Design On A Dime Decor Hacks From Old HGTV Episodes That Stand The Test Of Time

While "Design on a Dime" may no longer be airing, its 31 seasons of savvy, budget-friendly design hacks still offer timeless tricks for making any space look stylish without breaking the bank. HGTV must be feeling the nostalgia, as they've recently posted some full episodes of this fan-favorite on their YouTube channel, bringing the best of this classic back for a new audience. It's a goldmine of inspiration filled with clever ideas that are worth checking out. They just posted Season 30, Episode 1 of "Design on a Dime," where Casey Noble gives a Los Angeles couple a home makeover with a tight budget of only $2,500.

This particular makeover comes with lots of inspiring ideas — but their hacks for creating a DIY rug using carpet squares and restoring thrifted chairs with new slipcovers stand out. Watching old episodes, it's clear that many of their design tricks still hold up, proving the show's staying power when it comes to affordable decor. For anyone considering how to decorate your home on a budget, this HGTV classic is a go-to source worth revisiting.

Crafting a custom rug with carpet squares is a simple, stylish hack that's as relevant today as it was back on "Design on a Dime." You may have heard of the budget-friendly design trick that creates one big area rug for less by joining two rugs, but this show took things up a notch by using carpet squares for a fully customizable look. In the episode, designer Casey Noble explains how easy it is to accomplish this DIY, saying (via YouTube), "My assistant Daphne and I are creating our own custom design using coordinating styles. Double-sided sticky tabs secure the squares together, and best of all, install goes like clockwork."

This hack lets you mix and match colors, patterns, and textures for a totally unique look that's tailor-made for your space. The individual squares allow you to create a rug as large or small as you need, and the double-sided tabs keep everything securely in place without expensive backing or padding. Not only does it stand the test of time, but it also makes it easy to replace a single square if it gets stained or damaged. It's a smart, affordable approach to custom flooring that proves great design doesn't have to break the bank.

Slipcovers are a brilliant way to refresh secondhand furniture, and on "Design on a Dime," they prove to be a budget-friendly essential for any living room makeover. As one of the must-haves for updating your living room, slipcovers transform worn-out chairs into polished pieces that fit effortlessly with your style. In this episode, the team found two secondhand chairs for just $150, and with a little creativity, turned them into a chic focal point for the space. Casey Noble explained to viewers (via HGTV on Youtube), "If you're lucky enough to come across secondhand chairs like these — remember, slipcovers can be your best friend."

The process is as simple as choosing a fabric that complements your decor and either sewing or finding ready-made slipcovers that fit snugly over the chairs. Slipcovers hide stains, scratches, and outdated upholstery while giving you the flexibility to update the look whenever you please. Plus, they're easy to clean and replace, so you can keep your space fresh without committing to a new set of furniture. This hack stands the test of time by keeping things affordable, stylish, and easily adaptable — making it a perfect solution for giving old chairs a new lease on life.