Let’s be honest; when you’re in college or fresh out of college, there isn’t much time or money to support your high-maintenance habits by showing off a fancy house or apartment. I’ve discovered items that can make a room look inviting, and you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it. After all, southern hospitality is important, and you want your home to give off that vibe. Trust me, it took a long time for this to click, quality over quantity, if your budget allows. First, start with a mood board to pin your ideas for the rooms. Once you’ve created your inspiration for each room, use these tips for a budget-friendly but also stylish and fun home!
Wallpaper is back, and I’m obsessed! You may not be able to use it at your apartment, but if you have a house, go for it! The cool thing about adding wallpaper to a room is that fabric and art don’t have to be the accent for the room. The wallpaper does it for you. Another idea is to add it to the ceiling with a trendy light fixture. Once you do this, it’s not necessary to spend a ton of money on everything else; unless you have the funds to do so. If you are in an apartment, there are other options. You can add creativity to any room with Wallfetti! This is a peel-and-stick option to make a wall pop with color and design. This would be fun for the wall behind your bed or a statement wall with a neutral seating area or desk.
Throw Pillows are the perfect way to personalize the design aesthetic in your room. Quality pillows are a smart way to make a room look nice and fresh. I can tell you from experience it isn't easy! Finding nice pillows that aren't $500 each is a challenging task, but I have a few sites that are a great start. If you have a local store, I suggest looking there, too. It’s so important to support local businesses! You can buy two different color schemes for fall and spring. If you’re into monogramming, get a plain pillow and add your initials. This would be great for your bedroom to personalize your space.
Accent Chairs are so fun in living rooms, random corners, dining areas, or at a desk! You can have a neutral color sofa and add color and style with a chair. Depending on your style, you can choose bright or dark colors that go with your theme. Chairs can add style to your kitchen table with an inexpensive table and small centerpiece.
Lighting is so fun and can add a classy touch to the bedroom or living room. Lamps can get pricey, but if you do your research, this can be an inexpensive purchase. Chandeliers are my favorite! I will put them in every room if my husband lets me. Add this to your dining area, which will make a huge difference! You can add a light fixture to the entryway or above your dining room table.
Art can get expensive, so buying prints can be less expensive. First, support your local artists and find out if they sell prints of their originals. Then start looking for frames. Amazon has a great selection to choose from. The frame needs to look high quality with a mat framing the art.
