Please welcome guest writer, Amber Cross.
Insane Frugal Tips to Turn Your House into a Home
Everyone dreams of transforming their house into a cosy place they enjoy spending time in with their family. Or maybe you have just moved into a new flat and want to transform it into a place you can call home. Unfortunately, in many cases, one such transformation is likely to take its toll on your budget. But before you rush out in search of new furniture, consider the few simple ideas we provide you with – these are easy on the budget, but will surely work if you insist on turning your house or apartment into a home.
Be Consistent with Your Cleaning Routine
Persisting with your cleaning routine will hardly cost you anything, especially, if you say goodbye to all these expensive store-bought cleaning products and substitute them with natural ones you can conveniently find in your kitchen. White vinegar, salt, essential oils and baking soda are all very effective when it comes to cleaning an extensive range of stains and spills while implementing them into your cleaning routine will save you a good deal of money in the long run. But more importantly – never skip on your daily or weekly cleaning sessions. You will enjoy spending time in your home once you transform it into a clean, neat living environment.
Declutter your Home
You will never feel at home as long as you experience difficulties in finding a place to sit down. Your living room is filled with old books, torn magazines and dirty clothes, so no wonder you feel like you can’t call the place your own. Start disposing of this useless clutter right away if you want to be finally able to breathe while at home. The good news is decluttering won’t cause you to incur any expenses, on the contrary – if you organise a garage sale, you can actually make some money. Of course, you can always donate your old stuff to charity, if you wish.
Experiment with Pillows and Candles
A few fluffy pillows on the couch or sofa can lend your living room an even cosier look. They come in all shapes and sizes and don’t let us even start on nuances and patterns! Choose a few pillows that reflect your individuality and style the most and toss them on your sofa for optimal comfort. Placing several scented tea candles on your coffee table is also a good idea. Floating candles are our personal favourites, however!
Rugs are Everything!
Remember that hand-woven rug your grandma gave you when you first moved into your house? You most probably don’t, but we are pretty sure you will find it hidden somewhere in your garage, collecting dust and cobwebs. Why not finally put it to good use? Bare floors have the potential to give even the most exquisitely decorated house a cold, unfinished appearance. You will hardly feel welcome in such a place, right? A nice, hand-woven rug, on the other hand, can transform your house into a cosy lair and its vivid colours will breathe new life into your living room.
Put Your Family Photos on Display
Hanging family photos or artwork you find especially appealing is an amazing way to bring character to your house and turn it into a home. It would be much easier to feel at home in your apartment or house if you are surrounded by the smiling faces of your loved ones. We suggest you hang the photographs in your flat’s hallway so that your family members can greet you with a broad smile the very moment you come home from work.
Fresh Flowers are a Must
This is an excellent idea from SuperEndOfTenancy Hammersmith for city dwellers, who reside in apartment buildings and are surrounded by concrete on all sides. Flowers can warm up any home, lending it a more natural feel. You can visit the farmers market every once in a while and buy a beautiful bouquet to bring to your flat. These are typically sold at affordable prices, yet their uplifting fragrance will linger on in your home for days. However, buying potted flowers will probably be easier on your budget, so consider this an option.
Let Light into Your Home
No house will give you good vibes if it is all dark and gloomy. The most cost-effective way to lend your home a more spacious and cosy look is to simply get off the couch, pull up the blinds and draw the curtains open. Natural light never goes out of style, not to mention it will save you lots of expenses on electricity bills.
It’s important to remember the easiest way to make a house a home is to lend it some personality. All it takes is to incorporate some of your personal traits into your home. Most often than not, it is not expensive furniture that will get the job done. Placing your own personal stamp in each room is easy with a bit of imagination, but we believe the few small upgrades we’ve suggested can also do the trick.