28
Jul
My Own Design on a Dime
by Ashley Thill
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Get Creative, Living Life, Mind and Money
Image courtesy of Bhgrealestate.com
One thing about college life I took for granted was having my own room. My mom, who shared a room through her whole childhood, college and then marriage, tells me I had it good for 18 years. For the past three years, I’ve shared a bedroom with a roommate. But soon, my roommates and I are going to be moving into a new apartment where we’ll have our own rooms. I’ve been dreaming about creating my own space, and my new room is just the place.
The downside to all of this is I’m still on a college-student budget. My parents always find ways to help me out, but they’re thrifty too. As move-out gets closer, I’m also closer to achieving my dream room. If you’re getting your own room like me or looking to spruce your space with the same budget limitations, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Find inspiration. Before I even got started, I looked at magazines, online articles and blogs for inspiration on color and design. (I really love Lovelyundergrad.com for design ideas.) This gives a starting point to decide what you like and how to go forward.
- Brainstorm. After you have ideas, start thinking of ways you can get the same aesthetic without breaking the bank. Maybe you can make something more cheaply than buying it or another retailer has something that looks designer but costs less.
- Garage sales and Craigslist. I’m currently looking for some furniture so my mom has been helping me scope out garage sales and search for people in the area selling on Craigslist. And used furniture doesn’t mean it’s bad. I found a nightstand and dresser in good condition for $50!
- Be your own handyman. I thankfully have a dad who is great at all things maintenance. I have him enlisted to paint any furniture I find, and he’s also making me a headboard. If you don’t have a “handyman,” many sites offer step-by-step instructions on how to make almost anything. I actually found directions for the headboard at the Better Homes and Gardens Web site.
- Revamp what you have. Sometimes, the things you already have just need a change here or there to fit in with your new room. The desk I have now was a color I didn’t like so I asked my dad (of course) to spray paint it so it fit with the other furniture. Also, I really don’t want to waste money on new artwork. So, I’m taking photos I already have and using Photoshop to change them up so they’re like my own little works of art.
Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t have a space you love. There are many ways to keep it inexpensive. It also feels so much better when you’ve contributed to the space. I know I’m going to love that my room was my creation from the beginning idea to colors to furniture.