Have you recently stepped into a room full of millennials and actually had a conversation with each one individually? If so, you were probably able to draw one commonality from them -they’re cheap. Yes, this generation of young adults,that has grown accustomed to relying solely on technology,is made up of some of the cheapest citizens in America. This is mostly because millennials are often forced to live a “fake it until you make it” lifestyle, thanks to rising home prices, a lack of jobs and financial illiteracy. Consequently, many millennials are often looking for inexpensive ways to do expensive things, including interior home design.
If you step into your local thrift store, you will no longer find your aunt and grandma browsing through antiques. Replacing them are budding millennials looking to score a steal on the latest fashions and yes, even the most current home decor. Finding expensive home decor for a cheap price has become a bit of an obsession for homeowners and renters across the nation. Surprisingly, there are many ways that you can make your home more attractive, without breaking the bank and here’s how:
Declutter
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your home more attractive is by decluttering the space. No, this doesn’t mean you have to go into your home and throw away every single item like many minimalists do. It means that if something in your home has no value or is simply taking up space, throw it away.
If you are a parent, you may want to begin by taking inventory of toys, shoes and other miscellaneous items in your child’s room. If you don’t feel comfortable throwing these items away, try to find a way to organize them.
Rearrange or add lighting
Designers often rearrange lighting, in order to better define spaces or make small spaces look bigger or grander.
For example, picture the plainest room you have in your home. Think about where you can move or redirect an accent light to highlight a particular feature of the room or piece of artwork. Consider adding a reading lamp to an end table next to your sofa or armchair. Even changing the shade on a ceiling light in the middle of the room can make it more visually appealing.
Upgrade your hardware
Don’t have the money to upgrade your kitchen cabinets or bedroom furniture? You can refresh them by replacing or redoing the old hardware and making them seem like new.
Tired of your old rusty drawer pulls? Consider painting them gold, bronze or even silver. Or, you could visit your local thrift store to find vintage replacements or use mismatched pulls to create a funky eclectic look.
Repaint
There’s no easier way to make your home feel like new, than with a fresh coat of paint. Repainting your walls is a great way to give your home an instant makeover. If you’re struggling with which colors to use, try using a neutral shade such as white or beige on the majority of walls. Then, select a bold color for a few accent walls to create an attractive contrast.
You can even repaint your furniture to achieve the shabby chic look that’s so popular in many interior design magazines. Paint thin layers of different colors on a console table and then sand it unevenly, to distress the finish and expose the colors below. Or, coat your dresser in a light gray chalk paint and apply the stenciled script to the drawer fronts to create a romantic French country piece for your bedroom.
Focus on the details
Does your home feel a little bland, but you’re not sure what to do next? Try focusing on the details, such as adding a vase, picture frame or even an accent rug. It’s not only a great way for you to make your home more attractive, it also enables you to redecorate without spending a ton of money.
What other ways have you found to be helpful in upgrading your home on the cheap? We want to hear all about it, so make sure you leave your comments below.
