DON'T MISS A THING

Decorating your apartment can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy interior design. Figuring out your style, how you want to organize your space, and how your apartment can reflect your personality are essential to making a place feel like home. 

If you’re decorating your space on a budget, you may need to make some decisions about where to spend your money. Instead of viewing a budget as a negative, see it as an added design challenge — working within a set amount of money can be an opportunity for creativity to flourish.   

Here are five tips to get you started.   

Pinpoint your priorities

To make the most of your budget, it could be helpful to think through your priorities. What’s most important to you? What are your personal preferences? How do you want to use your space? For example, if you enjoy hosting groups of friends, you may decide that outfitting your kitchen and living room is where you want to spend most of your budget.

Additionally, consider whether you want to take your time and save up for more expensive items or be done with decorating as soon as possible.   

Decide how to spend your money 

Once you’re clear on your priorities, you could create a basic budget that reflects where you want to spend your money. For example, if investing in a big couch for your space is at the top of your list, your budget should reflect that purchase. If you don’t care as much about the quality of your rugs, look for more affordable options.   

If you’ve stretched your budget and still need to make a pricey purchase for your apartment, you might consider taking out a personal loan. A personal loan can be used for many different types of costs, including home repairs and unexpected bills. You’ll want to think through the loan terms, requirements and total costs involved and make sure they fit into your overall household budget before you sign the loan agreement.

Look for inspiration 

If you aren’t sure where to start, look for images that inspire you. Scanning Pinterest, Instagram, or Google images could help you figure out which design styles speak to you. Flipping through magazines, thinking about how your friends have decorated their spaces, and even going to a museum or art gallery can spark inspiration. Then, see if you can find low-cost alternatives to the furniture, art, or other design choices that catch your eye.   

Consider secondhand furnishings 

Shopping at thrift and consignment stores, yard sales and vintage shops can be a fun way to decorate your apartment on a budget. Exploring a variety of stores can also help you figure out your decor style. 

You could also look for deals online at big box stores and sites like Craigslist, Etsy and eBay. Most cities have online neighborhood groups that offer furniture and decor for free or at a low cost, as well. 

Get creative 

You don’t need to break the bank to decorate your place. There are a number of money-saving hacks that can make your space feel more like you. 

Reuse and repurpose what you have 

You could reuse your existing items in a new way. If you like the shape of a chair but don’t love the fabric, see if you can find an inexpensive way to recover it. Repurpose an old dresser for kitchen storage. Bring new life to a table by painting or refinishing it. Sometimes, a little creativity can make a big difference. 

Frame inexpensive art 

Art doesn’t have to be expensive. A postcard, poster, favorite photo or a special note from a friend can all be framed and displayed on your walls. You can find more affordable frames online, at art and craft supply stores and even at thrift stores. 

Add greenery 

Plants are a relatively affordable way to make a space look more inviting. If you have pets or kids, make sure to check which plants are poisonous and should be avoided. There are also a number of realistic-looking artificial plants on the market if you don’t have a green thumb.

Play with lighting

Good lighting can make a space feel cozy and calm. Even with an inexpensive lamp, the right lightbulb can make a room sing.  

Take your time

Reflecting on your priorities and deciding how to allocate your budget before you start decorating could save you money in the long run. Don’t rush to fill your space with pieces you don’t actually want or that don’t reflect your style. And don’t forget to balance buying practical items you’ll use every day with saving up for something special if and when your budget allows. 

Be intentional, stay open to new ideas as you go, and enjoy the process. 

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of houzz.com or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.

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