Whew! You’re finally in your new home. After the stress of securing a mortgage, managing the move, and getting yourself settled into a new place, it’s time to make it pretty! Then again, most of your money might be going to that mortgage, so here are some tips for decorating on a budget.
Prioritize Your Home Decor
You’ve got an entire house to decorate now, and that can be a little overwhelming. It helps to come up with a plan of attack, and that should involve making something a priority over others. Considering you’ve got budgetary restrictions in play, it should be easy to decide what you can afford to decorate now, and what will have to wait.
You don’t need to do everything at once! Tackle it piece by piece, starting with the rooms you know you’ll use the most. Additionally, know that a new couch or window treatment will set you back a lot more than a new light fixture in the kitchen, or a nice picture for the ensuite. Spread out those high-priced items a bit, and accept some more cost effective alternatives.
Facebook? Yes, Facebook!
The Facebook Marketplace is the go-to for a lot of folks looking for secondhand items. In fact, you might be lucky enough to be in the range of a new online movement called Buy Nothing. These Facebook groups are popping up all over the place, as a means for neighbours to give, lend, or receive items with absolutely no cost associated with them!
These groups allow members to post stuff they want to get rid of or items they would like to get. The first rule of these groups is each item must be totally free with no expectations. These groups are also a means of finding gently used items a home without dumping it off at already overwhelmed donation centres.
Shop at Home
No, we don’t mean you should shop online from the comfort of your new home. Sometimes you don’t have to buy anything new to decorate a space. You might already own something that will suit your needs perfectly. Move items around and repurpose your stuff. Sometimes moving something into a new room can change or elevate the look of the whole space.
Additionally, it can’t hurt to take the time to get rid of unsightly items. Dated, worn, or damaged furniture could actually be holding back your fresh new look. Kick them to the curb if you didn’t do so before the big move.
Cut Costs, Not Corners
You remember that expensive new couch you put off buying in favour of a kitchen light fixture? Rather than buying a whole new sofa, purchase a simple slipcover at a fraction of the cost, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new look! Furthermore, take the time to find a flea market in your brand-new neighbourhood. Perhaps you’ll find some great deals on unique pieces of furniture you wouldn’t find elsewhere. The same goes for garage sales, antique stores, and estate sales.
Start cheap. You can always replace items once your budget allows.
Decorating on a Budget? Paint!
This should be a no-brainer. A coat or two of paint can completely transform a room, and that piece of furniture, for a minimal cost. It’s also a great way to infuse your own style into your new space.
Gut Instinct
Finally, the best piece of advice on decorating on a budget is to listen to your gut. This is your home. You’re the only one who gets to decide what it looks like. But remember, it is an investment. Don’t buy something just because you think you should, or worse yet, to impress someone else. Ensure you’re taking the right steps for you and your space, and you can’t go wrong!
Can’t wait to decorate but haven’t been able to find the right mortgage? That’s where Solid Ground can help.
