Indulge Expensive Taste With Inexpensive Home Ideas [Infographic]

While you’re pinning that cool vase or couch on Pinterest, you could be at the store picking out your own new furnishings. You don’t need a big budget to trick out your space, even if you have expensive taste. You just need a little preparation, a can-do attitude and maybe a paintbrush. This infographic created by ForRent.com explains how you can make Big Home Changes On A Small Budget. Before you even start making these changes, set your budget. Adjust your design to fit your price range – don’t stretch your wallet for something you can’t afford.

Speaking of stretching, make sure you measure your space (and potential furniture). The perfect couch at the perfect price can quickly become the worst couch if it’s in too small of a space. Know who you’re buying for. If you have small children or pets, make sure to take the fabric and finish into consideration. Questions like, “Will it tear?” and “Will it stain?” can save you from making another replacement before your budget is ready for new one. If you’re buying untreated wood, make sure to account for any money you’ll spend on paint or stain.

When looking for furniture, if you have expensive taste, don’t sell yourself too high – start in the clearance sections of big box stores. You can find a lot of great stuff there. Start at thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Better yet, check out freebie sites like Freecycle.org and FreeSharing.org. Everybody loves free stuff. Before you buy anything, make sure you know what color scheme you’re going for. Colors can influence the feel of a room in a big way. And, of course, you want to make sure your carefully picked furnishings match every nook and cranny of your newly remodeled place. Choosing colors doesn’t have to be complicated—just go by the 60/30/10 rule. Knowing your walls account for 60%, your furniture account for 30%, and your accents account for 10% of a room’s color will give you a one-up on the selection process. You can make big home changes on a small budget, even if you have expensive taste. Good luck!