Top 15 High-Impact Interior Design Ideas to Try This Weekend
That familiar weekend feeling is setting in. You’re relaxing in your living room, coffee in hand, looking around and thinking, "I'm ready for a change." But the thought of a full-scale renovation—the dust, the decisions, the cost—is enough to make you pull a blanket over your head and stick with the status quo. What if you could create a significant, beautiful transformation in your home in just 48 hours?
It's entirely possible. Great interior design isn't always about massive overhauls. Often, the most impactful changes come from small, strategic updates that breathe new life into a space. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that everyone deserves a home they love, and achieving that can be a series of enjoyable, manageable steps. You don't need a huge budget or an army of contractors; you just need a free weekend and a little inspiration.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and fall in love with your home all over again? We’ve curated a list of 15 high-impact, low-effort interior design ideas that you can conquer this weekend. Pick one or tackle a few—either way, you’ll be amazed at the difference a couple of days can make.
1. Paint a Statement Accent Wall
Painting an entire room can feel like a marathon, but tackling a single accent wall is a weekend sprint with a gold-medal finish. A thoughtfully chosen accent wall creates an instant focal point, adds depth, and introduces a powerful dose of colour or mood without overwhelming the space. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to make a dramatic change.
The key is to choose the right wall. Typically, it’s the one you see first when you enter a room, the wall behind your bed, or the one housing your fireplace or entertainment centre. Select a colour that complements your existing decor but is bold enough to make a statement. Think deep navy, emerald green, charcoal grey, or a warm, earthy terracotta.
- Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to think beyond a solid colour. Consider using painter's tape to create a simple geometric pattern or a colour-blocked design for an even more custom and contemporary look.
2. Create a Personalised Gallery Wall
A blank wall is a blank canvas, and a gallery wall is the perfect way to fill it with personality and style. This is your chance to tell a story with a curated collection of art, photographs, and meaningful objects. The result is a dynamic, personal feature that instantly elevates your room from generic to uniquely yours.
Start by gathering your pieces. Mix and match different frame sizes, colours, and styles for an eclectic look, or stick to a uniform frame style for a more polished, cohesive feel. Before hammering any nails, lay your arrangement out on the floor. Trace each frame onto paper, cut them out, and tape them to the wall to perfect your layout.
- Pro Tip: Your gallery wall doesn't have to be just framed pictures. Incorporate a small mirror, a favourite quote in a beautiful font, a vintage plate, or even a small, shallow basket to add texture and three-dimensional interest.
3. Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design; it sets the mood, defines zones, and can make a room feel larger and more inviting. Swapping out a generic, builder-grade light fixture for something with more character is a weekend project that has an outsized impact on the feel of your space.
Consider the "jewellery" of your room. A sculptural pendant light over the dining table, a modern chandelier in the entryway, or stylish new sconces flanking your bed can completely transform the aesthetic. Even simply replacing a lampshade on an existing lamp with something more modern or colourful can make a world of difference.
- Pro Tip: Install dimmer switches wherever you can. The ability to control the intensity of your lighting allows you to shift the room's atmosphere from bright and functional to soft and intimate with the turn of a dial.
4. Style Your Bookshelves Like a Pro
Bookshelves are often relegated to purely functional storage, becoming cluttered catch-alls over time. But with a little curatorial effort, they can become a stunning design feature. The goal is to create a balanced, visually interesting display that showcases your books and favourite objects.
Start by emptying the shelves completely. Then, begin placing items back with intention. Vary the orientation of your books—stack some horizontally and line others up vertically. Intersperse decorative objects like vases, small sculptures, or framed photos among the books. Use the "rule of thirds," leaving some empty space to let your curated items breathe.
- Pro Tip: Stick to a loose colour palette for your decorative objects to create a cohesive look. Group items in odd numbers (threes or fives) as they are often more visually appealing and dynamic than even-numbered groupings.
