Ashleigh McCurdy Shares How to Transform Your Home on a Budget
On this week’s episode of Almost The Weekend, interior designer Ashleigh McCurdy sat down with hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II to share her expertise on creating beautiful spaces without spending a fortune. Known for her ability to transform rooms with simple, renter-friendly updates, McCurdy reminded viewers that your space should always reflect who you are.
“I grew up having to make myself comfortable wherever I was,” McCurdy explained, recalling how she would rearrange furniture as a child until a room felt right. “Your space is your sanctuary, and it should uniquely fit you.”
When it comes to affordable transformations, McCurdy highlighted paint as one of the easiest fixes. “Paint is the most cost-effective way to transform a space,” she said. “You can get a gallon for $25, and it instantly changes the room.” She also encouraged people to consider renter-friendly wallpaper, plants, and mirrors to make small spaces feel fresh and expansive.
Greenery, she noted, not only adds warmth but also improves the environment inside a home. “Plants give a room freshness, but they also help with your air quality,” she shared. “Even something simple like picking a leaf outside and placing it in a vase can elevate your space.”
Texture and layering are also key design elements. McCurdy recommended throw pillows, rugs, and drapes as easy ways to add depth and coziness. “People underestimate the difference drapes can make,” she said. “It instantly makes your room look twenty times better just by adding window treatments.”
Lighting, too, can dramatically shift a room’s feel. “You don’t have to stick with the ‘boob light,’ as we call it,” McCurdy laughed. “There are so many renter-friendly options now. Even just switching to soft white bulbs can create a serene, spa-like atmosphere.”
For those working with a tight budget, McCurdy pointed to Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Facebook Marketplace as treasure troves for affordable finds. “Sometimes you can get West Elm or RH pieces for $25 if you don’t mind a little DIY,” she said. And for anyone hesitant about getting started, her advice was simple: don’t overthink it. “Your space is your space. Make it yours.”
With her mix of practical tips and personal wisdom, Ashleigh McCurdy showed us that home design doesn’t have to be expensive — it just has to be intentional.
To learn more and work with Ashleigh visit amccurdydesignfirm.com
Photos by Susan Fried on behalf of Converge Media.
See new episodes of Almost The Weekend every Thursday at 9pm on Converge Media
