In your early 20s, you probably don’t have much money to spend on home decor. Even if you did, you most likely want to spend it on experiences rather than things. So what do you do when you have an apartment that doesn’t look like an episode of MTV Cribs?
In this case, being resourceful is the key to success. By using inexpensive and unconventional items from around your house or apartment as well as utilizing old tips from mom and dad, you can create a beautiful home for very little cost. You simply need to know how. Here are some great tips that will help you decorate your apartment like a pro:
Create Your Own Wall Art Using Decorations From Your Kitchen
If you have the space, consider putting up decorative items from your kitchen. For example, if you have a lot of plates or mugs that you don’t use, you can hang them up as decorative wall art. This is a great way to add color and personality to your walls for very little cost. You can use plates that have a design or theme that fits with your decor as well as mugs that have words on them.
Another idea is to use wall art that is easily removable. This way, if you decide you don’t like it or want to change the theme of your place, you can simply take it down and replace it with a new item. This can really help you save money by not having to buy new wall art every time you feel like changing things up.
Add Color With a Cheap Blanket
If you have a couch and want to add color to your apartment, consider using a colorful blanket. Not only will this help you bring some color into your living space, but it’ll also make the couch look more inviting. A blanket is also a great way to add some color if you have a dark couch and don’t want to switch it out for something lighter.
If you have a small budget, you can find blankets very cheap at places like Walmart or even your local grocery store. Alternatively, if you have a little more cash to spend, you can find beautifully-patterned blankets online or at second-hand shops. These items, which are likely already in your house, are great for adding color. They’re also easy to store and can easily be removed when you want to change the look of your place.
Use Light to Change the Feel of a Room
Light can really change the feel of a room. If you have a room that needs some mood lighting, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do so. You can use decorative items such as candles, lamps, or even a string of Christmas lights to set the mood in your apartment.
If you don’t have the money to buy fancy decorative lamps, you can use things around your house that have a lamp-like quality. For example, you can use a bowl filled with small pieces of colored rice as a lamp. Simply add a few drops of water to make the rice “drippy” and you can put it anywhere in your apartment.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Materials
When decorating your place, don’t be afraid to mix different materials. For example, you can use wood and metal together in one room. While some design experts may disagree, this look works very well together.
Another good material to mix is fabric and brick. You can use brick wall decorations, such as picture frames, as well as tablecloths and drapes. Using these materials together will add color and personality to your apartment, and it won’t cost much at all.
Maximize Windows Using Decorative Items
If you have a lot of windows, use decorative items to maximize their potential. This can be as simple as hanging some colorful curtains or putting plants outside the windows. You can also use decorative items such as wall art or posters to make the most of your windows.
Another idea is to hang a blanket outside your windows. While this may not work for every type of apartment, it’s a great way to add color and style to your place. You can then use the blanket as a decoration when there’s no need for it to keep the sun out.
Bottom line
When decorating your apartment on a tight budget, you need to get creative with your home decor. There are lots of things you can use to add color and personality to your place. Whether you use wall art, blankets, light, or decorative items, you can make your place look amazing without spending much money. So don’t worry; there’s no need to feel like you need to hire an interior designer just because you’re on a budget.