We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlyn Morr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you think about spending on the little things / small joys when finances are tight?

Six Ways Homeowners Can Update Their Homes in Lean Times?

In times of financial constraint, homeowners may feel that updating or modernizing their homes is an unattainable goal. However, there are numerous ways to refresh and enhance a home without breaking the bank. Interior design and decorating can be both creative and cost-effective, requiring only a bit of your time, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. Below is a list of inexpensive methods homeowners can utilize to update their homes in lean times and are ones I’ve used both recently with clients or even in my own home.

1. Rearrange Furniture

One of the simplest ways to update a room is by rearranging existing furniture. A change in layout can make a room feel fresh and new without spending a dime. Experiment with different configurations to see how the flow and functionality of a space can be improved. Additionally, rearranging items such as lamps, artwork, and throw pillows can create a whole new atmosphere in a room.

2. DIY Painting and Accent Walls

One of the most cost-effective ways to transform a space is with a fresh coat of paint. Paint is an inexpensive way to modernize a home, and even minor changes can make a significant impact. For example, painting interior doors in a deep, saturated color is a current trend that has staying power. Painting interior doors dark, like black, can be a good interior design choice as it adds sophistication, creates visual depth, and can make a room feel more cohesive, especially when paired with light walls or other dark accents.
Another consideration is creating an accent wall with wallpaper. Wallpaper has made a huge comeback and its manufacturers have improved the adhesive technology. It’s no longer like the old stuff that will rip off your drywall when you remove it. You can choose from peel-and-stick or pasted. There are so many beautiful wallpaper patterns available, and selecting either a neutral or bold pattern can completely alter the mood of a room. If you’re unsure about the color choices, neutral tones like beige, soft gray, or muted shades can offer a timeless and elegant backdrop for other design elements.

3. Incorporating Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Inexpensive fabric updates can have a profound effect on a room. Changing out throw pillows, curtains, and rugs can update a room with texture and color. For example, replacing heavy drapes with lighter, more modern fabric can instantly give a room an updated, airy feel. If you have a basic couch, swapping out throw pillow covers or adding a cozy blanket in a contrasting color can make a big difference. Rugs, which are relatively inexpensive compared to other furniture, can anchor a space and add a pop of pattern or color. Look for sales or shop second-hand on Facebook Marketplace to find affordable deals.

4. Lighting Makeovers

Lighting is a key element in interior design, and often, simply changing or updating light fixtures can create a significant transformation. Consider replacing outdated light fixtures with more modern, budget-friendly options. Swap outdated ceiling fans for sleek, minimalist fixtures. Table lamps with updated shades, or even new lightbulbs (e.g., LED or smart bulbs), can enhance the ambiance of any room. Even small string lights or fairy lights can be incorporated into various design schemes to add a touch of warmth and charm.

5. Update Kitchen Hardware

One of the most cost-effective ways to modernize your kitchen is by replacing the hardware. Cabinet knobs and pull handles are relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic of the space. Rather than replacing entire cabinets, simply swapping out old hardware for sleek, modern pulls can create a fresh look. Additionally, changing the metal patina of these pieces can elevate the space. The product Rub n Buff has become very popular recently as it can quickly and easily change an outdated brass to a more contemporary patina, bringing a sophisticated feel to your hardware. The beauty of updating hardware is that it’s a small change that has a significant visual impact, and these updates are easily reversible if you want to switch styles in the future and keep up with trends.

6. Incorporating Greenery and Plants

Adding plants to your home is one of the most affordable ways to breathe life into a room. Plants are inexpensive, easy to care for (ehhh…some can be persnickety), and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether it’s a large indoor plant for a corner or small potted succulents on a windowsill, greenery adds a natural element to the interior design. Houseplants can also improve air quality and promote a calming atmosphere, which is an added benefit to creating a more enjoyable living space.

