10 Ways to Refresh Your Home With Items You Already Own

When was the last time you truly looked at the items in your home? The quickest way to refresh your space is to see your existing belongings with fresh eyes. With a bit of imagination, those cushions, vases and artwork you walk past every day can find new roles and revive your rooms.

That throw pillow in your bedroom? It might look even better to brighten up the living room sofa. And those candles gathering dust in the bathroom? They could become the centerpiece of your dining table. Moving decor between rooms is one of the easiest ways to change the mood without spending a dime. It’s also a great opportunity to create cohesion across your home while still keeping things fresh.

Art doesn’t have to stay where you first hung it. Swapping pieces between rooms — or even within the same room — can completely transform how a space feels. Move a bold statement piece to your entryway for an eye-catching welcome or pair smaller frames together to make a new gallery wall. Don’t have traditional artwork? Get creative: framed postcards, family photos or even pressed leaves can become conversation-worthy displays.

Sometimes, the best way to refresh your home is to dig a little deeper — into your storage unit, your attic or even the back of your closets. Those forgotten treasures and tucked-away items might just be the spark your space needs. Whether it’s a side table you stored away when you redecorated or seasonal decorations you packed up and forgot about, pull out any items with potential and rethink their use. A table might become a nightstand and a set of holiday string lights could add a touch of whimsy to your patio or bedroom. Even a quick dust-off or a coat of paint can turn something old into something spectacular.

Family heirlooms, vintage finds or keepsakes from past travels often get stashed in storage because they don’t fit a specific “theme.” It’s time to give them the spotlight. A vintage teapot might make a charming vase for fresh flowers, while your grandmother’s quilt could add warmth to a guest room or reading nook. These pieces not only refresh your home but also add a layer of personality and history that’s uniquely yours.

If swapping your decor and art isn’t doing enough for you, consider changing the entire layout of your room. The way furniture is arranged affects how a space feels — its flow, functionality and even how much light it gets. By reimagining where things go, you can make a space feel fresh, open and entirely new. Try moving your sofa to face a different direction, angling your bed toward a window or swapping the placement of chairs and tables. Even small changes can make a big difference. For example, creating conversation-friendly seating arrangements in the living room can make it feel cozier while positioning furniture to highlight natural light can instantly brighten up a space. Don’t be afraid to test out different layouts! Sometimes, the most unexpected placement turns out to be the perfect fit.

Look at your furniture not just for what it is but for what it could be. A bench at the foot of the bed can double as a coffee table in the living room. A dining chair can work as a stylish desk chair. Even a bookshelf can become a chic room divider when strategically placed. Thinking beyond the item’s original purpose lets you maximize its potential and refresh your home with a creative twist.

Before you toss out that chipped vase or outdated piece of furniture, consider how you might give it a second life. A splash of paint, new hardware or a simple reupholstery project can easily turn something old or run-down into a stylish statement in your home. For example, swap the knobs on an old dresser for something modern or vintage, instantly giving it a new personality. You can also repurpose glass jars into stylish pendant lights with a simple light kit. Even an outdated coffee table can become a chic ottoman by adding padding and upholstering it with fabric.

Think outside the box (literally) — stack hardcover books to create a unique bedside table or repurpose wooden crates as wall shelves. An old ladder can become a blanket rack, while mismatched heirloom plates or bowls can be arranged into an eye-catching gallery wall. By combining items in unexpected ways, you create functional and artistic pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.

Sometimes, refreshing your home is more about subtracting than adding or rearranging. Decluttering can open up your space, giving it a cleaner, more spacious and rejuvenated feel. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you make room for your favorite pieces to truly shine.

Take a step back and evaluate your rooms with a critical eye. Are there too many small items crowding your surfaces? Is furniture arranged in a way that feels cramped? Start by clearing out anything you don’t use or love — whether that’s a stack of magazines, a decor piece that’s out of place or furniture that no longer fits the flow of the room. This “editing” process isn’t about throwing everything away; it’s about curating your space for comfort and style.

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean waste. Donate or sell gently used items to local charities, host a swap with friends or upcycle them into something useful. You can also organize the items you’re not ready to part with by storing them in bins or relocating them to a storage unit. By simplifying your surroundings, you’ll create a blank canvas for the items you truly love. And the best part? Decluttering isn’t just about improving your home — it’s about improving how you feel in it. A lighter, airier space leads to a lighter, clearer mindset, too.

For more tips on organizing your home, explore the SmartStop blog. Ready to find a storage unit near you? Use our Storage Locator to find facilities in your area.