored items, I want to see now if I have things to gift or donate or to keep. I have things to ponder over. I have too many of certain little decor pieces. I want to get tiny knicknacks I don’t love out of the house. Limiting a collection to the best of the best is my desire. I also love my plants more than more knicknacks, and I do not have a jungle growing. Lol. I am keeping the plants! :).
How wonderful Tracie! I bet you home and you feel lighter!
I so appreciated the push to change up pillows! I’ve been wanting to change up the room for a long time now, not anything big just a little thing or two, and your post reminded me of some pillow covers I hadn’t used in years! I can’t wait to switch things up with them!
Where did you get the scalloped oval wicker basket that is holding the plants in the third picture?
Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+53pim75j8EcPPlDkGs6a9w
Hello Joyce, I would like some decorating info regarding art, pictures and how to choose for a neutral color palette. I love different types of art and color but am trying to stay “in my lane” with neutral colors, mostly beige, taupe my rug has a little yellow. I live in an independent living community, kitchen flows to dining room, dining room flows to living room. Thank you for any ideas.
Hi Mary, head over to this section of the blog:https://stonegableblog.com/category/home-and-garden/decorating-school/. It has lots of ideas for your home.