Creating a beautiful home doesn’t always need to be an expensive affair. High-end furniture and decor elements may look gorgeous on Pinterest boards but aren’t always practical for your wallet. If you’ve moved into a new house and are looking to make it your own, follow these expert tips to decorate a home on a budget without compromising on the aesthetics. After all, a home should reflect the taste and lifestyle of its occupants, so the decor has to be just right.
1. Buy quality furniture
“Investing in timeless and classic pieces of furniture comes at a steep cost,” acknowledges Abhishek Kathuria, founder of Rosabagh, a Delhi-based furniture and interior design studio. If you’re decorating on a budget, he suggests focussing on one room at a time. However, never compromise on the quality of the furniture. “Purchase comfortable and functional pieces of furniture from affordable brands online,” says interior designer Priyanka Singh, founder of Gurgaon-based Chalk Studio. If possible, wait for sales to pick up the best pieces at a discounted price.
2. Use soft furnishing as decor accents
“Soft furnishings can be used in multiple ways to enhance the mood and interiors of your living spaces. You can redo the furnishing of your accent chair or the favourite couch. You could also use table linen or even cushions to complement your home decor,” says Suparna Handa, Managing Director at Sarita Handa. “Use cushions to add a pop of colour. Introduce square and rectangular cushions in different sizes for an L-shaped sofa, three-seater, and two-seater sofas,” adds Singh.
3. Develop a good lighting scheme
“Most luxurious homes are spacious and light-filled,” says Kathuria. To achieve a similar effect without an elaborate lighting scheme, make the most of natural light. A layered lighting scheme will enhance the look of your home. He also suggests swapping out an old lampshade or wall light when your home decor needs a quick makeover.
4. Introduce artwork
“The cheapest ways to introduce art is by printing a classy high resolution image on a canvas and mounting it within a sleek metal frame,” explains Singh. Alternatively, you could also experiment with vibrant wallpaper, suggests Neha Jain of UDC Homes. “ For a dramatic ambience, you could use three to four different types of wallpaper as it won't burn a hold in your pockets,” she says. “You can also use accent cushions that are thematically distinct or craft-intensive so that they can be used as an art piece, like wall decor,” advises Handa.
5. Accessorise
A wall mirror with a touch of gold can instantly bring a sense of regalness and opulence into your living space, suggests Kathuria. “Plants with white blooms or artificial plants are another way to enhance the beauty of the living area or balcony. Also, decorate the space with pots,” says Jain. Lastly “avoid using too many accessories or decorative pieces. Instead invest in a large decorative piece to accentuate the space. Don’t forget to add texture—for example, decorate your centre table with coffee table books, a vase with silk flowers, ceramic coasters, or decorative pieces,” concludes Singh.
