Interior design doesn't have to be expensive. New homeowners can often feel overwhelmed by the idea of decorating a new place, especially after shelling out the down payment on their new digs, but you can create a high-end feel in your home without a high price tag. Our real estate agents are here to show you the way with these simple design hacks for budget-friendly interior design and decor.
Choose Your Color Palette First
Deciding on your preferred color palette before you start buying decor will give you a solid foundation for a more cohesive look. Choose colors you like and won't get tired of.
If you already have a few pieces of furniture and decor you want to keep, you can use them as part of the basis for your overall color scheme. Take a favorite painting, for example, and use it as the basis for choosing the rest of your colors. You can also start by picking out a paint color for the walls — a fresh coat of paint is a great way to transform a space and will give you guidelines for the rest of your design without spending a lot of money.
Get Thrifty
If you believe that they don't make them like they used to, then you'll be thrilled with some of the furniture and decor you can get secondhand at budget-friendly prices. Vintage designs never go fully out of fashion, so get ready to bargain-hunt.
Thrift stores are obvious places to start, but they're not the only places to find gently-used decor. Keep an eye out for vintage markets, yard sales and estate sales for a chance to pounce on thrifty treasures.
Invest in Greenery
Houseplants have a wealth of benefits, not the least of which is that they're affordable ways to bring cheerful pops of color into your home. Look for big, healthy plants that are easy to care for, and plant them in decorative pots that match your overall aesthetic.
Splurge vs. Save
If you have a bit of budget to play with, it's worthwhile to consider which items are worth splurging on and which aren't. Choosing where your money goes will allow you to make the most out of limited resources. Here's where you can splurge and save:
- Splurge on timeless and long-lasting furniture. Examples include a quality sofa and high-use case goods like cabinets, dressers and tables. You may also be able to thrift some of these items, but high-quality furniture can last decades. A good bed and bedding are also good things to invest a little extra in.
- Save on decorations and items with limited lifespans. Accents like throw pillows and rugs, curtains and drapes, hanging artwork and decorative pieces like vases and lamps are examples of items you can save on. These are all things that won't get much use and may have limited style lifespans, so you don't need to invest in top-dollar versions.
Embrace Minimalism
Minimalist design is definitely in style right now. Embracing a less-is-more aesthetic is a great way to open up your space and give your home an open, inviting feel. It's also a great way to save some money. Rather than overburdening your house with decorations, pare it down to a select few items.
Decor and furniture with clean lines and simple color schemes will fit right in with a minimalist approach to interior design. The lack of clutter tends to create focus as well, with each item being chosen for utility and purpose.
Contact us today to learn more about styling your home. If you're still on the hunt for your dream home in Chicagoland, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way.
