Re-decorating a house or even just a room can be an expensive venture. We’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity and some patience, you can give your home a refresh by upcycling thrifted items. Create a unique look for your home, apartment or dorm, and live in a space you love without compromising on your budget.
Maybe you’re wondering — why upcycle? Upcycling is all about taking ordinary, used, and/or older items and repurposing them into functional furniture, storage, and decor. Not only is it great for the environment, but it’s also a perfect way to add personal flair to your humble abode.
If you’re not afraid of a little DIY project and have an eye for making interesting pieces, upcycling is for you! Thrift store DIY home decor can be chic, functional, and budget-friendly with just a little bit of elbow grease and creativity.
Read more to find our 4 tips for decorating on a budget and start creating unique, modern DIY home decor for your space!
1. Know the Dos & Don’ts of Upcycling
There’s no better feeling than finding something ordinary and transforming it into a showcase piece or functional item for your home. Here are a few dos and don’ts to know before you get started:
– Pick & choose carefully:
Going shopping for potential upcycling items can be like time traveling — but be careful not to get hung up on items that may be too flimsy or broken beyond repair.
– Get creative:
Turning a piano into a desktop? Crib into a table? The options are endless! Upcycling is all about embracing the journey and having a vision when creating unique DIY home decor.
– Refurbish with the right tools:
Invest in the right paint, wallpaper, adhesives, and any other tools you’ll need. Will you need waterproof paint/primer? How strong will your adhesives have to be? Ask the right questions and invest in your materials to ensure a long-lasting piece!
2. Make a List
One of the most important tips for decorating on a budget is to create a list. This way, you’ll avoid forgetting important items or overspending on items you don’t need.
– List of what your space needs:
Assess what your room is lacking and start your list from there. Lighting, tables, chairs, and storage containers (big and small) are all examples of simple pieces you can easily create from used items.
– Leave some wiggle room for unique finds:
Save part of your budget for the unexpected. You never know when you’ll come across a piece of furniture that would make the perfect upcycled piece.
– Start searching:
Find common thrift store DIY home decor items for all the staples on your list to see how you can shop and create your own unique home decor.
3. Find Your Inspiration!
One of the many benefits of upcycling is that you get to see your ideas come to life. Knowing how much work you put into redesigning old items will give you great pride in your new home decor. With so many creative upcycling ideas out there, you may need a little direction to get started!
– Know what’s commonly (and easily) upcycled:
Be on the lookout for items that are easy to upcycle like old cans and boxes, diningware, clothes hangers, and furniture you or your family may have outgrown like cribs and chairs.
Take ideas from these commonly upcycled household items and create something brand new.
Ready to be your own interior designer? Don’t be afraid to go all out and create the most gorgeous lamp shades, wall accents, cute furnishings with upcycled materials.
4. Watch Tutorials
As confident as you may be, it’s important to get some basic instruction before taking on any decorating and home decor project. So brush up on your craftsman and decorating skills by browsing YouTube for useful tutorials. After all, there’s no going back once you get cutting, gluing, and painting!
Get a jump start on your DIY home decor research with a quick tutorial!
BONUS TIP — Consign Your Unwanted Furniture to Increase Your Budget!
Already considering getting rid of your furniture to start fresh? Go out with the old and in with the new. Find a Turn Style location near you and earn cash or store credit on your items to boost your budget so you can begin creating your new modern DIY home decor!
