Budget-Friendly Tips to Outfit Your New Townhome

You’ve just bought a new townhouse – congratulations! Moving into a new townhome is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to decorating and furnishing on a budget. Fear not! Here are some practical tips to help you create a stylish and comfortable living space without breaking the bank. Decorate and making it yours. But how can you afford to deck it out when you’re busy juggling mortgage payments, utility bills, moving expenses, and HOA dues?

We have a few tips and tricks to help! Here are some cost-friendly ideas to help you spruce up your townhome and present a totally “you” vibe.

Molding and Trim

Nothing classes up a home more than crown molding and unique trim work. Installing similar accents such as ceiling medallions and chair rails doesn’t require much investment or DIY know-how thanks to the wide variety of products and styles found at home improvement stores today. You’ll be amazed at the impact simple changes can make to a room. A big spruce for a small investment is a crown molding made from styrofoam that can be easily installed and give quite a perk to your space.

Upgrade Window Treatments

Nothing says cheap more than plastic mini-blinds. Consider investing in wood or faux-wood blinds, or even Roman shades, for a simple upgrade. Curtains or draperies in bamboo, silk, linen, and cotton add a touch of elegance to a room, especially in deep, rich colors. Remember to consider the space and splurge to hang those curtains high. Not only will this accent the room, but it will also give the illusion of a larger space.

Choose Paint Colors Wisely

Paint is the easiest way to liven up a room, but it can be intimidating, which is why so many homeowners stick with whatever neutral is the most popular for the time. It’s true that neutrals go with just about anything and help walls recede so the focus is on the furnishings, but they rarely evoke a feeling of luxury. To do so, go bold and dramatic; or if that’s not your style, softer and understated hues work as well. If you are not willing to commit to bold paint colors, bring in those pops of color with accessories, pillows, rugs, and bedding.

Paint the Unexpected

Don’t feel trapped to just painting an accent wall: add color to doors, trim work, and cabinets, and then tie that color in with other accessories. Black accents work well to bring a modern, sophisticated feel to a home. A bold pop of color inside a bookcase is a way to add flair to your townhome. A marked color block behind a piece of art is another way to bring your space to the next level.

Replace Hardware and Fixtures

Although you probably don’t spend much time thinking about it, the truth is that hardware is important. Door knobs, hinges, and drawer pulls can all work together – or against – a space and take it from haphazard to chic. High-end retailers may spring to mind, but more budget-friendly options are antique stores, flea markets, big box stores, and auctions. Look for truly unique pieces to support the character of your home for maximum impact. Choose a metallic, style, and shape that gives an immediate upgrade to your home. Keep this in mind for your faucets too. Changing out faucet fixtures can change the whole look of a room with a small investment in money and time.

Go Luxe with Lighting

Most builders will install standard lighting fixtures, which means the same look in several hundred homes. Bor-ing! If picking up brand new lighting isn’t in the budget, consider reworking what you have by buffing or painting it. Don’t forget to add different types of lighting to your home: use overhead lights, floor and table lamps, and task lighting in conjunction with each other to shape a room’s atmosphere. Make a statement piece in your home. Refurbished items, chandeliers, or a new modern fixture will add the pizzazz you crave.

Keep it Tidy

Regardless of your style goals, do your best to keep your home clean and uncluttered; this is the easiest and least expensive way to create an elegant and high-end look. Making sure everything has a home, even when it’s being displayed, creates a calm and cohesive aesthetic. Utilize vertical space with shelving units. Keep clutter to a minimum with functional and decorative baskets and bins. Ottomans with hidden compartments and beds with drawers underneath are a great way to solve storage needs and keep that clean aesthetic you desire.

Feeling like it’s a lot to take on? That’s okay! Start with a specific room – maybe the bathroom or bedroom – and go from there. Don’t be afraid to take a few risks and transform your home from ho-hum or hi-end, without breaking the bank.

Take advantage of sales, clearance sections, and discount stores. Don’t hesitate to sign up for store newsletters to get notified about upcoming sales and exclusive discounts. Additionally, consider the timing of your purchases; furniture and home decor often go on sale during certain times of the year, such as holiday weekends and end-of-season sales.

When you embrace minimalism, less can be more. Focus on a few key pieces that you love. This not only saves money but also creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Do you have affordable townhome upgrades you’re a fan of? Tell us in the comments below, or take a photo and tag us on Instagram @NewHomeSource!