There are many challenges we face when living in an Denver apartment, including size and budget challenges. With a little planning and some research, though, everything can be conquered.
Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help you stay true to your budget and make your smaller room feel fresh, lively and much bigger than it really is.
First Things First
Before you do anything, consider the theme you want to aim for. Since you’re on a budget and likely shopping at thrift stores, going retro may be an obvious choice. But, if your budget allows for some wiggle room, so does your theme. Sit down and think about how you want your room to look. Some popular themes include winery, beachside, contemporary, classic and country. All of these can be affordable with a little thought, planning and hard work.
The Three R’s of Decorating
Recycle. Reuse. Repaint. These are three words you need to consider when looking to redecorate your Denver apartment. Take a look around your apartment and find items you want to reuse in your new design. Look beneath the surface and imagine if an item will work after it gets a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Find and reuse items others don’t want anymore. Ask friends and family if they have any old items in their garages and attics that you can have. You can also make like Macklemore and check out different yard sales, discount stores and thrift shops for gently used items that will work great in your new design. Some nearby thrift stores include ARC Thrift Shop, The Snob Shop, Buffalo Exchange, Twice as Haute and Flossie McGrew’s.
Many of the dollar-type stores offer more than just junky items. They now offer home décor, such as wall decorations, tabletop items and other accessorizing items. Stores such as Family Dollar and Dollar General offer these items and other apartment necessities at an affordable price. You can always replace cheap pieces later if they don’t last quite as long as you wanted.
Add Some Color
It’s amazing how adding a fresh coat of paint to furniture, walls and other décor can liven things up. Lighter colored paint will help make your room feel bigger, especially when complemented with a touch of darker colors here and there. Darker colors can be added by using wall borders, buying new comforters and curtains, painting shelves, painting picture frames and adding some other decorative pieces to shelving units and walls. Color can also be added through the use of bathroom and kitchen accessories.
Put It Together
If you have to purchase new furniture try looking for those that have ‘assembly required.’ You will save money on the cost of the furniture simply because you had to put it all together. Stores such as IKEA (about 20 minutes away in nearby Centennial) have a near limitless selection of furniture, remodeling, decorating and accessorizing your apartment. The Container Store also offers decorative and budget-friendly storage options that are ideal for small apartment living.
Tuck It Away
Simple, solid-colored curtains can offer both color and purpose in a small apartment. Curtains used to cover the windows can add color to your room and keep the outside world out of sight. If you live in a studio apartment, hang a curtain rod (and curtains) from the ceiling to hide your bed and bedroom area of the apartment. Curtains can also be used to hide closets without doors, bookcases or anything else you want to conceal but still have easy access to.
Making your redecorating dreams come true on a tight budget in a small Denver apartment is easier than it may look. Sit down, make a plan and put that plan into action. Decorating will be much easier if you have it mapped out before getting started.