Before heading to your local big-box store to buy something new, see if you can repurpose items that you already own, suggests Mike Harrison, an interior designer and HomeGoods style expert.
For example, a chipped mug that has too much significance to throw away can enjoy a second life as a pencil holder on your desk. And don’t underestimate the transformative power of a fresh coat of paint.
With a brush in one hand and a can of paint in the other, you can easily update how a piece of furniture looks—and the satisfaction you’ll feel after you DIY will make the item even more meaningful.