5. Introduce a Large Area Rug
An area rug is a true game-changer. It anchors a room's furniture, defines a space (like a seating area within a larger open-plan room), adds warmth, and introduces colour, pattern, and texture. If your room feels like it's "floating" or lacking a central focus, a new rug is often the solution.
The biggest mistake people make is choosing a rug that's too small. For a living room, the rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs are sitting on it. This creates a unified, grounded conversation area. In a dining room, ensure the rug is big enough for the chairs to remain fully on it, even when pulled out.
- Pro Tip: Don't be afraid of pattern! A bold geometric or a vintage-style Persian rug can act as the "art" for your floor, providing a fantastic foundation upon which to build the rest of your room's decor.
6. Swap Out Your Textiles
Perhaps the fastest, easiest, and most budget-friendly way to refresh a room is to change out your textiles. We're talking about the soft stuff: throw pillows, blankets, and cushion covers. These small elements carry significant visual weight and can instantly update your colour scheme and add a layer of comfort and style.
For a weekend refresh, gather up your old throw pillows and invest in a new set of covers. This is a great way to experiment with new trends, colours, or seasonal palettes without a major commitment. Look for a mix of textures—velvet, linen, chunky knit, faux fur—to add depth and tactile interest to your sofa or bed.
- Pro Tip: Follow the "three-colour" rule. Choose three colours from your existing decor (like the art or the rug) and find pillows in those shades. Mix solid colours with a small-scale and a large-scale pattern for a designer-curated look.
7. Bring the Outdoors In with Plants
Houseplants are more than just decor; they are living sculptures that purify the air, reduce stress, and literally bring life into your home. A strategically placed plant can fill an awkward empty corner, add a vibrant pop of green, and soften the hard lines of furniture and architecture.
You don't need a green thumb to get started. Many beautiful plants are famously low-maintenance, such as the snake plant, ZZ plant, or pothos. Choose a variety of sizes and leaf shapes for visual interest. A large fiddle-leaf fig can create a dramatic focal point in a living room, while a trailing pothos can look stunning cascading from a bookshelf.
- Pro Tip: The pot is just as important as the plant. Choose stylish planters that complement your decor. A simple terracotta pot, a sleek ceramic planter, or a woven basket can all elevate the look of your greenery.
8. Update Your Hardware
It's a small detail, but you'd be shocked at the transformative power of new hardware. The knobs on your kitchen cabinets, the pulls on your dresser, and the handles on your doors are details you interact with every day. Upgrading them is a simple, 30-minute task that can make furniture and cabinetry look brand new.
This is a fantastic weekend project for a kitchen or bathroom refresh on a dime. Swap out dated, generic silver knobs for chic matte black pulls, elegant brushed brass handles, or unique leather tabs. All you need is a screwdriver and your new hardware.
- Pro Tip: Before you buy, measure the distance between the screw holes on your existing pulls to ensure the new ones will fit perfectly without any drilling. This is called the "centre-to-centre" measurement.
9. Hang Curtains High and Wide
The way you hang your curtains can dramatically alter the perceived size of your room and windows. The standard approach is to hang the rod just above the window frame, but a simple designer trick can create a much more elegant and grand effect.
For a high-impact change, mount your curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend it 3-6 inches on either side. Then, choose curtains that are long enough to just "kiss" the floor. This technique draws the eye upward, making the ceiling feel higher, and allows the maximum amount of natural light to enter when the curtains are open, making the window itself appear larger.
- Pro Tip: Opt for curtain panels that are at least twice the width of your window. This fullness ensures they look lush and luxurious when closed, rather than stretched and sparse.
10. Apply Removable Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a massive comeback, but the commitment of traditional paste-and-paper can be intimidating. Enter removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper. This temporary solution offers all the pattern and punch of traditional wallpaper with none of the long-term commitment, making it perfect for renters or design-change addicts.
Use it to create a stunning accent wall in a bedroom or office. It's also fantastic for small spaces where it can make a huge impact, like a powder room, the back of a bookshelf, or the wall of a small entryway. The application is straightforward: just peel the backing and smooth it onto a clean wall.
