THE STRUGGLE IS REAL, is it not?? If you’re reading this, you’re probably a broke college student because of that captivating title or you just have a really great taste in blogs, ha!

I’ve recently moved into a new apartment this summer and let me tell you, moving is f**kin HARD, but decorating is HARDER! And, you’re probably thinking “Um, WTF? Obviously not” WELL, OBVIOUSLY YES.

Anyone can order a Uhaul and ask their friends or neighbors for a hand. HOWEVER, Decorating? Styling? It takes perspective to really incorporate your taste into your living space. It also requires time and a lot of patience because your budget doesn’t allow you to blow $500 on living room decorations, it just doesn’t.

Me, myself, LOVES to decorate so when it comes to decorating, I am simple and neutral AF. Here’s my theme: Neutral Base Colored Furni and colorful and/or patterned accents. When I mean by Neutral Base Color Furni, I mean the overall base colors and tones for the furniture. Mine is cream and white (neutral) tones and brown wood. With this neutral base, I am able to decorate and accent the room as I please. I’ve chosen a rustic, minimalistic theme with pops of colors in certain areas (such as the kitchen) As seen:

I also LOVE to add a bit of personality because I do know other colors besides white, ahem. The kitchen is a perfect place to add some color (especially in your area of cocktailing!)

Probably an important side note: Don’t be fooled by the aesthetic. I’m BROKE AF and living proof that you don’t need to twerk on Robin Thicke and rack yourself up a million dollars from a publicity stunt (all respect to Queen Miley) to afford this simple look. With patience and budgeting, I have been able to carefully invest in the right pieces and accents when personalizing my home. I bet you’d like to know where I get most of my decorative pieces. You’ll either be disappointed or fascinated to learn that my best friend during this time of moving in and decorating has been ROSS. Yes, Ross, folks. All judging aside, my home doesn’t look like a total sh*thole and is as simple and aesthetically pleasing as I like it.

So, my main point when it comes to budgeting is this: PATIENCE. Don’t splurge on the finest furniture you see. TBH, I bought all my furniture from a previous owner. I rely on apps like OFFER UP to get secondhand, good quality and inexpensive furniture deals! When it comes to decorating, stores like ROSS really help with not breaking the bank.

Here’s the mains to go by:

1. Set your budget.
   1. Mine is $20 on a decorative accent. For me, there’s no point in spending more because honestly, if you’re a broke college student, it’s REALLY not worth it and you can invest in animal fries monthly instead.
2. Ask the 2, 2, 2 question.
   1. Will I LOVE (not like) LOVE this is 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years? If you can’t see this hanging on one of your walls, on the kitchen counter, etc. in that time frame of 2, 2, 2, then put that debit card back in your wallet.  I do this when shopping for clothes as well. Saves me a whole bunch in the long run.
3. YARD SALES ARE YOUR BFF
   1. Ever heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? YA, OF COURSE YOU HAVE – UnAmerican if you haven’t. Yard Sales are your best friend. I bought 8 large mason jars for a dollar at a yard sale! Total Steal! Yard Sales are extremely abundant in the summer so take a stroll down your neighborhood, or your friend’s and shop away!

So ya, there’s some helpful tips that hopefully can be ingrained into the mind. The 2, 2, 2 question really is the kicker in this one. I also am an avid goer for Yard Sales. You never know what you can find. Lastly, HAVE PATIENCE. Yea, I know I already mentioned it. I just can’t stress it enough! Yea, your wall may be totally blank and bleak, but you WILL find that perfect piece to fit your aesthetic and it will be worth the splurge in the end! Happy decorating!

xx, Bri.

 

LIFESTYLE Home Decor