Summer is swiftly coming to an end (I know, I’m crying too) and that means it’s back to school! In late August I will be moving into my first ever apartment with my four best friends, and I could not be more excited. One of my favorite parts about moving is getting to decorate a new space. This year, I wanted to create a more mature, grown-up space as opposed to my past dorm rooms. The only thing standing in my way was my ever-shrinking budget. Over the summer, I gradually collected things for our apartment. After all the hunting, I found ways to make an Urban Outfitters aesthetic out of a thrift shop price. If you love decorating and want a chic apartment but don’t want to spend a ton of money, look no further.
1—One man’s trash is your treasure. Thrift stores and garage sales are a haven for amazing furniture just begging to be repurposed. I found some adorable place mats, table cloths, and décor items at garage sales. I also found a coffee table that needed some love. With a fresh coat of copper spray paint, it looks like something you would find at West Elm!
2—Be creative. When it came to décor, I knew I wanted to try making things myself instead of buying them online. Using Adobe Photoshop, I made some graphic wall art. I printed six prints out at Office Depot for a whopping $2 and bought a few $2 IKEA frames to hang them on my wall. Additionally, I love using cheap plants that are easy to care for, like succulents and cacti. I finished things off with a DIY neon sign and some throw pillows.
3—Put money aside gradually. There were some items that I just couldn’t find in a good enough condition at a thrift store. These items like my dresser, desk, and bed were pricey and not something I could buy all at once. I put aside 25 percent of each paycheck to get each item gradually. It cost the same as buying it all at once but felt like a lot less since I took my time buying them. Let your space be a true expression of who you are inside. For me, I wanted it to be cozy, aesthetically-pleasing, and clean. What are the attributes of your perfect space?
Did you try any of these ideas? Tag us in your photos @CFashionista!
