How to Decorate Your New Home on a Budget

Simple and Inexpensive Decorating Ideas to Make Your New House Feel Like Home

When the stress of a move is finally over, the exciting part of settling into a new home begins. Putting your own stamp on a new residence is an essential part of creating a comfortable home life. While it is tempting to hire an interior decorator and purchase new furniture, you do not need to make a big investment to decorate your home. Our relocation specialists have seen quite a few homes transform into something special even on a budget. Here are a few strategies that prove you do not need to spend a lot to decorate your new home to reflect your personality.

Paint

The easiest and least expensive way to transform a room is using paint. Now that you are not trying to attract buyers and only have yourself to please, you can select any color that speaks to you. If you are afraid to go bold, you can always paint one statement wall. If you are attracted to the look of wallpaper, but not the cost, stencils are a great way to achieve the same effect. Walls are not the only thing you can paint to change a room. Painted trim, doors, cabinets, or furniture can also completely alter an environment.

Go Thrifting

Secondhand furniture is everywhere and thrift stores are more popular now than ever before. Not only do you save money by purchasing used goods, but you also help the environment. The quality of older furniture is often far superior to newer items. Thrift stores as well as garage sales and online auctions are thriving businesses. You are guaranteed to find something for half the price if you bought it brand new. Quality furniture, appliances, dishes, artwork, tools, and more can be gained for a fraction of the cost of new items.

Update Hardware and Trim

Replacing kitchen cabinets is a huge expense. Sometimes all it takes to update the look of your cabinets is new hardware. Modern pulls and knobs make a world of difference in rejuvenating a kitchen. This holds true for other cabinets and furniture you own. You can purchase inexpensive decorative knobs online or in a variety of retail stores and completely transform a piece for next to nothing. Additionally, decorative switch plates, doorknobs, and even door stops are affordable ways to add character and detail to an otherwise generic room. Trim is also a cheap way to elevate the look of a room from ordinary to upscale. Crown molding and high baseboards will instantly create a unique look in any home.

Accessorize

When you move into your new home, you are starting with a clean palette. Now is the time to add pops of color through accessories. Funky pillows, colorful throws, unique lamps, and lively houseplants will add comfort and style to any room. Bold prints for artwork as well as personal work made by family members seems museum quality when put in sleek or chunky frames with artwork. Many of these items, including the frames, can be found at thrift stores for very little expense.

Repurpose Items

Do not be afraid to think out of the box to add an individual touch to your home aesthetic. Take a good look at the items you already own and imagine using them in a different room or for an unexpected purpose. A mirrored dresser, for example, could make an eye-catching sideboard in your dining room. An old ladder with a bright, new coat of paint could become a plant stand. A large, round table could become a statement coffee table by shortening the legs. When you have resources such as HGTV, Google and Pinterest, you can let your imagination run wild.

These are just a few ideas our team of relocation specialists have encountered through their years of helping clients settle into new locations. You do not have to break the bank to add some style and finesse to your home. The most important thing to remember when decorating on a budget is to fill your home with items that make you smile.