Decorating your home can certainly be overwhelming. Not only because of the financial investment that comes with home décor but also just not knowing where to begin. I think the biggest issue is thinking that you can decorate your entire home in a weekends time. Well, my friends, I’m here to remind you, Rome wasn’t built in a day and most successful interior designers don’t design and style a home in a day either. Design requires strategy. More importantly, it requires patience. If you can hone in on these two things, your home will be uniquely decorated to fit your personal style and budget before you know it!

 To get you started on your decorating journey, I’ve pulled together a few ways to create your luxury home oasis without draining your bank account.

 

THE ART OF LAYERING

Adding texture and layers is the perfect way to add a luxurious and finished feel to a room. The trick is finding the perfect balance of layers without creating clutter. The objects you choose should be intentionally selected and inspire joy. They should be personal and write your home’s story. Below are a few easy ways to add dimension and layers to your home.

             

Window Treatments

When it comes to decorating, window treatments can completely transform a room. Depending on your vision for a space, adding some sort of window covering can add drama, whimsy or softness. Just a single rich textured fabric can add so much dimension and flair. The best news, you can find affordable, high quality curtains just about anywhere.

 

Textiles + Materials + Finishes

This is perhaps the easiest way to layer. Don’t be afraid to mix materials. This prevents a space from feeling bland. Find the perfect balance using natural materials, bold colors and patterned fabrics. Mixing soft and rough textures adds an element that completes a space.

 

Wall Art + Accessories

These items are tricky and can lead you straight to “Clutter Ville” if you don’t strategize properly. I like to think of wall art and accessories as puzzles. I always start with separating the outside pieces first and making the frame. Then I start on the inside pieces, piecing together a section at a time. Wall art or the larger decorative pieces are similar to the outside pieces. They serve as the framework of a space. Once you’ve solidified your “outside pieces” that vary in size and shape, you fill things in with the “inside pieces” or accessories. The best way to avoid stepping over the line into “Clutter Ville” is following this rule of thumb… If it doesn’t hold sentimental value or bring you joy then it doesn’t belong there.

 

SPLURGE ON A FEW THINGS + HUNT FOR BARGAINS

When furnishing and decorating a home, you need to strategize what items are worth the splurge. How do you know whether something is splurge worthy or not? Ask yourself how much you’ll use it! Yes, the $3000 entry console from Anthropology is beautiful, but how often do you actually enter your front door to enjoy it? Instead, invest that money into a good sofa for your living room. This is a logical purchase and I’d imagine your significant other would get behind the purchase too!

 Another thing to note… just about everything goes on sale. If you find something you absolutely love, but aren’t so in love with the price, wait it out. When I find an item I love, but can’t bring myself to spend the money on, I add it to my bookmarks bar and check back on it every now and then. The good Lord above is fine tuning my patience through this process, but I’ve also snagged some incredible deals by not letting my shopping impulses win.

 Other ways to stay in the know on discounts are signing up for company emails. (CRINGE!) Yes, they can get a little spam-y, but you will be in the know for all thing’s sale related. One of my favorite places for bargain hunting at the moment is Facebook Marketplace. It’s slowly becoming an obsession but oh the things you can find! It’s really not hard to find a good deal. You just have to be willing to dig!

 

GET CREATIVE AND DO IT YOURSELF

The best thing about creativity is it’s free! I’m a firm believer that there is a creative in all of us, we just have to find it. Being creative doesn’t mean you’re an internationally known muralist or digital designer. Being a creative is as simple as identifying items, patterns, colors you like and being able to pair them in a way that speaks to you.

 Between Pinterest, YouTube, Tiktok and all the other social media networks, you are bound to find copious tutorials on renovating and revamping what you already own. Below are a few cost-effective decorative ideas and updates that won’t break the bank!

 

Accent Walls

Bring some life to a rundown space by picking up a gallon of paint from your local home improvement store and get to painting! It’s instantly gratifying and adds the character you’ve been looking for!

 

Thrifted Finds

Spend an afternoon rummaging through some of your local thrift stores, antique stores or flea markets. I have an affinity for vintage treasures, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for items gleaming with potential. We all need a little TLC and sometimes that’s all these thrifted treasures need as well. Never underestimate the power in a can of spray paint!

 

Rearrange + Reuse

Sometimes buying new items isn’t the answer. Challenge yourself by moving your furniture around. Move decorations from room to room. You’d be impressed what relocating a few items can do to your space!

 There are endless ways to achieve luxury on a little. I’d love to hear ways you’ve improved your home on a budget!

Designer with a purpose,

Micah Abbananto