Buying your first home can being exciting, but chances are, you do not have all the furniture, décor, and living utensils you want right away.  You want to make your new place feel like home but do not want to break bank, and designing your space can be quite challenging when trying to balance your budget and do not have your dream furniture yet.  Sometimes, you will inherit a mix of colors, styles, and genres of furniture and décor to furnish your home or you are limited on a budget to get everything you want in the beginning.  Here are three helpful tips that can help you design your first home on a budget: 

Create Your Design Around What You Have

If you have any furniture when you move into your house, that is a great start.  You can design your theme around what you already have.  It may not be your end goal, but you can simply make a design off the furniture you already own.  Maybe you want to have a warm-hued rustic living room, but you obtained a modern, blue futon.  Designing your theme around your current furniture is a simple trick to save money and not have a room feel awkward.

Quality over Quantity

When buying your furniture, consider quality over quantity.  If you are getting a filler piece until you can afford your next furniture item, you are wasting money.  Start a budget towards the furniture that you really want in your home and make sure they are quality pieces.  This will ensure that you do not have to buy new furniture every couple of years.  Take care of your furniture as you get it so that it can last with your home.

Patience

Do not rush the process.  Break your home into rooms and set aside budgets.  Prioritize what matters to you.  Some people may want their master room to be done first, or maybe you have a child on the way.  Entertainment may be your primary focus, and you may want to invest in your living room or entertainment room.  Make sure that you break down you home into smaller, more obtainable projects, so you do not get overwhelmed.  Remember, Rome was not built overnight.

Do not stress about your home being complete the day you move into it.  Weigh out what needs to be done first and get quality, timeless furniture to enhance your design style.  Even though it may seem stressful waiting on doing rooms, it can help ensure that you do it correctly.  

Updating can get expensive, quick. For budget-friendly hacks that will not break the bank, check out our guide on eight budget-friendly kitchen updates. Let’s take a look! 

Eight Budget-Friendly Kitchen Updates: 

1. Make a Splash.

Your kitchen sink can be the focal point of your space, whether you like it or not. Updating the faucet can help bring your sink back to life. If you are looking for a quick fix, you spraypaint your current faucet fixture with a metallic color. Otherwise, replacing the fixture with a more modern one can be an excellent solution for an outdated room. 

2. Lights On. 

If your lights are dull, it can bring down the vibe of the entire room. To help bring it back to life, swap out your current light fixtures for brighter, more efficient ones. You may even want to consider finding a more trendy fixture to help update your space. 

3. Fresh Cabinetry. 

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for outdated cabinetry. If your current cabinet color just is not working for you, try to update it with a new paint color. Deep colors are all the rage right now in cabinetry, but if you are looking for more inspiration, browse our online showroom to get inspired.  

4. Update Outlet/Light Switch Plates.

Outlet covers and light switch plates are subtle ways to tell if a kitchen is outdated. To help update on a budget, you can paint your current plates with a more trendy color. If you have the budget, you can swap out your current plates and covers with more current ones. 

5. Swap Out Old Hardware. 

Switching out your old hardware can be another way to spruce up your cabinetry. If the handles look old, it can age your kitchen. That being said, antique handles are all the rage right now. A tremendous budget-friendly hack is to go to a local antique shop in search of hardware. You may find one-of-a-kind treasures that make your kitchen unique.

6. Savage Storage. 

While you are updating, it is a good idea to add more storage wherever possible. Wall shelves and corner cubbies can be great, affordable solutions for extra storage in a snap. 

7. A Minimalist’s Countertop. 

A stylish home is a clutter-free home. Take on a minimalist’s approach by clearing off your countertops of clutter. 

8. Doll Up Your Decor. 

Now is the time to dress up your kitchen with stylish decor for a reasonable price. You can add new pictures to the walls, switch out your chair’s fabric, and add a runner to your floors. These simple and affordable ideas will help make your kitchen your own.  

With all the money you saved on updates, you can budget towards something you really desire like new floors. At Carpets N More, we do not compromise quality, and with financing options available, you can have the home of your dreams in no time. Call us or visit us for more information. 

1. Plants. 

Adding a garden to your patio can add a lot of character and value to the environment. You can incorporate planter, mulch beds, or even graveled beds depending on the look you are trying to accomplish. Plants add life and energy to a space and are the perfect remedy for a mundane, dreary patio. Shrubs and bushes are great ways to create privacy walls or barriers that give your patio a distinguished depth.

