How I Transformed My Flat Without Buying a Thing

I didn’t expect a quote from a furniture designer to change how I looked at my flat—but it did. I stumbled across a piece by Nick Smith, founder of the interior brand Smithers, who said:

“The secret isn’t in expensive décor or trendy new furniture—it’s in thoughtful restyling, strategic decluttering, and using what you already own in a smarter way.”

And honestly? That one line hit harder than any Pinterest mood board ever has.

I was skint, stuck at home, bored of my flat—but not in the mood (or position) to blow hundreds on new bits. So I gave myself a challenge: make my home feel fresh without spending a single penny. Here’s what I did.

Using what you already have with a few new additions can easily make your space seem new and fresh.GETTY IMAGES

1. I Played Musical Chairs With My Own Stuff

The first thing I did was “shop my home.” That vintage console table in the hallway? Now it’s my new bedroom vanity—complete with an old mirror I dragged out from under the bed and a random vase from the kitchen.

My dusty bookshelf? Relocated it near the window and suddenly it’s a plant stand slash reading corner.

2. I Ditched Half My Sh*t (Strategically)

Let’s be real—most of us have too much stuff. I cleared out drawers, boxed up clutter, and gave every surface some breathing room. Suddenly the space felt bigger, calmer… like one of those minimal Instagram flats (minus the £5,000 furniture).

3. I Rearranged Everything Like a Sims Player

This was fun. I turned the bed to face the window. Pulled the rug from the living room into the bedroom. Swapped art prints between rooms. And guess what? It all looked different. Same stuff, new layout. Vibes = transformed.

4. I Let Nature Do the Decorating

Another Nick Smith gem? “Fresh greenery is one of the most effortless ways to refresh a home—and the best part? It’s free.”

I clipped some branches from the communal garden (shhh), stuck them in a jam jar, and boom—my own budget florist moment. I also dragged my sad peace lily into the kitchen, and it honestly looked like I’d just bought it.

Using what you already have with a few new additions can easily make your space seem new and fresh.GETTY IMAGES

5. I Used Light (and Smells) Like a Cheat Code

Opened the curtains. Swapped to lighter duvet covers. Lit every candle I owned. Threw some lemon peel in a pan with water like I saw on TikTok. It worked. The flat felt fresh, airy, and nothing like the clutter cave I started with.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just about aesthetics. Redoing my flat without spending money gave me that little sense of control again. And it reminded me that I already have what I need—I just needed to see it differently.

So next time you’re tempted to click “add to cart,” maybe pause and play around with what’s already yours. Nick Smith was right—it’s not about what you buy, it’s how you style it.


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