Updating your home in lean times is not only possible, but can be incredibly rewarding. The key is to focus on making small, thoughtful changes that will have the most impact on the aesthetic and functionality of your living space. With a little imagination, it’s easy to transform your home into a stylish and comfortable haven, even on a tight budget. I encourage you to give it a shot…it will revitalize your space and create a fresh, modern look, and will enhance the overall ambiance, leading to a more enjoyable and comfortable environment for you and your family.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kaitlyn Morr, and I am the owner of Decor by Morr, an interior design firm located in Northeast Ohio. Decor by Morr was established in the summer of 2020 after the Covid pandemic hit, when my life as a mom of three went from a non-stop daily adventure to a much less chaotic standstill. I was craving a creative outlet to fill up my newfound free time, and decided on a whim to create an Instagram account that showcased the interior design projects I completed in my home during the shelter-in-place. I had no idea that a few instagram posts would turn me into a small business owner.

Owning a small interior design business in Ohio for the past four years has been a rollercoaster ride —challenging, stressful, and often intimidating. There are moments when the weight of managing every aspect of the business feels overwhelming, from juggling client expectations to handling the logistics of running a company. But despite the ups and downs, there’s an undeniable sense of pride in creating beautiful spaces and building relationships with clients who trust me with their visions. The rewards of seeing a project come to life, watching my business grow, and knowing that I’ve built something from the ground up make every late night and obstacle worth it.

As a mom, I want my children to believe in themselves and have the courage to chase their dreams. I want them to embrace their authentic selves and understand that pursuing something that truly lights up their heart and soul is far more valuable than settling for a job that simply pays the bills and doesn’t bring them joy or fulfillment.

What sets me apart from other interior designers is that I pour my heart into every project, treating each one with the same care and attention I would give to renovating my own home. I make sure my clients feel truly involved in the process, knowing that their vision is just as important to me as it is to them. By the end of a project, I often miss my clients because, through our collaboration, we’ve built a partnership that feels more like family.

What I’m most proud of as an interior designer is the number of repeat clients I’ve had. They’ve enjoyed the room makeovers and the entire journey so much that when their budget allows for another renovation, they think of me and reach out for the next project. It feels like returning home in a way, reconnecting with people who trust me to bring their vision to life once again.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

As mentioned before, Decor by Morr turned into a small business after sharing on Instagram some DIY projects that I had completed in my home during the pandemic. Shortly after creating my Instagram account, I began getting DM’s asking for consultations and quotes for my services. One job led to the next, and with each new client gained, a slew of others would follow via word of mouth. At the very beginning Decor by Morr was just a side-hustle to my 9-5 remote sales job. After a year and half, it became abundantly clear that Decor by Morr had grown into a full time business and I left the industrial sales company I had been with for 15 years.

I’ve never looked back after leaving my corporate job. Owning Decor by Morr has given me the freedom to set my own schedule, ensuring I never miss a moment in my kids’ lives. I can attend every school event, game, and doctor’s appointment without having to use my precious PTO. That flexibility has been one of the greatest blessings, and I’m so grateful for it. As a new mom, so many people warned me not to blink, because your time with your kids goes by so fast, and it’s absolutely true. I’m beyond thankful to be present as they explore their lives, hobbies, and sports. I get a front row seat and I love watching them bloom.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what has helped build my reputation as an interior designer is my ability to truly connect with my clients and make them feel seen. I take the time to understand how they want to feel in the spaces I design for them and then bring that vision to life. I always tell people that a cluttered, dysfunctional, and aesthetically unpleasing room can contribute to a restless mind. But a well-designed, cozy, functional, and beautiful room feeds the soul, providing a sense of calm, peace, and happiness. It becomes a sanctuary from the outside world, a place where you can come home, feel settled, relaxed, and recharged to face whatever the next day brings. That’s what I strive to create for my clients—the purpose behind what I do—and I feel so blessed to be able to offer that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://decorbymorr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decorbymorr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decorbymorr/

Image Credits

Personal picture of me was taken by Kelly Bossell Photography. All photos of the rooms I’ve created are my own.