When you move into a new apartment, you want to make it your own and reflect your style. Having a nest to build can be lots of fun, allowing you to explore your creativity. However, it can feel frustrating if you only have a limited budget for home decor. You may not be able to buy all the stylish furnishings and luxurious decor, limiting your creative choices.
Nonetheless, your apartment rentals can still look amazing! There are ways to turn your apartment into an excellent flat without breaking the bank. Let’s go over some trendy designer tips that will help you decorate an apartment affordably.
Hit the Thrift Stores
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because someone else grew tired of a piece of furniture, it doesn’t mean it can’t work for you. Go on a thrifty shopping spree at those used stores and find stuff to get you started.
New doesn’t necessarily mean better, and some older items have been built sturdy enough to last a lifetime. Look for things you need and be picky. Just because you are buying on the cheap doesn’t mean you buy the first thing you see. These stores get new items all the time, so make the rounds and revisit in a week or so.
Put Up Your Artwork
Bare walls are boring. If you can’t afford to buy a known artist, then pick up a paintbrush and make your own Picasso. Play to your artistic strengths. If you can draw or paint, buy some cheap supplies and get going. If you can sculpt, then do that.
For those of you in a school band, you may still have your trumpet kicking around. Use that as an art exhibit in the corner or mount it on the wall. Having your own talents displayed will get people talking because you decorated your place with the ultimate personal touch.
Make Small, Striking Changes
There are several ways to upscale your place by changing out little details that matter. Instead of buying a new lamp, buy a new, colourful shade to make it pop. Switch out the knobs on the kitchen cabinets for a new look and feel. Even your dresser and side tables can become trendy with new knob hardware.
This is an inexpensive way of modernizing your old stuff fast. If you want to upgrade your ceiling lighting, just change out the fixtures. It will cast light in new directions and make your place look grand.
Add Pillows and Rugs
Another great idea to bring in colour and texture is to add some pillows for the couch. You can even get a few oversized ones for the floor. Make sure they add contrast so that people notice them.
An affordable rug in the living room makes your apartment more upscale without the upscale price tag. Add a smaller rug in your room as well. Rugs are warm and inviting. Plus, pillows make everything cozier!
Get Out the Paint
A new coat of paint can transform your place on a budget. Pick colours that match your theme but don’t be afraid to go bold. You can bring new life to old furniture with a fresh coat of paint. For the walls, check your rental agreement to make sure you can paint and if so, go crazy.
Look Into Fabrics
If you have an old couch or chair that you love, don’t get a new one. Recover it with discount fabric. You can bring life to kitchen chairs by reupholstering them too. Make your own blankets and cover over drab throw pillows. This is a labour of love and gets your DIY juices flowing.
Bring the Outdoors Inside
Nothing livens up a place like things that grow. Plants are beautiful and abundant, so go on a mini spending spree at the local gardening stores. They usually have a discount area with plants that need some TLC. If you have a green thumb, you can restore them to their natural beauty.
Fresh flowers are also wonderful. You don’t have to opt for the expensive florist bouquets though. Go on a wildflower hunt. Pick a variety of colourful flowers that grow along the road or in the fields around your place. You can quickly put together an amazing display to serve as a centrepiece at your table.
These are just some of the ideas you can use to decorate your apartment when funds are low. When you get into the mindset of creative spending, you will develop many other ways to make your apartment look fantastic regardless of your finances.
Take the time to work through these designer tips and transform your home starting today. When you are done, you can be proud that you did it inexpensively without looking cheap.
*Photos by Taryn Elliott
