It can be hard not to question whether our home needs an update (or two) every once in a while. Whether it’s a full-blown renovation or some minimal upgrades, considering what we can do to modernize our home on a budget is a great place to start.
It’s essential to consider what’s important to you when making home improvements, from where to look to the how-to behind setting up a realistic savings goal and financial plan.
How to Budget for Home Updates
Whenever you have an interior design daydream, it can be easy to get swept up in home renovation shows like Love It or List It, look at inspiration boards on Pinterest, and fall in love with celebrity styles. But, while helpful, each of these ideas can also forget a necessary piece of how to modernize your home — a budget.
To avoid getting carried away, consider how much you can realistically spend on a new project before you start placing orders. Ask yourself a few questions:
- How many rooms do I plan to modernize?
- What are the three main changes I plan to make?
- What can I afford to spend right now — or in a few months from now?
The best way to get started on this type of home improvement is to spend a moderate amount of time planning and doing your research to determine what some of your ideas would cost.
1. Wait for Sales
When you give yourself enough time, you’re more likely to be able to purchase the items you actually want, rather than just what’s available right now. Put a notification on some of your favourite household items to get flagged anytime there is a sale or when the end of the season is coming close. That way, you can be sure that you’ll get the best possible price.
2. Price Comparison
Like waiting for sales, it’s important to make a price comparison at various shops and websites to see if you can get a comparable deal or a similar item at a lower or more affordable cost. You shouldn’t sacrifice quality, but at the same time, your priority should be staying on budget while you modernize your home.
3. Get Creative
Whether you plan a do-it-yourself (DIY) design of your space by switching up the paint colour or adding a hand-made shelf, there are plenty of fun options for ways to modernize your home without buying new at all. Instead, use what you have or find minor, more affordable improvements you can make without changing the entirety of each room.
The Best Places to Buy Modern Home Furniture and Decor on a Budget
If you’re unsure of the best places to shop for new furniture to modernize your home on a budget, there are some great options that you might not have considered, but that absolutely work.
#1. IKEA
Most of IKEA’s products are highly affordable and are basic enough that you can add lots of fun touches to make them more modern or in line with your personal style.
Sites like Etsy often have peel and stick wallpaper to change up the design of some IKEA classics. You can also turn to Pinterest to find personalized project ideas that mix quality furniture with a unique twist. For example, check out this IKEA Kura bed sticker or this IKEA Play Kitchen backsplash decal to modernize any nursery.
#2. Structube
An excellent Canadian option for furniture is Structube. Not only are they affordable, but their style screams ‘modern’ and hip. There aren’t many items you can’t find on this website, from a brand new sectional to a funky lamp.
#3. Overstock
If you’re looking for more access to designer brands at a discounted rate, Overstock is a great place to hunt for modern furniture pieces and decor.
Alongside these more well-known furniture-specific shops, you can also look to places like Amazon and Wal-mart for affordable options that are just a click or a car ride away when you’re in a pinch.
Either way, when working on any budget, the key is to do a good amount of research and ensure that you have a plan that works to provide enough time to save up for a home improvement or an idea of your approximate price range before you go shopping. There aren’t many things worse than finding something you love and then realizing that you can’t afford that item.
