Envious of the pretty spaces you see in magazines and countless Pinterest boards? Fret not, as you too can perfectly style your humble abode without actually breaking the bank. Get your dream home out of your dreams at a bargain price by learning some tricks in finding decorland!
Before decorating your homes, always start with an assessment of your possessions. For years, you have been acquiring gazillion of thingamajigs. It’s high time you start editing whether to keep things or get rid of them. Decluttering may sound foreign to you but trust me a little clearing out can go a long way. Lose that excess baggage by selling your stuff or giving it to others.
You are now left with your hand-picked items and a blank canvas to play with. The fun starts here as you are able to tweak your way to your desired space. Research on a peg or rip that magazine page you’ve been coveting for the longest time. This way, you have a clear vision of what you want your space to look like.
Scour your area for bargain stores, flea markets and surplus shops. These are excellent places to find inexpensive décor. Don’t expect for an air-conditioned place. Most shops are open facilities cramped with piles and piles of preloved items. In a nutshell, the task becomes a real treasure hunt.
Shopping for home decorations can be a bit overwhelming especially if you are presented with countless cheap alternatives. The key to handling this dilemma is careful editing. Stick to your style or theme in mind. Forget about those bargain Russian nesting dolls if you are trying to achieve a Zen minimalist interior. A sure way to get focus is to write down a list of things you need before heading out. Follow and comply with the list at all times.
Not all bargain finds are Mona Lisa level. Some may need a little TLC while others need a lot. Start looking beyond what you see and you will be able to arrive at a Eureka moment. Tacky looking ceramic figurines instantly becomes chic after applying a high gloss monochromatic paint while a motley colored furniture becomes tres bien after stripping the paint and keeping the raw unfinished wood as is.
Raiding your relatives’ or friends’ bodegas are also acceptable most especially if you they are into tradeoffs or exdeals.
Some stores have fixed prices while others don’t. For the latter, try practicing your haggling skills. Bargain with the seller until you arrive at an amenable price. Whenever you can, always buy as much things as you can at a single store so that you can work out more discount.
Still in search for your piece de resistance? Grab hold of your grandma’s vintage abubots. You will definitely find something that is display worthy amidst her nostalgic collection. Raiding your relatives’ or friends’ bodegas are also acceptable most especially if you they are into tradeoffs or exdeals. Partner these with your existing items and instantly get a cool mix of eclecticism.
After your shopping escapades and vintage pursuits, you are now ready for set-up. Home accessories are just like your fashion accessories. It can make or break you. Edit it out and achieve a layered feel where everything just falls into place. Developing a keen eye for style and flair is a must. Try playing with symmetry, balance and cohesion when it comes to pairing your décor. These basic principles will guide you to a more harmonious looking interior.
By adding budget-friendly yet impactful décor, you are able to reflect your style at a much lower expense. Accessorizing your space is easy but getting to search and scour for the right piece and being able to reinvent it to something else that fits your persona, brings another layer of character to it. In the end, it is fulfilling to see a home that develops from drab to fab. Soon enough your friends will swoon and go hashtag crazy on your sure to be trending casa. ■
Photography and styling by Interior Designer Ben Nasayao, Creative Director of Muy Bien Creatives. Follow him via his Instagram!
