5 Key Items to Styling a Home on a Budget
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Adding Juxtaposition
"Juxtaposition can be defined as taking two objects, themes, or materials and combining them or placing them together to create a striking contrast. In interior design, this can be interpreted as adopting two different styles, such as rustic and ultramodern, within the same space."
Okay so juxtaposition is probably the best tip I can give when styling on a budget.
Why, you ask?
Because you can mix and match pieces and not have to buy the whole living room set displayed in a Z Gallerie. Listen, Rome wasn't built in a day; shop around, go online, vintage shops, thrift stores, and get creative. When your adding pieces with different elements together it looks styled, and adds more interest to any space. I don't like making my spaces look like they were bought right out of a catalog. Pick and choose what you like, and if you're weary about what pieces go together, and which don't, you can match small elements of each piece together. For example, if you're adding a contemporary black leather couch with metal legs, then you can add a more traditional piece like a pink tufted chair with a metal nailhead design on the arms. That will tie in the the metals together and make it look intentional. Get the picture?
If you have a light and airy bedroom with whites and creams, but want to add some cool black curtains, then you add a black accent chair or a black rug to pull the blacks together and not look so out of place. It add flair, style, and personality.
Fresh Flowers and Greenery
I don't know everything about plants. I couldn't distinguish them and call them by names, I couldn't tell you how often to water them, or how much sunlight they'll need; all I know is they look pretty.
They add so much to a room, it's like a breath of fresh air.
You walk into a room with greenery and it's just fresh, you know? I really couldn't even describe the feeling but it sets a mood for sure. You just need it okay? It is such a simple trick to bring life to your space. There is always such a pretty selection of flowers at the farmers market, you can just grab some while you're grocery shopping (points for multitasking) and be on your merry way. I went to Whole Foods with my sister and we found the prettiest roses, they were such a unique gray, purple-lish, mauve shade and they were $9.99 for a bouquet. Steal! I mean put them all in my shopping cart, right away. You can even go an extra step and shop around at a local greenery, or a Home Depot.
Either way you'll be pleased at how simple this was to incorporate, yet what a difference it makes.
Fun Fact: Greenery is Pantone's 2017 Color of the Year. They marketed this shade as a refreshing and revitalizing shade, that's symbolic for new beginnings. Um, SOLD.
Statement Wall
I love a statement wall, because I love high-contrast spaces, it's chic and inexpensive.
Best of both worlds.
It can be anything from your favorite shade of blush pink, or a muted pastel blue, to a deep navy or a rich berry red. My personal choice? Textured paint. I have been obsessing over suede-looking wall paints. Ralph Lauren has an amazing line with beautiful shades in various texture styles that is so easy to use. Regardless of which personal choice you go with, this is such a great way to add drama to any room (esp love this in dining rooms), for an incredibly low cost. All you need is paint, paint brushes, and yourself (you can also trick a friend into helping). Did I mention this is also extremely therapeutic? Win-win!
Happy painting!
Books, Books, and... Did I say Books?
Let me tell you why books are great. Not only do they look super chic, but they are great conversation starters. I can't tell you how many times I've had someone over and while I'm grabbing them a drink a certain book grabs their attention. They start going through it and asking me about it, and completely avoids any awkward small talk (thank me later). They could be about anything, from Architecture, History, Fashion, I have a couple about Psychology, whatever your heart desires. With coffee table books, you don't have to overcomplicate your coffee table decor. Add a book or two with a candle sitting on top, and boom, you're done.
Framing Your Own Prints
Framing your own prints is a great way to customize a gallery wall exactly how you like it. I'm a huge fan of gallery walls, like it's kind of ridiculous. Every time anyone asks me, "Jazmine, what should I put on this wall?" My answer, like an automatic reflex, "Gallery wall!" I can't help it. I think every home needs at least one gallery wall somewhere, anywhere! I'm gonna sound like a broken record, but it just adds so much personality to a space, and adds an abstract factor that I really like.
Etsy is one of my favorite places to find interesting, and contrasting prints. Chicscandinavian is one of my favorite shops, she has a great assortment of styles that could be mixed and matched to any style preference. Honeytreeprints is another I like for the more moody, abstract prints. Whatever your style, Etsy is a great resource for finding an abundance of art at an inexpensive price point. For frames you could find them anywhere from garage sales, Target is a great option, Ikea, and Urban Outfitters; they have a great starter kit for a gallery wall set. You could mix styles, metals, and sizes. Customize this to fit your needs and personal style.
Thanks for reading! Like always, let us know what else you would like to see, and tag any photos with the hashtag #jldesign.