Design Emergency Kit: 5 Quick Fixes That Transform Any Room in Under an Hour

SJI Features

Jun 16

Written By Sarah Schwuchow

We get it — life gets busy, and sometimes your space just needs a little something to freshen up, fast. Whether you’re prepping for unexpected guests, tackling a midweek slump, or just craving a quick mood boost, these five easy design fixes will have your room looking pulled-together and polished in under an hour. No sweat, no stress — just instant impact.

1. Fluff & Rearrange Your Pillows and Throws

The simplest, most satisfying fix? Give your sofa or bed a quick makeover with a fresh pillow and throw arrangement. Swap out one or two pillows for ones with texture or a pop of color, and casually drape a cozy throw across the armrest or foot of the bed. Instant comfort and style upgrade.

Pro tip: Mix fabrics like velvet, linen, and knit for a layered, luxe look without overthinking it.

2. Clear the Clutter — But Keep the Personality

Grab a basket or tray and quickly gather any stray items — mail, magazines, remotes, random tchotchkes. Put them out of sight or neatly contained, so your surfaces instantly look cleaner and more intentional. But don’t go too minimal — leave one or two favorite things out, like a small plant, a candle, or a book you love. Personality counts!

3. Bring in a Fresh Greenery Pop

Even one fresh leaf or a small plant can breathe life into a space. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries. Grab a single stem from your yard or a grocery store bouquet, place it in a simple vase, and voilà — an instant natural mood booster.

Pro tip: A sprig of eucalyptus or fresh herbs can also add a subtle, lovely scent.

4. Change Your Lighting Game

Switch out harsh overhead lights for softer, layered lighting. Plug in a table lamp or floor lamp, add a few candles, or swap bulbs for warmer-toned ones. Lighting dramatically changes the vibe and makes your space feel cozy and welcoming.

5. Rotate or Refresh Art & Accessories

Swap out one or two pieces of artwork or decorative objects to give the room a quick refresh. Rotate a framed photo, change your coffee table books, or bring in a new decorative bowl or tray. Small tweaks here keep things feeling fresh and interesting without a full overhaul.

Bonus: Set a Timer and Make It Fun!

Give yourself just 10–15 minutes per step, play your favorite playlist, and watch how much a little focused effort can transform your space — fast.

At Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, we believe great design doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, all it takes is a few quick moves to turn your room from “meh” to magnifique — and leave you feeling inspired to keep going.

Ready for a bigger refresh or design makeover? Reach out to us anytime — we love helping you create spaces that feel effortless, layered, and totally you.