Are you a first-time homeowner excited to be moving into a townhouse of your own? Or downsizing to a townhome after raising a family and sending them off to grow families of their own?
There are lots of great reasons to move into a townhouse. If this is your first time in one, you may be excited about all the possibilities of decorating and making it your own and, at the same time, wondering how to stick to the budget you’ve set.
You can make your new home look great without spending a lot of money. If you’re looking to decorate your townhouse on a budget, here are some keys to creating a lovely, cozy home without breaking the bank.
1. Keep in mind that less is often more.
Since townhouses are typically smaller than houses, you don’t want to overwhelm the space with too much stuff. Stick to a few key pieces of furniture and decor, and choose items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman can be a great space-saving solution.
2. Repurpose old furniture and accessories.
“Whether it’s an antiques market find, an inherited piece or simply something you’ve been longing to replace, giving an old piece of furniture a new lease of life can be a good trick to have up your sleeve when decorating a house on a budget. This can mean repainting wooden furniture or reupholstering worn or out-of-date soft furnishings. This is also a sustainable way to update your home and add a touch of personality whilst extending a piece’s lifespan.” – Homes & Gardens
Before you start shopping for new furniture or accessories for your townhome, take a good look at what you already have and see if there’s anything you can work with. Can that old dresser be repainted and used in a different room? Is that end table too small for the living room but perfect for the entryway? Sometimes all you need is a little creativity to make something work in a new way.
So first, dig through what you already have, and then ask family and friends for their old pieces you could repurpose. If you still need a few pieces, you don’t have to rush off to the furniture store and buy the latest trends on credit. Instead, shop for affordable pieces that have the style and character you’re looking for at:
- Garage sales
- Flea markets
- Thrift stores
- The sales and clearance section at home décor stores
Repurposing furnishings is one of the most cost-effective ways of decorating a townhouse on a budget.
3. Spruce up with paint.
“Using clever paint tricks is the easiest, most cost-friendly way to add color, layering and a touch of flair to any room.”
Paint is one of the most impactful and inexpensive ways to update the look of a home. A fresh coat in a new color or updated finish can change the entire feel of a room.
To stay within your budget, shop at discount stores or online for clearance paint.
You can paint whole rooms, of course, but you can also splash some paint on furnishings. Add a coat of color to freshen up old cabinets or give an old dresser a brand new look. Add new hardware when you do, and you won’t even be able to recognize your old pieces.
4. Get creative with wallpaper and stencils.
Wallpaper can add interest and texture to any room for a reasonable price. Shop for sales and clearance wallpaper at your local stores or online. Or add some DIY flair by framing wallpaper in inexpensive picture frames.
“Add wallpaper on multiple walls, an accent wall, or above a chair rail. Try a stencil instead of wallpaper. Try using a purchased stencil or a stencil made from cardboard or projected using an overhead projector to get a lovely pattern, on a tight budget.”
– Home Made Lovely
5. Add plants.
“Plants are an easy win to add to your design arsenal. They add color, shape and (literally) life to a space… Larger house plants can however still be expensive so to create the illusion of your room being filled with lots of greenery, arrange groups of small plants at different heights.”
If you’re especially interested in a natural environment, bring the outdoors in by adding plants in every room. Shop at your local nursery or greenhouse for plants that are currently in season, and then group plants together for a more dramatic look.
6. Consider adding some decorative touches that reflect your personal style.
- Use your own photos or artwork.
Add some personal touches with photos and artwork. Frame your favorite prints or create your own artwork to hang on the walls or display on open shelves. Group different sizes and shapes of frames together for a more interesting display. Look for inexpensive artwork to add to your walls. You can find great deals at yard sales, thrift stores, and even online.
- Add accessories that reflect who you are.
- Mirrors, rugs, lamps, and pillows in a style that reflects who you are can all be used to liven up a space on a budget. If you’re not sure you have what you need for accessories, save on decor by shopping at local thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. You can often find hidden gems for a fraction of the cost.
- Window treatments are another nice personal touch. They create a small change that can make a big impact without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a more substantial change, consider replacing old light fixtures or adding new ones. You can also install new hardware on doors to add personal flair, even on a budget.
7. Remember to embellish the outdoor space.
Don’t forget the outdoor space when decorating your townhouse. Many townhomes have patios, balconies, or small yards that can be turned into lovely outdoor living spaces. Add a few potted plants, a patio set, and some string lights, and you’ll have a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
When you’re ready to buy a townhouse, reach out to the team at Gaskill Realty. We can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle… and your budget.