Mortgage Blog
Canada's Mortgage Experts
Decorating Your New Home on a Budget
February 28, 2024 | Posted by: Sarah Turck
If you're considering purchasing a new home, you may encounter an unexpected problem. Your old decor doesn't suit your new space. This mismatch between old and new is especially likely when downsizing from a house to a condo-or the opposite, such as when upsizing from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom place.
Perhaps your couch is too long for a condo living room, or your usual colour scheme (which went great with oak cabinets) doesn't work with modern grey. Don't panic! You don't have to break the bank when decorating your new home. The following cost-effective strategies will help you make sense of your new space.
Plan Before You Purchase
Before buying a whole new dining set, plan your approach. Measure your new space to ensure your desired furniture will fit. Consider the style you want to achieve and whether it's functional for the space. For example, will you need to walk around your sectional couch to get to your patio door? Perhaps you'd do better with a loveseat and a sofa. In any case, make a plan! You may find that some of your current furniture will work in your new space with a little thoughtful arranging.
Embrace DIY Projects
Do-it-yourself projects aren't just cost-saving measures; they're a chance to put your stamp on your space. A quick Pinterest search can yield unlimited interior design ideas that will save you money. For example, instead of buying a new kitchen table, you could paint your current table or refinish it. Or you could create unique wall art that combines the colour of the furniture you already own with the tones found in your new house. The possibilities are endless!
Shop Smart
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online tools like Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to source cheap furnishings for your new home. Gently used items add charm and uniqueness to your decor at a fraction of the price of something new. You can also time big purchases with seasonal sales, like Boxing Day blowouts.
Make a Big Impact at a Low Cost
Certain purchases provide more bang for your buck. Consider a new paint job to change the feel of your kitchen or bedroom. You can also add appeal to your space with new curtains or a rug. Likewise, adding small, low-cost accents like throw pillows can make your living room look warmer and more inviting.
Go Green with Plants
Incorporating plants brings life into your home and improves air quality. Look for low-maintenance indoor plants that thrive in your climate and suit your lifestyle. For instance, some plants do well in relative shade and need infrequent watering. If that works for you, ask your local nursery for advice on which plants meet your needs.
Repurpose and Upcycle
Before buying new furniture and home decor, consider what you already have. Repurposing your old items can be a fun, cost-effective way to decorate. Perhaps an old ladder can become a quirky bookshelf that adds character to your home. Again, Pinterest is your friend, here!
Set the Mood with Lighting
Changing the feel of your new space doesn't have to be expensive; a small investment in lighting can transform the look of a room. Spruce things up with the simple addition of a lamp or warm-toned lighting. As a bonus, you can look for energy-saving bulbs at the same time, which can save you money down the road!
Take Your Time
You don't have to decorate your new home overnight. Take your time to look for inexpensive pieces that you like, pieces that feel timeless to you. If your decor reflects your personality without being too trendy, you can enjoy it for years to come (and avoid big expenditures later). This tempered approach to home decorating is a great way to avoid impulse purchases that could break your budget. Congratulations on your new home!
