29
Nov
How do you decorate your apt with a low budget?
Rhonda asked:
I just moved into an apt about a month ago and don’t have much yet, but I would like to make it feel more like home.I want pictures and shelves and things like that,but what else that doesn’t cost much? Any ideas?
I just moved into an apt about a month ago and don’t have much yet, but I would like to make it feel more like home.I want pictures and shelves and things like that,but what else that doesn’t cost much? Any ideas?
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Tags: Decorate, Low Budget
LORETTA P.
Cure For Bad Breath
yard sales an dollar stores good luck
housiemousie2
Paint. It is the most cost effective way of getting a dramatic change. Just be sure you do lots of color testing. I recommend getting the small sample containers of paint and make several swatch spots on different walls, so you can see how the light interacts with it at different times of the day. Also, don’t skimp on the primer or you will regret it.
Now, you did say ‘apt’ so there might be a no painting clause. You might be able to get around this by talking to your landlord… I did. I bought primer and white paint and assured her that I would repaint it white before I left, I also promised not to pick ‘hard to cover’ colors, like bold red, dark purple or black. I told her I would invite her to see it when I was finished.
As it turned out, she liked the colors and technique so much, she asked me to leave it that way.
If your landlord will not allow you to paint, you might try another technique. Pick an accent wall and cover it with fabric. It is a little more pricey, but can have a dramatic effect. Use undiluted concentrated liquid fabric starch and stick the fabric to the wall like you would wall paper. You might use tacks to help hold the gooey fabric up while it dries and gently smooth it out with your hands.
Hit up fabric stores for sales on bolts of fabric… not enough of one color? Maybe wide stripes would look nice.
When the time comes, just wash the wall in warm soapy water, the fabric should loosen off, then wipe away the remaining starch.
Good luck!
Home Stages Designs
Simple Bad Breath Formula
Home Stages Designs offers an E-book that includes many interior design budget secrets. Most interior designers work on limited budgets for their clients and thus have many budget saving ways to create beautifully designed rooms using some of their trade secrets. You can visit the following website to see if this and other related internet books that fit your needs.
mtnglo
budgeting
First, you need to decide on a “look” for your apartment. Do you want contemporary, cottage, rustic, romantic, European, Asian etc.? Get things to fit your style.
, or curling up with a good book.
Contemporary
Shabby Chic Cottage Style =+shabby+chic+apartment&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&hl=en&sa=2
Romantic Apartment
Asian inspired apartment
Get inexpensive picture frames for pictures of your family. Either group them on a wall or display them on top of a desk or table.
Since most apartments have off-white walls, use a lot of your favorite colors throughout your apartment. Choose one primary colors, & two accent colors. Get a soft blanket or afghan for your couch. This is great for watching t.v., snuggling
Get a vase for your bedroom & treat yourself to flowers once a week.
You can get fresh flowers for about $10 at most grocery stores.
Use wall decals to reflect your colors/theme
In the living room, put candy dishes on end tables. Put a little hard candy or individually wrapped candy in them for your guests, or yourself, to indulge in. If your apartment has blinds at the windows, accent the windows with window scarves or pretty sheers, curtains, or valances to match your style & your colors.
Wall sconces with candles will add drama to your walls, or just have pretty candles sitting out.
Get or make some inexpensive throw pillows in your accent colors for your sofa.
Buy plants for your living room, or get cuttings from friends & grow your own.
Start a collection of something you love. Collect interesting boxes, candle holders, angels, animals, oil burners……..anything that reflects you & your interests.
In the bathroom, get the prettiest shower curtain you can afford. Buy soaps & bath oil, & a wire basket to hold them at the dollar store. Put a candle in your bathroom.
The kitchen is a great place to display your favorite colors. Get some pretty kitchen towels, as well as some seasonal ones at the dollar store. Fold one neatly & drape it over the cabinet door under your kitchen sink. It will look pretty & be useful. Get an inexpensive kitchen rug using your colors. Use candles in the kitchen for both decorating & to help with cooking odors. Put herb plants in the windowsill for a homey look & fresh herbs!
If you need furniture:
IKEA has great furniture at reasonable prices.
Another good option for furniture is to buy solid wood furniture at yard sales, thrift shops, etc. Paint all of the pieces either black or white. Get get a used sofa at a thrift shop or yard sale. You can get a slipcover for $50.+-+%2449.99
Enjoy fixing up your first apartment!