Having a high-end looking home can be difficult, especially if you have a tight decorating budget. Fortunately, there are ways – even on a budget – that you can get the high-end look you dream of. Interior designers have shared a few secrets over the years that have given homeowners some insight on how they can make their home look elegant without breaking the bank. From adding pillows and a fresh coat of paint to window treatments and hardwood floors, these are simple solutions you need to know about.
Plan Before You Begin
While proper planning is essential for any home improvement project, its necessity increases tenfold when you’re working on a tight budget. After all, no one wants to find themselves in a situation where they’ve found the perfect couch only to discover that they don’t have enough money in their account or that the non-refundable corner cabinet they’ve ordered online won’t fit into space. Doing a little legwork beforehand will drastically cut down on the likelihood of encountering an unpleasant surprise along the way. First, find your design inspiration. Look at magazines and the internet to figure out what style you’d like to emulate in your design. Then, break the project down into its components – flooring, furniture, paint, accessories, and décor. Browse stores to get a solid idea of how much the components will cost. Be sure to take into account any associated costs like hiring handymen. Once you have a price point in mind, take a look at your finances. Be honest about how much you have available for spending. If that amount falls short of your project price point, set aside a manageable amount of money each week until you reach your goal. It may take longer than charging purchases on a credit card, but you’ll thank yourself later.
Check Out Local Art Programs
Okay, so you can’t afford an original Picasso, but you can invest in some up-and-coming talent. Try contacting your local college art program to see if there are any upcoming student art shows where you can purchase pieces inexpensively. You’ll save money and might find a beautiful piece of original art. Can’t make it to an art show? Ask a local printer to reproduce a favorite image you’ve taken on your travels (yes, even the ones on your smartphone). Or frame a beautiful scarf or piece of fabric.
Paint – Color Matters
Paint color is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions to make when decorating a room, especially when the remaining décor will be based on the color palette. However, if elegance is what you are after, there are certain colors that add instant glamour to your home. Choose one of these two color options—bold and dramatic OR soft, understated hues. These hues allow you to add instant elegance to your home. It simply depends on your color personality in terms of which option you choose. Painting interior doors black is another great idea. It automatically creates an expensive feeling, without causing much damage to your wallet. If you choose this option, however, be sure to add some black accessories to the space to tie the overall design together. If you don’t want just to simply paint your walls, ceiling or any other part of the home, choose De Wolfe 3D wall panels. Easy installation process and maintenance, will you save you lots of money and time. Plus, you get a 10-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about changing the panels for a very long time! Beautiful, practical and elegant in one product. Choose from 17 exclusive designs and decorate your home. Do you still want to paint? De Wolfe 3D wall panels can be painted in any color you want!
“Shop” Your Own Home
Sometimes you don’t have to buy anything to decorate a space. Make the most of your existing pieces. Move things around or relocate them to another room, where they could change or help elevate the look. You’d be surprised at how versatile your furniture is. If you want to transform your room without spending a cent, start by getting rid of clutter. Style your bookshelves by arranging books and integrating art, boxes, and mementos. Keep your surface areas neat and display a piece of art and some flowers.
Shop Second Hand
Finishing your own wood is nice in theory, but sometimes it’s just not feasible. You could be trying to decorate a tiny apartment where there isn’t enough space for such work or you could have a hectic schedule filled with work, family obligations, and social engagements. Whatever the case, if you need to stay on budget while buying ready-made furniture, don’t be afraid to shop second hand. Get to know your local thrift store. Figure out what days they accept new inventory and get there early to scope out every inch of the place. Shop online for auctions or freecycle ventures. Spend your weekends combing yard sales and flea markets. Ask around to see if your family and friends have anything that they’re not using. Keep an eye out for going-out-of-business sales and pay special attention to the curbs of your neighborhood on your local trash day.When shopping for second-hand items, quality is more important than style, which can always be altered. Inspect every inch of the piece for structural quality. You can always cover a sofa with a slipcover, give a rusted mirror a new coat of paint, or buy a different lamp shade to help your find fit better with your interior design.
Window Treatments – A Must-Have Accessory
It’s simple—a home without window treatments will look unfinished and cheap. Fortunately, window treatments are one of the most budget-friendly ways to add some elegance to your home, as well as much-needed privacy. When selecting window treatments you want to make smart choices. For instance, choosing unlined flimsy materials look terribly cheap, even if they are the least expensive option. It is recommended that you avoid see-through materials. This does not mean that you can’t buy off-the-rack curtains. A lot of chain stores offer lined draperies that appear elegant and expensive —even though the price is right. When it comes to window treatments stick with elegant materials such as natural silk, linen, and cotton (polyester or man-made fabrics usually look cheap). If draperies are not for you, then try woven bamboo shades or wood blinds. Just be sure to dress your windows—they ensure your home looks elegant and well-designed.