- Pro Tip: Invest in a small wallpaper smoothing tool or use a credit card to work out any air bubbles as you apply it. If you make a mistake, you can gently peel it back and reposition it.
11. Create a Functional and Stylish Entryway
The entryway is your home's first impression. It sets the tone for the rest of your space, but it often becomes a chaotic dumping ground for keys, mail, and shoes. Spend this weekend carving out a dedicated, stylish "drop zone" that is both beautiful and highly functional.
Even if you don't have a formal foyer, you can create one. All you need is a slim console table or a floating shelf, a mirror to bounce light around and for last-minute checks, a small lamp for a warm glow, and a stylish bowl or tray to corral keys and mail. A beautiful runner can help define the space.
- Pro Tip: Add a hook or two for guest coats or your everyday bag. If you have the space, a small bench with storage underneath is a perfect spot to sit and take off shoes, keeping them neatly tucked away.
12. Give an Old Piece of Furniture a New Life
That dated wooden dresser or tired-looking side table sitting in the corner has so much potential. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most satisfying DIY projects and can completely transform an old piece of furniture into a custom, high-end-looking statement.
Chalk paint is a popular choice as it often requires minimal sanding or priming. Choose a colour that will pop—a vibrant jewel tone or a classic navy blue. Don't forget to update the hardware (see tip #8!) for the finishing touch. This is your chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly suits your style.
- Pro Tip: For a super smooth, professional-looking finish, use a small foam roller instead of a brush for the flat surfaces. Finish with a coat of clear wax or polycrylic to protect your work.
13. Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a perfect blend of form and function. They offer a sleek, minimalist way to add storage and display space without the visual bulk of a traditional bookshelf. They work wonders in almost any room of the house.
Install a few above the toilet in a bathroom for towels and toiletries. Add a long shelf in the kitchen for everyday dishes or your favourite cookbooks. In the living room, use them to create a display for art, plants, and travel souvenirs above your sofa.
- Pro Tip: When styling floating shelves, think in layers. Place taller items in the back and shorter ones in the front. Lean a small piece of art against the wall and place an object in front of it to create depth.
14. Style a Vignette on a Console or Coffee Table
A "vignette" is simply a small, curated grouping of decorative objects that tells a story. Styling a beautiful vignette on your coffee table, console, or mantelpiece is a quick way to add a layer of polish and personality to your room.
The key to a great vignette is varying height, texture, and shape. Start with an anchor piece, like a stack of beautiful coffee table books or a tray. Add something with height, like a vase with fresh flowers or a tall candle holder. Then, add a sculptural object with an interesting shape. Finally, include something personal or organic, like a small plant or a treasured keepsake.
- Pro Tip: The "visual triangle" is a classic styling trick. Arrange your three main objects in a triangular shape to guide the eye through the display and create a sense of balance.
15. The Power of a Deep Clean and Declutter
This might not be the most glamorous tip, but it is undeniably the most impactful. Clutter is the enemy of good design. It creates visual noise, makes spaces feel smaller, and drains your energy. Dedicating a weekend to a thorough declutter and deep clean is the ultimate reset for your home.
Go through your space room by room and be ruthless. Get rid of anything you don't use, need, or love. Once the clutter is gone, give everything a deep clean—wash the windows, wipe down the baseboards, dust the light fixtures. Your home will instantly feel brighter, larger, and more serene. As the celebrated designer Goh Ling Yong might say, a clean slate is the best foundation for any beautiful design.
- Pro Tip: Use the "four-box method." As you tackle a room, have four boxes ready: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Relocate. This forces you to make a decision about every single item, making the process much more efficient.
There you have it—15 simple yet powerful ways to completely refresh your home in a single weekend. Transforming your space doesn't have to be an intimidating, long-term project. By focusing on these high-impact updates, you can make meaningful changes that you'll enjoy for months and years to come.
So, which project are you going to tackle first? We’d love to see your weekend home transformations! Share your before-and-after photos in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy decorating
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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