7 Ways to Create a Home That Inspires You on a Budget

The start of a new year is a great time to think about refreshing your home space. Creating a living space that inspires you is not always an easy feat. With constraints to budget and time, it may seem like too much effort to make. But there are improvements and decor you can add to your home that will inspire you but not bust your budget.

1 | Take Your Time, Cover the Basics First

If you're on a budget, you may have to cover basics first like a bed or sofa before you invest in items like a nice dining table or decorative items that you love. Take your time to invest in items you love and will want for years to come rather than purchasing your shaky Ikea table that won't last through your next move. Make a check list of items you want to purchase and take the time to search online shops, Craig's List, and brick and mortar stores for investment pieces.

2 | Make Your Own Art

Indulge in your inner child by heading to the craft store to create artwork to adorn your walls. You can print photo’s you’ve taken on your last vacation, frame your post card collection, purchase cheap art supplies and paint some large scale canvas to fill an empty wall, or create a collage with images and words that inspire you. Many of us have a creative side we don’t get to use in our work life. Take advantage of your down time by creating some art instead of binge watching something on Netflix (or do both if you can multitask!). You may even cultivate making art as a hobby as a result!

3 | Check Out Local Artisans and Etsy for Original Artwork and Statement Pieces

You don’t have to wait until you have thousands of dollars to start investing in original artwork. Check out local artists in your area or head to Etsy to explore artwork that resonates with you. If you’re unsure of the type of artwork you like, peruse Pinterest and decor magazines for inspiration.

4 | Invest in Plants (don’t be afraid to try fake ones if you have a “black thumb”).

Plants are an easy way to bring color and interest into your home space that also happens to have the health benefit of clearing the air. If you aren't willing to invest the time in plant care or have a black thumb" invest in realistic looking faux plants. They will quickly elevate your space. You can go to your local plant shop/nursery (this is my favorite place to get plants n DC). If you don't have a plant shop in your area, check out online shops, head to Home Depot, or visit your local grocery store that has plant options.

5 | Let your home priorities and personality guide you.

If you're a homebody who loves hosting cozy dinners and gatherings, keep that in mind when planning for furniture purchases and arranging furniture and decor once its received. If you love having movie nights, you might want to invest in painting an accent wall near your TV set up or even getting a projector to really elevate your movie experience. If you just love lounging in your room, maybe that’s where most of your money will be well spent. Just spend some time reflecting the energy and experiences you want to have in your home and let that guide how you update your decor.

6 | Accept hand-me downs with gratitude (but DIY them to fit your style)

Happily and gratefully accept hand me downs and DIY them to fit your style. For example, throw pillows and a new cover will do wonders for a hand-me-down sofa that has “good bones.” You can also easily paint most wood furniture to suit your style.

7 | Shop secondhand w/an eye at DIY upgrades

If you have style suited for previous time periods like mid century modern, instead of buying an expensive replica at modern furniture stores, try shopping second hand with an eye on making upgrades where needed in inexpensive ways like painting, adding wood finish or other upgrades that are relatively inexpensive. Some cities have flea markets with second hand furniture sellers. You can also head to your local Salvation Army or similar store where second hand furniture is inexpensively sold. If you are patient and have access to a car, try a site like Craigs List. Just be sure that you are able to inspect any purchases in person prior to paying the seller.