So you've finally moved in to your own place. Whether you have just graduated University or have finally saved enough to move out of your parents place and rent your own apartment, that exciting feeling of having your own space is quite remarkable. But what do you do once you've moved in? I mean, you may have saved enough for first and last months rent, but what about furnishing and decorating that space to make it your own? Chances are you are on a tight budget, so we are here to help. Below are some great tips on decorating on a budget that will make you feel at home in no time.
1. Mix and Match
One of the first things to remember when decorating on a budget is that not everything has to match. Take your bed for example. Buying a matching bedding set can be quite expensive. So keep your eye out for sales on sheets, duvet covers and shams. They don't have to match. In fact, you will add a lot of style to your space with different patterns and colours. As well, when choosing a table and chair set look for different styles of chairs that will help the room pop.
2. Vintage
One of the best ways to get a unique look on a budget is to shop vintage. You are sure to find lots of quirky items that will add to the character of your apartment. You can also paint old, funky yard sale finds with high-gloss paint for a thrifty chic look. And don't forget to use your imagination. When you see something you like, such as an old vintage suitcase, consider ways you can use it throughout your new place. In this case, suitcases can be stacked and used as a side table.
3. Bathroom
A great way to personalize your bathroom is to stay away from the bathroom section of your local store. Instead, look around your apartment for items that you can repurpose as bathroom accessories. Glass jelly jars, teacups and dessert plates all make beautiful containers for toiletries or for rolled up towels for your guests. You can purchase several mismatched mirrors on sale and display them on a blank wall in your bathroom for a unique, cool look.
4. Artwork
I know you have several photos sitting on your digital camera or phone that aren't being used to their potential. Print them off and hang them throughout your home for one-of-a-kind artwork. It's a cheap and personal way to make your apartment feel warm and inviting.
Apartmentapothecary
5. Keep it White
Nothing says neat and tidy like the colour white. So if you are buying lamps and storage boxes, consider making them white. Pops of color can be added to a room with your artwork and other smaller accessories.
Nordicdays.blogspot
6. Space-Saving Tricks
There are lots of Websites that will help you learn how to save space in a tiny apartment. Upholstered cube stools, for instance, are great because you can use them for multiple purposes, such as a coffee table, extra seating or a footstool. You can also hang your television on the wall to free up space for a desk. Consider hanging wall art around your TV to help it blend in to the room.
7. Carpet
If you have ugly carpet in your apartment but can't afford to switch it up, try getting a cool area rug to sit on top of it. A solid natural-fibre rug or a crisp geometric print are great choices to add spark to a room. With a rug that is fun and unique you likely won't even notice the carpet when you walk into the room.
8. Treat
When you are decorating on a budget it shouldn't mean not treating yourself to something new that will make you feel good. And it doesn't have to be big. Treat yourself to something small, such as new coffee mugs or bath towels – something that you love and that will make you smile every time you use it. You just got your own place, you're allowed to indulge a little.
9. Where to Shop
When you are looking to buy new things for your apartment you may be afraid to look at pricey department stores. But sometimes, these may be the best places to go - as long as you shop in the sales section. Anthropolgie, for example, sometimes has items such as bowls, glassware and towels on sale for under ten dollars.
10. Houseplants
One of the best things you can invest in for your new apartment is a plant. Fresh, green houseplants do wonders for making a place feel like home. So if a room in your new apartment feels a little cold and boring, try adding a green plant or a potted orchid and watch the room instantly transform.
