7 Home Decorating Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

It’s no secret that buying a new home costs money, and after expenses including closing costs and paying the movers, you have a nice, new home with the opportunity to decorate and make it your own. However, you might feel uneasy about spending more money after such a big purchase. Or maybe you already own a home that’s in need of a refresh, but you don’t have the funds right now. No worries! You can still transform your house into a place that truly feels like home even on a small budget. Below, we share seven simple home decorating tips that are wallet friendly.

1. Know Where to Shop

Furniture stores aren’t the only place you can find beautiful furniture. You can score amazing pieces by keeping an eye out online. Check your area’s online groups where community members give away or swap items they don’t want anymore, including home decor. As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” However, be careful when meeting strangers you communicate with online. Always communicate directly through the app instead of sharing your phone number and meet in a public place with a friend as a precaution. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for yard sales and thrift or discount stores.

2. Do the Painting Yourself

If you want to change the look of your kitchen, painting the cabinets can completely refresh the look of the whole room. Nowadays, you can find online video tutorials on just about any home project, and painting cabinets is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly projects you can DIY. There are an array of kits you can purchase for a decent price that include everything you need.

Also, if you’re wanting to paint a room in your home, or even your exterior, much of it can be done by you as a new homeowner. It can be time consuming, but it may save you hundreds of dollars if you choose to do it yourself instead of hiring a professional.

3. Reupholster Old Furniture

Painting kitchen cabinets isn’t the only easy DIY project. Reupholstering is also something simple that can completely change the look of older furniture. The next time your family or friends are about to get rid of their furniture, see if you can refresh it with new upholstery. Don’t forget to check those thrift stores, too.

You can find many tutorials online, and all you need is a few yards of fabric, a staple gun and a few basic skills. Plus, it’s super simple to spray paint an outdoor set or items like large art frames or a dresser.

4. Look to Your Yard for Seasonal Decor

Fresh clippings from your garden can liven up any room. Cut a few flowers from your garden and place them in vases around your home. It’s an easy way to add color to your space instantly. If you don’t have a garden, think about using twigs from a tree, large leaves like magnolia leaves, or rocks to bring those outside elements in.

5. Save a Little Money Every Week

The most important thing to remember when decorating a new home is that it takes time. Very few people are able to furnish and design their home quickly after moving. To make your new home feel more welcoming, collect furniture and decor you love over time rather than quickly buying a matching furniture set from a store. If you collect on a timely basis, you can budget much easier, too.

Communicate with everyone in your household about what percentage of your income you want to save each week or month for decorating, and set that money aside. When you find furniture or decor you want for your home, only spend from the money you’ve saved up. This will give you lasting pieces you love instead of just trying to fill a space.

6. Go Thrifting for Artwork

Local thrift shops surprisingly have a large selection of artwork. Not only does shopping for art at the thrift store save you money, but the pieces will also be more original than if you bought something from a big box store. It may also give you inspiration on how to alter something you find with spray paint or by adding some of your own elements to it to help it fit your home and style.

7. Try Rearranging Your Furniture

Moving your furniture to different rooms in your home or rearranging the layout will make it feel like a completely new space. Try moving that armchair that was in your living room into your primary bedroom suite to create a reading nook. Or use an old buffet table as a desk to create a home office space. The possibilities are endless, and you won’t have to spend any extra money to make your home feel new.

Happy decorating or redecorating! We hope this has gotten your creative wheels turning. For more tips on being a homeowner, check out our blog under Vanderbilt’s resources section.