I remember when I moved to my first off-campus accommodation. I had to shop and decorate to make the place feel like home. The room also needed a paint job. Only trouble was, I was broke. So I started with essentials – I bought a mattress and pillow. The former room owner left curtains and a linoleum carpet in the room that I could make do with if kept clean. I didn’t get around to buying a proper carpet until about three months into living in the new room. I also planned to paint before laying the carpet. My friends and I talked about it and set out to choose and buy a few buckets of paint and some brushes. It ended up being a day of fun as we painted and laughed. I had to cook for all of us, but even that was fun too.
The experience taught me that I could do anything with some creativity and a little help from my friends. This is why I always ask folks to think thoroughly before they cut off any friend. Read what I said about cutting off friends here:
Now back to our gist. The truth is, whether it is to pay your bills, build a business or decorate your bedroom, most of us will need to work within a budget, especially because we can always do with a little extra savings. So today, I share tips on fun ways to redecorate your home without necessarily over spending.
Whether it is to pay your bills, build a business or decorate your bedroom, most of us will need to work within a budget, especially because we can always do with a little extra savings.
Keep It Simple
Try not to base your décor on too many elements. The more elaborate your design is, the more expensive it will be, naturally. Focus instead on colour coordination and basic, good quality furnishing. Be a minimalist until you can afford not to be.
Pace Yourself
You don’t have to decorate all at once. Figure out what you can immediately afford. Focus on making the room habitable. You can add other things as time goes on.
Get Thrifty
I know many Nigerians still scoff at thrift shopping, but when it comes to items like bedroom furniture and decorative knick-knacks, it’s an easy way to get good quality items at low prices. There’s always someone trying to sell off something you need if you know where to look.
Do It Yourself
We have more of an artisanship culture here than a DIY culture. But you don’t have to outsource everything, especially if you are on a tight budget. For instance, you can learn to paint a bedroom by watching Do It Yourself videos on YouTube. That way, you achieve the task and still enjoy the activity.
Ask For Help
You’d be surprised at how much people are sometimes willing to help. Someone might have some furniture (s)he’s been trying to give away; another might be willing to join you to paint your room. Help could also come as someone who knows the best places to get cheap but quality furniture and home items. Asking for help can prove to be productive.
Have you ever had to decorate a bedroom (or any room for that matter) on a tight budget? How did you do it? Please share with us.