Her Honest Space

Practical ways to refresh your home without breaking the bank — from planning to styling, made especially for mums.

Because creating a functional home shouldn’t cost your peace of mind.

Before having a child, I was a little naïve.

I thought:

• “I won’t have to change any furnishings, décor or layout for a baby.”
• “Having a baby will allow me plenty of time to update my space if needed — I’ll have so much free time.”
• “It’ll be easy to decorate after work, cleaning, feeding… I’ll just squeeze it in!”

Yeah… I was wrong.

Updating your space is much easier said than done when you’re a mum. Our days are already full — emotionally, mentally, physically. Decorating becomes the last thing we think about, yet strangely it’s also one of the most helpful tools we have. A space that’s designed to support your daily routines and energy can actually lighten the load.

I’m not here to tell you to throw out your furniture and redesign your life. I’m here to gently offer tips that are achievable, thoughtful, and budget-friendly — because your home should work for you, not become another stressor.

Step One: Think, Assess, and Plan

Start here. Not with paint samples. Not with a Pinterest board.

Start by asking:

• Which room needs attention most? Pick one. Don’t try to overhaul the entire house — you’ll burn out.
• How do we actually use this space? Is it for meals, naps, play, work, hiding with snacks behind the pantry door?
• What needs to be here for it to work better? Think function: more storage, better lighting, softer floor rugs, safer layout?
• What would I like here for joy and warmth? Think comfort: plants, artwork, candles, open shelves with favourite books.
• What can I realistically budget? Set your number and stick to it. Always allow breathing room for surprises.

Small Changes, Big Impact

You don’t need a full renovation to feel a difference. Try these mum-tested ideas:

• Storage baskets or toy boxes: Affordable and tidy in minutes.
• Rearrange furniture to improve movement (especially with babies crawling).
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals: High impact, low effort, easy to change.
• Soft lighting: A floor lamp or dimmable bulb can completely shift the mood.
• Repurpose what you have: An unused console can become a change table or art station.
• Facebook Marketplace, IKEA, Kmart: Goldmines for budget-friendly finds.

Even small wins matter — a basket here, a lamp there — it all adds up to more ease.

Let Go Of Perfection

The Instagram-perfect living room with no toys in sight? Likely staged. The spotless kitchen in a reel? Clean for 5 minutes — until the toddler snacks strike again.

Your home isn’t a showroom. It’s a lived-in, love-soaked place full of memories, messes, and moments. Don’t let social media rob you of the beauty that already exists in your space.

Let the fingerprints on the mirror stay a little longer. Let the couch have its mismatched cushions. Let your home reflect your real life — not a filtered version of it.

Make It Yours

Your home doesn’t have to look a certain way — it just has to feel like yours. Comfortable. Calming. Thoughtful. A space that holds you on the hard days and celebrates you on the better ones.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s peace.

My 3 S’s for Budget-Friendly Interiors

(Mum-friendly ways to style your home you’ll actually have time — and budget — for)

As mums, we want a home that feels good to be in, but we’re also juggling budgets, sticky fingers, and the reality that things need to work. Over the years, I’ve found these 3 S’s keep my interiors looking fresh without draining our savings or my energy

🏷️ Simplify

The secret to saving money is often starts before you even buy a thing.

• Plan first – Measure your space, create a mood board, and make a list before you shop so you’re not tempted by “bargains” that don’t actually fit.
• Mix your shopping sources – Combine clearance sales, Facebook Marketplace finds, op shops, and swaps with friends.
• Shop at the right time – Look for end-of-season clearances, store changeovers, and major sales (EOFY, Black Friday, Boxing Day).
• Ask for a discount – If something’s ex-display or has a tiny flaw, many stores will reduce the price — it never hurts to ask.

🪑Style Smart

Sometimes the best way to refresh a space is to shop your own home.

• Rearrange furniture to change the flow and feel of a room instantly.
• Move décor between rooms – a lamp from your bedroom might be perfect in the lounge.
• DIY updates – Paint tired furniture, change knobs, add slipcovers, or swap cushion covers.
• Layer textiles – Throws, rugs, and curtains can change the mood without buying new furniture.

💰Save Creatively

Saving doesn’t mean skimping on everything, it’s about knowing where to invest.

• Invest in hardworking pieces – Think sofa, dining table, or a good mattress that will last through years of family life.
• Save on trend items – Go budget-friendly on cushions, vases, or seasonal décor so you can switch them out guilt-free.
• Think longevity – Choose finishes that are durable, wipeable, and low-maintenance (because toddlers, pets, and spills happen).
• Avoid buying twice – Take your time to get the right piece so you’re not replacing it in a year.

💡 Tip: You don’t need to overhaul your whole home in one go. Tackle one room at a time and use the 3 S’s to guide each decision, it makes the process far less overwhelming and far more budget-friendly.

A Gentle Nudge to Begin

If you’ve been putting off updating a space because you’re too tired, too stretched, or worried you won’t “do it right,” here’s your gentle reminder:

Start small. Start slow. Start with what matters most to you.

You deserve a space that feels like a soft place to land even in the middle of life’s chaos.

Which room would you love to shift first? Share in the comments or send me a message — I’d love to cheer you on. 🌿