5 No-Demo Ideas for Renovating the Home or Office

October 13, 2021

Looking for ways to refresh or update the home or office space without the need to invest in painting and/or demolishing? Maybe you've been looking for a change to the living or bedroom space, but have a limited budget and time? This week Pop of Modern is sharing some ideas on how to transform your space for the better without needing to demo.

The team at PoM is very familiar with the joys and woes of living in different places and spaces—be they temporary or semi-permanent. We know that sometimes a space needs a major re-adjustment even if you are not planning to stay there for long. Many of us don't want the pains of undoing any painting, mounting, or other construction projects once we've left our mark on a place (as is the case in rentals and apartments)! But, don't despair, interior decorating and design is all about being creative and can be achieved without costly, time-consuming 'fixes.'

If you're looking for innovative ways to update a space or need to make some changes to accommodate living and/or working changes, below we've listed "Five No-Demo Ideas for Renovating the Home or Office" to make it look like a whole new space:

1. Wall-Hangings: Add color without needing to paint

Transformation without demo is as easy as hanging up beautiful, creative paintings or properly placing a mirror. But, in addition to covering bare walls, wall-hangings and tapestries add not only color, but texture as well. Depending on the size and style they can transform what's behind it or even transport the viewer into an entirely new space. Wall-hangings let us get imaginative on walls without needing to prepare, paint, and wait for it to dry. If you need some inspiration, check out our handmade wall-hangings, tapestries and paintings!

2. Lighting Magic

Lighting magic is an easy way to refresh a space. Literally, bring in the light with a statement lamp or a cluster of lights and fixtures for a dramatic and brightening effect to any space. This can definitely be mood-boosting depending on the lightbulbs used. Lights, especially well-placed change the atmosphere as well as the room highlighting different aspects possibly not seen before. Plus, if you’re into art installations you can find new ways to meet people and make new friends.

3. Plants to the Rescue!

Whether artificial or the real thing (we prefer the real thing), plants are always a great way to make a space more inviting and natural. They can be air-purifying or simply for adding some greenery in a cemented city-scape room or a cold, industrial styled home or office. Besides the beneficial aspects of maintaining plants and greenery inside, they add color and are aesthetically attractive. Plus, they put us that much closer to nature and the elements often lacking when we are feeling down, especially in spaces needing renovation.

4. Indicate Key Spaces with Minor Shifts

Easily moveable pieces or modular furniture can separate a large space into smaller, different key spaces. Using rolling table carts, open-shelving, modular sofas and room-dividers can indicate where one space and another begins, especially if the open-room plan has become a collection of everyone's stuff... Separating key spaces adds organization, but also functionality. Making it stylish is as easy as adding lighting magic or wall-hangings to shift how one enters or moves in a room as well.

5. Don’t forget about the Floor!

We've talked about walls, opening and closing-up spaces, but our last point is just as equal to all the aforementioned ideas: what to do with the floor? It's there, not going anyway and you need it, so why not add color, texture, or other unique designs to catch the eye (or distract it, depending on the current floor you're working with).

Dressing-up the floors of any home or office can transform it into another space not just for walking on. Rugs and carpets add texture, warmth and excitement depending on the style. They’re comfortable for the bare feet and can be layered for a nomadic-look, especially to cover-up pre-existing floors. Adding pillows and plushy rugs also make it comfortable to eat, play and rest at ground-level compared to a lavishly furnished place (especially for the budget-friendly and furniture-less)! So, don't forget about the floor. You're feet (and possibly bum) will thank you later!