Moving is always exciting, but especially when it’s your very first place. Furnishing and decorating an empty space can quickly add up if you don’t plan ahead, though, so keep the following tips in mind as you start gathering everything you need to make your new house a home.
- Create original artwork
Purchasing original art can be pricey, so if you’re working with a smaller budget you may want to consider creating your own. Aside from saving money, you’ll end up with something that’s uniquely you.
You don’t have to be a masterful artist to pull it off either. An old window frame could be transformed into a photo frame, and the covers of your all-time favorite albums or movies could become a fun collage. If you need some inspiration, Pinterest is a good place to begin your search for DIY art ideas.
- Don’t go overboard
When it comes to decorating, less is often more, especially if you’re moving into a smaller space. Rather than just heading out and buying anything that catches your eye, start by rounding up all the essential items of furniture and arranging them around your home.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to pick out accessories and knick knacks that will enhance each space rather than just clutter things up.
Walk through each room critically and think about how it can be improved. Would a strategically placed mirror make the room feel more spacious? Maybe a potted plant in the corner would add a fresh feel, or perhaps a few colorful pillows or rugs would make a somber room livelier.
- Consider buying secondhand
It’s definitely possible to find affordable household goods when things go on sale, but you should also consider looking for sturdy secondhand items at local thrift shops, consignment stores or moving sales.
Of course, if you don’t have time to look for and visit these places in person, there are plenty of sites online where you can shop for just about everything. Start your search for used furniture in your area by checking the home and garden sections on sites like Gumtree. You may occasionally even come across items that are entirely free if you’re willing to collect them yourself.
- Repurpose and recycle
Recycling and repurposing has become extremely popular over the last few years, and it’s a great low-cost way to score some authentic items of furniture or accent pieces.
For instance, a sad three-legged table could be cut in half and secured to the wall as an entryway table, while a new coat of paint might transform an old step ladder into a unique bookshelf. Pallets have also become popular as building blocks for everything from beds, tables and sofas to wine racks and book shelves. Again, if you’re looking for ideas, Pinterest is a great place to start your search.
- Add a splash of color
When you don’t have a lot of money to put towards decorating your new flat, painting one or more walls with a bold color can really liven things up without costing you too much.
Before you choose a color, though, it’s important to think about the color of your floor, furniture, rugs, curtains and other items in your home, as you’ll want a color that blends well with everything else. Because of this, it’s often best to leave the painting until after you’ve purchased most of your furniture so you don’t end up choosing things based on the color of your wall.
- Throw a house warming party
Although no one should feel obligated to bring a gift, a housewarming party can be a great time to let your friends know that you’re still in the process of gathering a few odds and ends for your new place.
A gift registry can seem a bit formal, so keep it casual by sending out an email or setting up a Facebook event page where you can ask your friends to bring along any duplicates or hand-me-downs that they no longer need or use in their own homes.
You could also create a simple list to let people know what sort of general items you’re looking for, such as kitchenware or household knickknacks like candle holders, rugs, photo frames, mirrors, coasters, lamps, vases or pillows.
Author bio:
Marianne Stenger is a freelance writer. She covers everything from career development to life hacks and loves coming up with DIY décor ideas in her spare time. You can connect with her on Google+ and Twitter or find her latest articles here.