decorate your home on a budget
Sometimes the cost of moving to a new apartment or home takes a big bite out of your savings account. Even the smartest people who have shopped for the best deals in movers, boxes, and supplies have done a lot of the grunt work themselves, and still run into unexpected costs. When the day finally comes when the last box is unpacked, the kitchen is stocked and the furniture you brought with you is distributed for the fourth or fifth time to its final destination, you can get to the fun part. Decorating!
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Many people find big holes and gaps to fill with furniture pieces; either they have moved up in the square footage department, or they held a pre-moving garage sale where they unloaded all the older, not so favorite items that they couldn’t see bringing to their new place. Very few people just move house item for item without making changes and adding new looks. This can be done very inexpensively if you take the time to do some research.
The most obvious choice for buying inexpensive furniture would be to visit resale and consignment shops, and peruse the classified ads, Craig’s List and local dealers. If you still can’t find the perfect items, you can lookup garage sales around town, and sometimes you can locate homes for sale in Philadelphia that are just looking to get rid of everything, especially with so many items usually marked FREE at the curbside. Did you know that an old but sturdy vintage wooden chair can make an interesting bedside table? Were you aware that one does not need an actual headboard with their bed, but can “fake” an interesting look with paint and decals? One can also stack inexpensive stackable crates (bought new at stores like IKEA or used) in interesting arrangements for storage areas.
Old mirror frames can be painted, vintage couches and chairs can be cleaned and reupholstered, and one can do wonders by bringing furniture actually designed for patios into the living room. Rattan, wicker and wrought iron items will always be in vogue! Walls can be decorated very cheaply; search the local Goodwill store for a collection of single, colorful, decorative dinner plates and hang them on the wall! Buy crafting supplies like glue and felt and frame unmatched socks, mittens or gloves for cute wall art. Your collections can make great fashion, from candles, animal figurines to rock collections and books. If you have taken lots of photographs, there is nothing more interesting than a whole wall of framed photos.
As you have fun and bring your new home its character that reflects YOU, also bring in color. Look in the local discount store for new colorful pillows, lamp shades or throws. If you lack the creativity needed for some of these projects, ask a friend or relative to help.
If you’re in the market to buy a home in Philadelphia and looking forward to decorating your heart out, AGENT LADY is your Philadelphia realtor to help make that dream come true! You can reach me at 215-518-5193 or schedule an appointment to talk.
(Photo Credit: Eden Hensley Silverstein – Creative Commons)
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
