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“I’d rather have a ‘wow’ piece than a bunch of smaller-scale items.
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“I love to put big pieces of furniture in small spaces,” says Lipstein.
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Go ahead and break every design rule you’ve heard
#Diner dash hometown hero gourmet crash fix full#
You never know if that big sectional couch or full patio set will fit into your next home, but portable, space-friendly items like beautiful art and unique lamps can always work in any place. It’s always a good idea to invest more in the items you can take with you to your next space. But what about that rustic mid-century-inspired bed from West Elm that costs more than three months’ rent? “We are in a time when pretty much every great design piece has a cheaper, more accessible version online.” Check out destinations like Wayfair and Etsy for everything from bright artwork to whimsical accessories that won’t break the bank, or hit up your local flea market or antique store for one-of-a-kind budget finds-many of them have online stores running while physical locations are closed. “I think we underestimate the power of vintage resale and curbside finds that can be DIY’d and made to feel new and fresh,” says Lipstein. Find a healthy mix of high-low itemsĪvoid the temptation to buy everything brand new-especially if you’re on a short-term lease or planning to move again in the near future. “A lot of the time, you think you have to stick to one particular ‘style’ but blending looks personalizes a space and makes it unique and yours-not just IKEA,” Lipstein says. This approach can create a more thoughtful, curated collection of pieces you actually treasure. Searching a variety of sources is good for your wallet and the environment, notes Lipstein, especially if you extend your hunt to smaller local shops, garage sales, and even Facebook Marketplace. “This may mean it will be a slow build in the space.” Take your time to accumulate items that are special to you-that’ll buy you time to find good deals before rushing into big commitments purchases, too.Īnd don’t expect to purchase your dream sectional sofa, coffee table and area rug all in one shop. “You should buy things that you love, not just pieces that will work,” says Lipstein. Though you may be tempted to fill your new place with chic throw pillows and vases galore as soon as you get the keys, give yourself time to build up a personal style. Here, Lipstein shares her best tips and budget-friendly décor hacks to make your temporary space feel more like home. With 40% of Canadian millennials currently renting their place, knowing what to invest in, where you can save and where to score the best finds is key to apartment living. It was the early 2000s.”įinding your personal aesthetic on a budget is the inevitable struggle of any first-time (or long-time) renter. “I desperately wanted to put my own spin on it, so I painted the kitchen bright orange and the bathroom a deep purple. “My first apartment was this amazing four-story walk-up that reminded me of New York,” says interior stylist Stacey Lipstein, founder of Tiny House Mama. Boozy sunsets on the balcony, the sketchy elevator, your first clogged toilet-all inevitable rites of passage on your way to adulthood and independent living. Everyone remembers their first apartment.
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