This post is a continuation of the series on moving and decorating and resumes from where I left off in “Pepped and Prepped Decorating”. Once you have decided on the style you want and chosen your color palette, you are ready to begin the shopping process to acquire all the things you need to make your living space feel more like home.
Whether you’re renting and it’s only temporary (sometimes temporary can end up being five years) or it is your own, you need to decorate before it truly feels like home. With so many budget-friendly home décor stores and DIY ideas online, decorating stylishly doesn’t have to deplete all your cash reserves. So say goodbye to your ripped lampshades, mismatched sheets, and Klimt posters from college. Here are some affordable decorating tips to get you started.
1. Paint an accent wall
This will add a bit of color for a very low cost in both dollars and labor time. Pick a color that isn’t too dark, but also isn’t too trendy. You want the color to be in style five to 10 years from now.
2. Wall décor
Don’t leave your walls a blank canvas. You can pick up cheap frames at Michaels or any dollar store, just make sure what you put in them is adds a pop of color and complements the overall decor, but most importantly reflects your style and personality. It can be photos you took and enlarged, your own artwork, or you can pick out great pieces at Minted.com. They have a huge variety in every color palette imaginable at great prices.
3. Curtains
Curtains can create separation between you and the outside world. With that said, you don’t necessarily want it to be a heavy fabric or a dark color because that will keep the natural light from coming in. So you want to go with a mid-weight fabric that gives you some privacy but can easily be tied to the sides during the day to let the sun shine in. Places like Ikea can offer some less expensive choices.
4. Good lighting
You can’t always depend on natural light to get you through the day. Cloudy days and nighttime require assistance with making your space bright and inviting. Lighting options are truly endless from stand up lights to table lamps, from sconces to recessed lighting you can’t go wrong unless you don’t have adequate light.
5. Bedding
Comfort is something that goes hand in hand with a place you call home. Your bedroom should be your oasis and to achieve that type of setting and level of relaxation you really need good bedding. We're not talking 20,000 thread count sheets, but nice fresh sheets that can stand up to weekly washes and maintain their softness against your skin. Choose at least 250-thread count sheets in cotton. Home sections of stores like H&M, TJ Maxx, and Zara, offer great deals on sheet sets or separates so you can mix and match.
6. Furniture
The upfront cost of furniture might set you back, but you should consider these as further investing in your home. Also, you don’t have to buy everything all at once, buy as you go along and feel out your space to understand what you truly need. To ensure what you buy outlasts normal wear and tear and trends, look for more traditional pieces that will transcend fads, are well constructed, and perhaps can function for multiple purposes. Consider buying a vanity that doubles for both your make-up sessions and as your nightstand. Buy a great reading chair that is also ergonomic and can support your back for hours when you’re working at your desk. Or maybe get a modern sofa that doubles as a flip down bed for when guests come for a visit.
7. Organizational tools
In case you didn’t get a chance to purge your wardrobe, shoes, office paperwork, or make-up / skin care products during the packing phase, the unpacking stage can still create a great opportunity to eliminate unwanted or no longer used items – basically clutter. Only once you’ve pared down items in each of these categories will you know exactly what you need in terms of storage solutions. Invest in good hangers and protect your valuable and cherished items by keeping them covered and protected in boxes or garment bags. Head to stores like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, The Container Store, or Poppin for great storage options. Make sure to create a dedicated place for everything for easy straightening up so the need to declutter at the end of the week will be a thing of the past.
Decor Ideas For Turning Any Living Space into Your Own
((Verdant print 14" x 11" – Minted $42 -- – Ikea $39.99 -- – Neena’s $135 – The Company Store $88 -- Vanity Desk – Wayfair $210.99 -- Cabinet – Poppin $229))
Decorating doesn’t have to break the bank, but you should invest in a few great pieces of furniture and then accessorize with more budget-friendly yet stylish accents that makes each room feel more cohesive. With these simple tips you can easily turn your living space into a welcoming home but most importantly make your living space feel like you belong there.
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