Photos By: Unsplash

Usually, the decor process starts well, until panic strikes and things start to go south. You may want to achieve a Scandi-minimalist vibe that blends in or a vivid bohemian aesthetic that doesn’t seem out of place. The fulfillment of your desires depends on how you approach your condo-decor process. We list down five fail-proof steps to decorating your condo in a way you desire. So, here are the tips:

Step 1: Determine Your Design Style

It’s imperative to understand your style preference before deciding on the furniture. Are you more drawn towards the modern farmhouse vibes or Scandinavian aesthetic? Let your imagination cut loose – until you’re certain about a theme for your space, keep browsing through Pinterest or your favorite home decor magazines. Another good idea is to bring elements from multiple design styles in one place as long as they contribute to aesthetics.

Step 2: Find Your Focal Point

Your new space is jumping off point – that’s what comes after you have figured out your design style. Is there a gorgeous heritage fireplace in your condo? Or does it feature a statement emerald green sofa? How about having a patterned feature wall? When it comes to smaller apartments like open-concept condos, establishing your space’s centerpiece becomes very important. It will be visible from different angles and can speak volumes about your color scheme & the overall furniture layout.

Step 3: Think in Sections

List out different zones of your condo apartment – workspace, kitchen, bedroom, entryway, living room, etc. Then decide various pieces you’ll need for each zone – from appliances to furniture. If a part of your current stock meets your design needs, include it. For the remainder, visit your favorite design stores to make the selection. When investing in furniture, make a list of various available options at various price points. Spend time sifting through options. This will make the purchase process rewarding for you. 

 Step 4: Plant it Out

Now that you’ve made the list, it’s time to refine it by taking measurements to see if the selected items will realistically fit in your condo. Ensure that your Condo space doesn’t look overstuffed. For example, opt for a charming loveseat that will take up less space as compared to a large cabinet that will look out of place. Also, refrain from unnecessary purchases. You don’t need a media stand if you’re not much of a TV viewer. Moreover, don’t forget to leverage the technology. There are utility apps that can virtually assist you in designing your space. Once the plan is finalized and the furniture orders are placed, it’s time to bring the look together. 

 Step 5: Be Patient

Designing and decorating your condo doesn’t happen in a day. Avoid ordering the entire furniture collection all at once just because you can’t wait to make things happen. Try to stick with the essentials first. You can also make a smart selection of furniture purchases. For example, you can do away with the usual bed and go with space-saving murphy beds. The point is, the most appealing condos are the ones that maintain an authentic vibe while reflecting your personality at the same time. Find closure in scouring local design boutiques on a low-key Sunday or find items that speak to you during your next trip abroad. You will fall in love with your place, every time you look at it. 

Conclusion

You can transform your simple condo into glam-heaven using the right investment and the tips mentioned in this article. Give your condo-decor project a sophisticated spin with the 5-step plan that we have shared with you.

Photo: Aflux Designs

The first apartment is typically a wake-up call on how expensive independence can be. You get your first real taste of having to budget and a wave of new expenses and saying things like, “Wait, I have to pay for the water out of the tap too?” It’s a learning experience, they say. But, to make sure you’re not learning too many lessons the hard way, here are some ways that you can furnish that first apartment, without going broke.

Find Retro Style

The good news is that this generation loves thrift shops. Millennials are helping to really push the thrift shop in new directions, as many are more concerned with bargains than brands. You can fill your new home with retro style and brag about how little you spent, instead of how expensive the brands were.

Photo: Shelmanova

Embrace the Industrial Look

Years ago, young people found a cheap and actually-pretty-cool way to build shelves out of bricks and boards. Today, crafty DIY-enthusiasts are really taking that industrial look to the next level with things like factory wooden pallets. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on kitchen or dining room tables, a bit of craftiness and some free pallets will get you a table that everyone will be asking you about.

Don’t Buy Your Bed at a Store

Let’s start with the biggest money-waster people typically fall victim to. You can save a lot if you shop online and check out PerfectSense Mattresses to free up a lot of money to spread around the rest of the space. The old and traditional model of buying your mattress from a department store was fundamentally flawed for the consumer. You were paying for all kinds of overhead and added costs, just to get the mattress from the factory to the store, to your bedroom. Now, you can get a better mattress directly from the manufacturer at a much lower cost.

Photo: CDA DESIGN

Look Online. And Keep Looking!

You might do an initial look on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji for bargain home furnishing, appliances or TVs. And that’s great because these sites are absolute money-savers for filling a new space. However, don’t just do this leading up to your move. Be a bit more patient and play the long game, if possible. If you don’t necessarily need a particular item right away (i.e. wall art, lamps, or end tables), keep checking once a day or so for the right item at the right price. You can even sign up for mobile alerts that will let you know when desired items hit the market. This is important because the good things at great prices usually don’t last long. If you go in with the right attitude, filling the first apartment can be an adventure instead of an inconvenience. A little bit of imagination can save you a lot of money! Know where to look for deals and bargains you will soon have a full apartment and a full(er) bank account!