Decorating can be a lot of fun to do, but when you’re trying to do a home makeover on a bit of a budget, it can be difficult to get the look that you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re a fan of the Pinterest aesthetic or the decor you see in the interior design magazines, then what you can recreate yourself might feel a bit lacking. However, with some clever tricks, you can decorate your home like a professional designer, even without a professional budget.
Invest in furniture you love
When you are furnishing your home, take your time. Waiting for the right pieces are well worth the price and the time. The right items of furniture are far more important than owning a lot of furniture. Don’t buy something that you think is only ‘fine’ just to get a space filled up, and instead hold out for furniture that you really love. If you’re on a budget, check estate sales, flea markets, vintage stores, and online marketplaces to find these pieces. Fill your home with the best quality you can afford and pieces you genuinely love.
Stay organised
One of the keys to interior design that looks high-end and professional is to not let any clutter build up. You never see clutter in highly designed rooms so don’t have it in your home either. Have a serious clear-out in your home to get rid of the clutter that you no longer want or need. Try to be ruthless If you don’t love it, donate it, sell it, or throw it out. If you’re redecorating, a clean slate is a good place to start to create a cohesive. By clearing the space, you’ll have more options for layouts, and a clearer idea of what you can do. Any remaining clutter should be kept tidy and organised, so make sure the design includes enough storage to put things away.
Bring the outside in
Add plenty of live plants and other greenery to your rooms. Plants help to add life, warmth, and personality to a room. Plants are also a great way to add some pops of colour and bring a fresh feeling to your rooms. You could add fresh herbs to the kitchen, succulents in the bathroom, or potted plants in the living room.
Keep your windows very clean, and don’t block your windows with bulky furniture so you can make the most of views and natural light. Keep curtains pushed back during the day so you can always enjoy that light.
Prioritize lighting
Lighting can make a big difference to the way that your home feels, and it’s an area of decor where you can have a little fun and get a bit creative. You can add a lot of character with a striking lamp or chandelier. The right light fitting can also act as an art piece. Use lighting to create the right mood; add brighter, white lights for a modern space, or go more orange to create a cozy vibe. If you’re adding in new lights or power points for lights, make sure you get an electrician to wire them in safely.
Don’t over-design
If you’ve been looking around for some ideas and inspiration, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the different options. Use things like Pinterest and magazines as a resource to work out what kind of design elements you are the most drawn to, but don’t try and cram every idea that you like into one room. Your home should feel curated, not like you crammed a Pinterest board in there.
Think carefully about what will work with your existing decor and lifestyle. For example, you might love the all-white look, but if you have young children or a large dog, it’s probably not going to work for you.
Hang art
Art brings a touch of sophistication to your room. Spend some time looking for the right pieces for your home. Buy pieces that speak to you, and that use colors that will complement the room that you have in mind for them.
Many people hang art too high up. To avoid making this mistake, hang your artwork at eye level. Art is a great way to show off your personality and your taste as well as creating something interesting to look at in the room.
With a few careful decisions, you can decorate like a designer and have a home to be proud of, without having to spend a lot of money.