You’ve just bought a new townhouse – congratulations! Now comes the fun part: Decorating 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.
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.
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.
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.
Replace Hardware
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, and auctions. Look for truly unique pieces to support the character of your home for maximum impact.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Liyya Hassanali is a Project Manager and Content Strategist for Kinship Design Marketing, a boutique agency that provides marketing strategies and content for architects, interior designers, and landscape designers. She is a 15+ year veteran of the marketing and advertising industry, working closely with her clients to provide written content that meets their marketing goals and gets results.
Liyya is passionate about home design and décor and is a confessed HGTV and Pinterest addict. When not providing content writing services for her clients, she can be found browsing home décor sites or spending time with her family.
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