Repurpose: As you move into your new home, you definitely came from somewhere; which in most cases is a rented home. You thus had some furnishings; so as you move into your new home, be thrifty and repurpose some of your old stuff to fill the gaps. Decorate your new home bit by bit, affordably, instead of sinking yourself into unwarranted debt.
Refurbish: Simply refurbish some of your old furniture instead of getting rid of them. Bookshelves, for instance, can be sanded and painted to match the colour scheme of your new house.
Old dining chairs and sofa can be reupholstered with new fabric. This way, you save money, which you can then use to buy other accessories that will enhance your home decor.
Essentials: Don’t buy everything at once; focus on the practical pieces first. You may want all the beautiful stuff in your house, but that might not be practical. Start with what is utilised most like a bed and sofa. It could be wise if you lived in the house for at least two months before making any significant buys. The way you think you are going to use the house and how you actually use it, in most cases, are two different things.
Accents: Bold and striking throw cushions and rugs will spice up your new home. Inexpensive but eye-catching pieces of décor will set the mood of a room without breaking the bank.
Bedroom: If your budget is tight, start with the bedrooms since this is where you spend a third of your time when at home. If you have some extra money, paint the bedroom walls to complement your new bedding and get matching curtains as well. If your budget allows, buy your dream bed; one that mirrors your personality, comfortably fits in the room and would last many years.
Matching: Fight the urge to match everything. Most shops have a tendency of perpetuating the fallacy that everything must match. A room that looks like a showroom is lifeless. Ensure your room shows your personal style that you will enjoy for long. As you buy your pieces, your priority should be proportion, scale and balance of your furniture and accessories within the room.
Affordable solutions: Freshen up your old kitchen cabinets by painting and changing its handles. Something as simple as replacing the lighting in a bathroom will change the look of the room. Install dimmer switches to control light levels; this can come in handy as it can be used to create a romantic mood for bubble bath for two. You can also paint a wall, dip the legs of your mismatched chairs in paint to unify them, or paint a block of colour behind your bed to act as a faux headboard. You really don’t have to paint a whole room. One wall is enough to act as your accent wall. When bored of the colour, it will be easier to change.
Patience: A beautifully decorated home does not happen overnight. It takes a long time to style and accessorise a home to one’s satisfaction. Some of the items in well-furnished homes have personal meaning; the owner probably just stumbled on them or bought them during their travels. Style isn’t easy; enlist the help of a decorator or a stylish friend, especially if you are conscious of the budget.