Photo Credit: Unsplash.Com
A Budget-Friendly Decorating Guide for Couples Moving In Together
If you are considering cohabiting with your significant other, you aren’t alone. The Majority of married Americans live with their wife or husband before deciding to tie the knot. This experience is an integral step in building a life together and allows you to easily spend time with your significant other on a regular basis.
The process of moving in together can be tricky, however, and you will likely have to make some compromises as you combine two different sets of belongings and two different personal styles. While you might be tempted to hire an interior designer to create an aesthetic you’re both happy with, this can be pricey, costing from $2,000 To $5,000.
Instead, real estate firm The Coffey Group offers the following tips and guidelines to find out how you can create a space you both love—without spending big.
Start by sprucing up the walls for cheap
The walls of any room are a major focal point. When moving in together, a fresh coat of paint allows you to choose a color you both like—and spruce up the space for cheap. Check out a Color Wheel to see what hues match your existing carpets, furniture, and other objects. Once you’ve chosen a shade you like, handle the paint job yourself. You just need a tarp to protect the floors, along with paint rollers and pans. After your walls are freshly painted, you can add new artwork for decoration. Another option is to create your own “artwork,” for example by putting together a photo collage of some of your favorite memories as a couple.
Avoid arguments about space with cost-efficient storage solutions
One of the biggest challenges of moving in together as a couple is finding sufficient space. Combining two households’ worth of stuff isn’t always easy. Start by getting rid of duplicate items you definitely don’t need two of, like a blender. Next, look for cheap storage solutions that you can easily tuck away. Find ways to make use of space you don’t otherwise use. Under-bed boxes from IKEA are a wonderful way to turn the otherwise useless space under the bed into extra storage, for example.
Address your home’s air quality
Indoor air quality makes a big difference in your day-to-day life, and a growing body of research indicates that indoor air can actually be more Polluted—and therefore more dangerous to your health—than outdoor air. Dirty air also exacerbates allergies and asthma. Create a space where you and your significant other can breathe easily by investing in an air purifier. Modern purifiers offer an array of sleek and aesthetically pleasing models that won’t interfere with your design aesthetic. If you want to hide the device, you can also strategically place it behind potted plants (added bonus: Plants can boost your mood). Online retailers like Kohls and Target offer promotions and cashback deals on air purifiers, as well as other great items for your bedroom, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Scour discount shops for steals on linens and bedding
At the end of a long day of work or school, you and your loved one have the joy of snuggling up in bed together. You want to make this a cozy place for both of you! Upgrading basics like pillows, linens, and blankets ensures you are comfortable. You don’t have to spend big on fancy name brands. Look for linens that are cost-efficient but suit your unique needs. For example, if you are a sweaty sleeper, opt for fabrics that wick moisture away from the body. There is a huge variety of linens to choose from, including Mellanni, which are available in nearly 40 colors and are rated a “best value” pick by Prevention.
Moving in together can be a wonderful experience, but it can also introduce added stress to your relationship, such as arguments about messes and chores. Don’t let the moving-in process itself become a stressor. Follow the above tips to affordable interior design for two, and you’ll avoid conflict as well as financial woes.
Are you and your partner planning to buy your first home together? Turn to Sarasota real estate experts The Coffey Group to guide you through the process from start to finish! 941.404.4737