Learn how to decorate like a pro for cheap: for when you have high-end décor dreams but a ramen noodle sized budget.
So, there I was, sipping on my chai latte (ok, it was really $10 wine), admiring the lush interiors of my friend’s newly redecorated living room. My eyes landed on this striking, artsy piece hanging right above her couch. I asked as politely as I could where she got it and how many bucket loads of money she spent on it. She almost spit out her tea (wine) laughing as she told me it was a printable she snagged for less than my fancy drink. I hadn’t yet started my artwork business yet, so I was highly impressed.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love me some designer brands. But designer decor without the designer price tag? Sign me up! Because, let’s face it, we all want our homes to exude that glam vibe without crying over our bank statements. So, let’s figure out how to do just that.
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Featured image source: Set of 8 Blue & White Watercolor Printable Paintings by NLS Design
Learn How to Decorate Like a Pro – Cheaply
Know Your Designer Brands (but only to avoid them!)
Alright, confession time! Who else has found themselves drooling over the latest designer catalog, daydreaming of hosting elegant soirées in rooms adorned with posh pieces? Let’s be real: unless it’s one of those rare designer sales where everything magically becomes “affordable” (and by affordable, I mean the price of a small car instead of a house), most of us are just window shopping.
But, hey, there’s no harm in some innocent gawking, right? Especially when you’re using it as inspo for your next budget-friendly decor spree!
Here’s the silver lining to our designer dreams: By keeping tabs on what’s “in”, you’re actually doing half the work in scouting for affordable alternatives. How, you ask? When you’ve got an eagle eye on those high-end trends, you become a pro at spotting lookalikes with a much friendlier price tag. It’s all about capturing the essence, the vibe, the je ne sais quoi of those designer pieces. So next time you’re flipping through that glossy designer magazine, remember you’re not lusting—you’re researching!
DIY – Do It Yourself (or Pretend You Did)
As someone constantly trying to figure out how to decorate like a pro, I’ve had my fair share of DIY mishaps. Oh, the stories I could tell! Like that time I thought making my own vase would be a piece of cake. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Picture this: a vase that could only stand upright with some, let’s call it, “creative balancing”. But hey, it’s now a uniquely shaped pencil holder…
But, let’s not dwell on the past too much. For every DIY disaster, there’s a success story waiting around the corner. The internet is brimming with online tutorials that can guide even the clumsiest among us (yep, looking at myself) on how to decorate like a pro. From chic wall hangings that cost less than your weekly coffee budget to statement pieces that scream “high-end” (when in reality, they just scream “yay, I didn’t glue my fingers together!”), the DIY world has got you covered.
Thrift Stores – Where Vintage Meets Budget
If someone asks me where I learned how to decorate like a pro without emptying my bank account, I’d point them straight to my local thrift store. Oh, the adventures I’ve had in those aisles! Let me paint you a picture: On a sunny Saturday, elbow-deep in a bin of eclectic knick-knacks, I stumbled upon a lamp that I swore was straight out of a royal palace (or at least a very fancy grandmother’s attic). I thought I had hit the jackpot until I realized it was just missing a bulb. But, with a little love (and a trip to Home Depot), that lamp became the crown jewel of my living room. Moral of the story? One person’s trash is another person’s… palace-worthy decor?
Thrifting is more than just luck; it’s an art. If you want to master how to decorate like a pro, start by looking beyond an item’s current state. Here are some pro tips:
See the Potential: That scratched wooden chair? With a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint, it could be the statement piece your dining room needs. A mix of different picture frames could make a cohesive gallery wall with the same color paint.
(Read my post Printable Art Salad: How to Mix and Match Art in Your Home Like A Pro for more info on that.)
Check the Bones: Look for quality construction. Solid wood, sturdy metals, and authentic materials can often be refurbished to look brand new.
Think Outside the Box: An old suitcase could become a quirky side table. A rustic ladder? Hello, new towel rack!
Research Before You Buy: Sometimes, items that seem worthless can be vintage gems. A quick online search can help you differentiate trash from treasure.
By training your eye and exercising a little creativity, thrift stores can be your goldmine in the quest to decorate like a true pro!
Printable Wall Art – The Game Changer
If you’ve been scratching your head, wondering how to decorate like a pro without taking out a second mortgage just for some chic wall décor, let me introduce you to the magic of printable art. We’re talking about art that’s so accessible and versatile; anyone can curate and expert level gallery wall.
