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Decorating your home is a fun and exciting activity. Yet, blowing the budget should not be an option, not when we can employ inexpensive tools to give our living environment a makeover. Whoever told you that this is impossible did not have your best interests in mind. So, do not turn a blind eye on bigger items, avoid spending money on small eye-candies, and keep a close eye on the bigger picture - your overall style. Put a focus on investments that make a real difference and summon the luxurious sensation without breaking the bank.
Image credit: 1. The Frugal Lifestyle 2. Houzz
Splendor and style Many things can be purchased for less, while others should not be saved on. Buying expensive artwork, for example, is not really advisable, considering that there is a wide array of cheaper alternatives. So, get your visual priorities straight, and take your time browsing the offers. Antique shops and specialty stores usually have some unique, one-of-a-kind options that will serve as heralds of the luxurious style. Also, remember that the classy look can be achieved with streamlined décor, the appeal of simplicity. Elements like lighting are paramount, as they act as the very essence of the interior splendor. It complements all the décor components in the home, adding life and sparking interest. For the best possible effect, use ambient, overhead and floor fittings. It is possible to find some affordable and incurable solutions for lighting online, preferably the LED fittings that enable significant energy savings. On the other hand, accents like pillows and rugs are not worth it unless you find an amazing, inexpensive piece. 
Image credit: Coolanz
Room by room
In the very center of your home - the living room - there are a few bases to cover. First off, a comfortable and classy sofa is an absolute must. The investment is likely to pay off as quality furniture can last for at least a decade. Next, try to tie the room together with some wall art. Here, the situation is somewhat tricky because original works of art cost an arm and a leg. But, if you have inherited an extraordinary painting, put it in the center of the accent wall, and add some DIY art around it. Furthermore, kitchens are the new domestic hubs. Now, upgrading to stainless steel appliances is a costly proposition, but kitchen projects offer an unparalleled return on the investment. A state-of-the-art design increases the value of the property considerably, and presents one of the most desirable features in the market. If the budget does not allow it, turn to replacing faucets, taps, and countertops. Pick kitchen cabinets with eye-catching handles, or a functional and attractive dining table. 
Finally, one thing you do not want to compromise is a good night’ rest. Therefore, invest in a nice, soft mattress, picturesque headboard, and new duvet cover and bedding. Your bed is the focal point of the room, so do not hesitate to spend funds on items like stylish linens. At last, see what changes can be made in a bathroom, another soothing zone of relaxation. Try to obtain some cutting-edge modern taps and stylish faucets. Also, invest in a shower stall with swell tilting, and make your time spent in the bath the favorite part of the day. Let the magic happen Budgetary constraints should not prevent you from injecting luxury in the home. Make it happen through the art of mixing and matching textures, colors and shapes. Do not neglect the lighting, which does wonders for the home’s attractiveness. Invest the most money in the centerpieces of your home’s visual identity, and cut the spending on extra features. There is no need to clutter the living space, and purchase a myriad of accent pieces. With the ultimate reward - the majestic interior bliss - you will enjoy the time spent inside like never before.
It’s often been said that in life, the things you own end up owning you sooner or later. While not everyone becomes a slave to their possessions, it's undeniable that many people are caught in a rat race that involves working hard everyday in order to be able to buy things they don't necessarily need. Owning objects that have no use for you can result in a decreased quality of life, especially when you factor in the following consequences: Less space to work with One of the most basic problems related to leading a clutter-filled life has to do with the sheer space it takes up. Most modern apartments and houses don't have a lot of room to begin with, so knowing how to best take advantage of it is incredibly important. In this regard, unnecessary objects only serve to occupy space that you could use in another much more appropriate fashion. Today's homes favor the concept of open floor plans to a much higher degree than ever before, as space itself has become a prized commodity. In such environments, unneeded clutter sticks out like a sore thumb and can leave your home looking cramped and stuffy. A bigger cleaning burden It's not a stretch to say that most people are not especially fond of cleaning these days. But, whether you prefer doing some light maintenance work on a regular basis or relegating all your chores to one single day of the week, there can be no doubt that having more stuff automatically translates into a bigger cleaning burden overall. From furniture that needs to be wiped down to all the various tidbits that have to be arranged, this can significantly impact your cleaning times, leaving you drained and with fewer hours at your disposal that you can dedicate to other aspects of your life. Significant health risks Speaking of cleaning, it's important to note that having a clean home isn't just a cosmetic issue. By living in a grungy environment you expose yourself to all sorts of health risks due to the myriad strains of unwelcome bacteria that take refuge in such homes. Studies have shown that clutter tends to attract more than its fair share of dust mites, which is why people who live in particularly crowded homes have a higher risk of developing asthma and various allergies. What's more, living a clutter-filled life also has plenty of mental downsides, as your brain will live in a state of constant overstimulation and tire much more easily as a result. A depreciated home value Finally, clutter also has a negative impact on your home's overall value. In fact, the price of your home seems to be significantly affected by the amount of clutter you keep, as potential buyers tend to be turned off by places they see as not being particularly welcoming. Renovation experts and realtors alike always recommend removing clutter before putting your home up for sale, a simple process that can boost its value by an average of 7%. As you can see, there are significant side-effects to having excessive possessions. Luckily, there are steps out there that anyone in this situation can take in order to revert back to a healthier lifestyle.Minimalism has grown in popularity over the last few years, and there are lots of handy guides that show just how you can go about eliminating clutter from your life. To start with, simply take a piece of paper and write down every sizable object you own, then proceed to really question the role each of them plays in your life. You'd be surprised to see just how very few things are actually necessary in order to lead a fun and fulfilling life. All in all, the road to a clutter-free existence may not always be easy, but, if you truly value your family's well-being, it's something that's definitely worth fighting for. By taking the first few steps towards a simpler life today, you'll be starting down a path that can give you peace of mind, not to mention facilitate a much higher degree of financial independence down the road, so that one day you may be able to look back and see just how far you've come.
About the author:
Mila Payton is an economist by profession. She enjoys traveling, writing and cooking. While looking for answers and inspiration, she can be found on various conventions worldwide. |
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