How to decorate your new home on a budget
Moving into your new place can be an exciting but stressful time. For many people, it also means putting your own stamp on your abode – renovations, new furniture, unique accessories, and wall furnishings. But not everyone has the budget to invest in brand new décor straight from the pages of a magazine.
Luckily enough, as many students can attest, decorating your home on a budget is now easier than ever. And with a bit of time, patience, and creativity, your new place could soon be the envy of others. Here are some tips on how to decorate on a tight budget:
1. Shift to thrift
Yes, this one is obvious, but it works for a reason; thrift stores are your budget’s best friends. You may need to spend some time searching the aisles, and visit a few locations, but there truly are some great finds at your local thrift store. Don’t forget – one person’s thrift is another person’s treasure.
2. Love it, or list it
What works great in one space may no longer be a fit for your fantastic new home. Why not trade these items in and fund an upgrade? An online marketplace is a great way to sell (and buy) with ease. But always remember to be realistic in your expectations and safe with your transactions.
3. Make it a true family room
Enlist the kids to create some unique art and décor for your family room. For a special touch, sit down with the whole family to work on a project together – a focal piece that can have a place of pride on the wall. Who knows, you may even discover that you have the next Michelangelo on your hands!
4. Reuse and refurbish
With all of the DIY shows on TV, YouTube “how to” videos, and books offering tips of the trade, it’s not as hard as it seems to tackle some small makeovers of your own. Obviously this is within reason but, at the same time, you’d be surprised by what can be achieved just by trying. Give some old items a new lease on life with a homemade refurbish.
5. Ask around
Check with family and friends to see if anyone is getting rid of items they no longer need. This can be the perfect way to find some second-hand stuff that is still in great condition – and not have to pay a cent.
6. Give them something to talk about
Instead of going all out, invest in a statement piece in each room. Fill the rest of the space with some budget-friendly, mass-market or second-hand pieces. You’ll be surprised by how it can elevate the rest of the room. This will give you a talking piece, and you can easily complement it by playing with color, texture and size.
7. Double up
Look for items that are multi-purpose and smart in their design. Bed frames that also double as drawers, a desk that can fold out into a table for dinner parties, a bench that has storage inside – plenty of designers are creating furniture that is space and budget friendly.
8. Listen to your heart, but use your head
Don’t be afraid to save for those items that truly matter to you. If it’s not necessary, but you love it, put a bit of money aside each week and then reward yourself when the time is right. You’ve worked hard for it and have been smart in your spending – you deserve it.