(Check out my post The Lazy Way To Create A Gallery Art Wall for more info.
Let’s break down the perks, shall we?
Customizable Sizes and Frames: Whether you’ve got a tiny nook or a grand expanse of wall, printables can fit perfectly. Pick a frame that matches your vibe, and you’re good to go.
(People often ask me where they should get frames, I always get mine on Amazon or Overstock/Bed Bath and Beyond.)
Switching Things Up on a Whim: Fall fling with florals? Winter romance with monochromes? Your walls can change as often as your moods, with no commitment issues in sight.
Supporting Independent Artists: Behind every printable is an artist with a vision. Opting for printables means you’re often supporting budding artists and their dreams. Feel good décor? Yes, please, and Yay me!
Perfect for the Indecisive Decorator: Changed your mind about that moody abstract piece after a week? No sweat! Fancy a serene beach landscape instead? Go ahead! The only real limit? Your printer’s ink cartridge or the number of times you want to upload to Target’s digital photo website.
And if you’re wondering where to kickstart this printable journey, why not give my collections a whirl? I’ve got an array of fabulous printable wall art that’s just waiting to find a cozy spot on your wall. You can check out my two Etsy printable shops HERE and HERE.
Subscription Boxes – The Surprise Element
Subscription boxes: What’s not to love? They’ve stormed onto the scene in realms from beauty to books, but let’s chat about their less-talked-about (and totally fabulous) cousin – the home decor subscription box. If you’re diving deep into the “how to decorate like a pro” waters, these monthly delights can be your secret weapon.
Imagine, every month, a curated package graces your doorstep with designer-esque pieces that look as if they cost a small fortune, but are actually oh-so-wallet-friendly. It’s like having a mini-Christmas every month, but instead of Santa, it’s the design gods sending you a clear signal: “Darling, it’s time for a decor change!”
The real charm? The surprise element. It’s the thrill of unboxing, the anticipation of what’s inside, and the sheer joy of discovering items you might not have picked for yourself but end up adoring. It pushes your boundaries, adds unexpected flair to your spaces, and makes the journey of learning how to decorate like a pro a lot more adventurous (and stylish!). So, why wait for the universe’s sign when you can just subscribe and let the decor magic come to you?
Dupes and Look-alikes – The Twinsies of the Decor World
Oh, the sweet, sweet victory of discovering a dupe! If you’ve ever wished for the Midas touch in decor, seeking out look-alikes is probably the closest you’ll get to turning everything to gold. I mean, let’s have a little chat about how to decorate like a pro using the magical world of dupes.
Picture this: You’re flipping through a glossy magazine or scrolling a ritzy website, and your heart just drops at the sight of a stunning, must-have, oh-so-designer chair. You’re almost ready to sell a kidney (joking… mostly) when – ta-da! – a wild dupe appears at your local store. And the price? The designer version was literally three zeros more than its twin. No, I’m not exaggerating. Three zeros, people!
Dupes and look-alikes have truly become the unsung heroes for budget-savvy decor enthusiasts. The art here is simple: keep an eye out, be patient, and stay updated with trends. Another trick? Find your designer piece online and save the image to your computer. Then do a Google image search with your saved designer piece image and see if there are any similar, less expensive alternatives out there. Boom.
Sometimes the differences between the designer piece and the dupe are so minuscule, only a trained hawk-eye (or someone who has maxed out credit cards buying the real deals in the past) can spot them. So, channel your inner detective, embrace the hunt, and let those twinsies elevate your space without deflating your wallet!
How to Decorate Like a Pro Without the Pro Price
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this decor adventure, it’s this: A stylish, heart-fluttering, Pinterest-worthy home doesn’t require you to break the bank or take out a second mortgage. Nope! You can totally rock that luxurious look without the designer price tag.
Remember, the secret lies not in the cost but in the creativity. From fabulous thrift store finds to dazzling printables and those oh-so-sweet dupes, opportunities to elevate your space on a budget are everywhere. So, put on your decorating hat, roll up those sleeves, and let the magic happen!
Experiment, play around, and maybe even make a few decor faux pas along the way. It’s all part of the journey. And hey, what’s a little decor without a story behind it? At the end of the day, if walking into your space brings that joyful sigh of contentment and feels utterly, authentically ‘you’, then congrats, my friend! You’ve learned how to decorate like a pro – designer price tag or not!
