(Submitted by Andy Hughes.)
In any relationship, there are certain milestones that bring you closer as a couple. One of these milestones is moving in together. As you prepare to take your love to the next level of intimacy, it’s only natural to wonder how you’ll blend your decorating styles, furniture, and knicknacks into one living space. Never fear: Eastern Oregon Living shares some tips and technologies so you can create the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Save Money on Decor
The first step in saving money on decorating your new home is knowing where to look. One savvy option is to head to a “one stop shop” like Kohl’s or Bed Bath & Beyond, which offer a variety of home furnishings, from bath towels to coffee makers to comfy bedding.
If paying full price seems a little out of reach, don’t fret. By searching the web beforehand, you can take advantage of online coupons and discounts. To maximize the amount of money you can save, consider using discount sites like Rakuten, where you can get a Kohl’s promo code or other discounts.
Know Your Tastes
No matter how much you love each other, it can occasionally be discouraging trying to decide how you’ll merge your two different decorating styles into one space. Let’s say you prefer a mid-century modern look while your partner leans toward rustic sensibilities. If you can’t afford an interior designer, what’s the trick to decorating your shared space without compromising your sanity?
The key can be to start with an understanding of your stylistic tastes, then use modern technology to blend the two into a cohesive interior design. For instance, the interior design website, Modsy, provides a free style quiz, which you can take online together as a couple. Based upon your results, you can start brainstorming a look and feel that blends both of your personalities into one space.
Armed with that knowledge, head over to Pinterest on your computer or smartphone, and create a mood board of inspirations for how you’ll decorate your new home, from paint colors to fabric ideas. Be sure to communicate with each other every step of the way, so you’ll understand any deal breakers or must-haves. With a little compromise, you’ll build a space you both adore.
Know Your Space
Not all styles, centerpieces, or furniture selections work for every space. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a gorgeous sectional, only to realize that it’s too large for your tiny room. By understanding the confinements and the dimensions of your unique living space, you’ll be better equipped to pick the perfect decorations and furniture for each room. Prepping yourself with this information at the start of the home-decorating process will save you time, effort, and headaches as you style your new home.
Smartphone apps and augmented-reality websites can come in handy at this point in the process. These services use actual photographs of your home to show you visual previews of a style before you commit to purchasing any paints, furniture, or decorations. For instance, free online floor plan creators let you visualize what your home might look like with different decor, from a new couch to a larger rug.
Meanwhile, the free Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap app will help you test a paint color without buying a gallon. Instead, you’ll explore what your home will look like with different wall colors based upon a real-time image or pre-existing photograph.
When it comes to decorating a new home, one of the most costly hassles is spending money on paint colors and decorations that won’t work for your space. If you’re moving in together as a couple, don’t let style differences or budget concerns keep you from sprucing up your new home. With help from the latest technologies, like smartphone apps and online discounts, you can save time and money on decor, which lets you get back to enjoying this exciting new chapter of your lives.
