An effective budget-friendly living room idea is anchoring the space with a single secondhand antique like a chest or coffee table. Pair it with fabric-dressed accessories, such as pillows or wrapped mirror frames, in your tight color palette. Use one gallon of accent paint on a wall or laundry area for impact. These simple moves instantly add warmth, character, and cohesion while saving money. Repeating color accents in adjoining rooms enhances flow and style.