2. Lights.

Do not let the time of day stop you from using your patio. Decorative lighting is a fun way to keep your space welcoming even after sunset. Installing overhead string lighting is a budget-friendly solution for illuminating your whole patio with ease. You can put solar lights in the ground that charge during the day and light up during the night, as well. Light is always sought after by designers to make a space feel more open and welcoming. Whether you choose TIKI torches, patio sconces, or other options, lighting is essential for designing your patio.

3. Paints & Stains. 

Staining your patio furniture or your deck can make such a difference. It is essential to keep up on your staining when maintaining your property. Choosing a stain can be another patio modification used to express yourself. You do not have to limit yourself to one stain either. Picking a bold paint color can personalize your outdoor hangout.

• Rug Size. 

You will want to measure the space of your entryway to help avoid making the mistake of purchasing a rug that is too small or large. The proper size of the rug is based off of the scale of the rug and the size of the room. If the rug is too small, it will be overlooked and look out of place. If the rug is too large, it will overtake the entire space and look heavy and bulky. If you need guidance or assistance, bring your room measurements into one of our showrooms for additional help. 

• Rug Placement.

You will want to leave enough space between the rug and the bottom of the door. Thinner rugs will be more durable and long-lasting than a thick pile rug. Plus, a thin rug will be much easier to clean. Make sure you open and close the door, so the rug does not interfere with the doors function.

• Rug Maintenance.

Think about the type of debris being brought into the home. Do you experience a lot of rain and snow? Are you at the coast or desert bringing in sand? What about grass and leaves? Will you wash the rug or vacuum and clean periodically? The rug material also determines its care and maintenance. If you are looking for further information on a rug’s material and upkeeping, one of our knowledgeable sales staff would love to assist you. 

• Rugs with a Pattern. 

If your entryway is “Grand Central Station,” think about picking a rug with a multi-colored pattern or design. They are excellent for camouflaging dirt, debris, and pet hair. The life of a patterned rug will be longer than a solid rug because visual wear patterns are not seen as easily.

Are you struggling to fall in love with your small bathroom? No matter how you decorate it, it seems to feel tight and unwelcoming. We understand the frustration that you are feeling! A small bathroom may seem unmanageable, but you can help open the space up with the right flooring choice. For tips on choosing the perfect bathroom floors, keep on reading!

Bathroom Flooring Ideas for Small Spaces:

1.  Larger Widths.

Incorporating large tiles or other types of flooring can create a more open space. Ideally, you will want to be able to see more of the flooring for a more visually attractive look. Larger widths can create the illusion of a bigger space while adding to the room’s overall aesthetic. Just be wary of going too big. Oversized tiles can look good until a certain point. You want the tile to be balanced with the proportions of the space. If you are unsure of what size to choose, we are happy to help! Contact us or visit us one of our showrooms for more information. 

2. Light Colors.

Lighter colors can help make a small space feel bigger. We find this especially true with light-colored flooring. While selecting your bathroom’s flooring, be sure to stay on the light spectrum of choices. For recommendations, we would love to show you our selection. View our online showroom at https://www.carpetsnmore.com/flooringproducts

3. Diagonal.

Lastly, laying flooring at a diagonal can actually give the illusion of a bigger room. Diagonals generally confuse our eyes to make them think something is bigger than it actually is. Plus, they help to add character and interest to smaller spaces. They give a decorative appeal that can help bring your small space to life!

Are you interested in purchasing flooring for your small bathroom? We would love to help you find the perfect floors! Please browse our online showroom at https://www.carpetsnmore.com/flooringproducts or visit us in person to view our vast selection. Do not hesitate to call with any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Thanks for reading! 

If you are used to living in a big home, the thought of downsizing can be an overwhelming and downright stressful experience. City dwellers often understand that downsizing will lead to compromising their wants for their needs. To avoid living in clutter, we have some important tips that homeowners should consider when they are planning on downsizing. 

How to Adjust to Downsizing: 

1. Make a Plan.

If you know that you are going to be downsizing, it is best to plan ahead of time. Get together with the members of your household and plan your goals for the move. Make sure everyone is in agreement before moving ahead with the process.

2. Consider The Layout.

Your new home’s layout is crucial to the moving process. Some items in your current home may not fit into your new space. You will need to take into account each room’s size and the items that you will be able to take. Most of the time, downsizing means you cannot take everything. You will have to get rid of some of your items but try to sell them in a garage sale. If you sell your items, you can use the extra cash to purchase a more feasible item for the space. 

3. Stay Positive.

Compromising will be a part of downsizing. If you are moving to the city, you are compromising space for lifestyle. Try to stay positive in the move! Think about a fresh start as a new adventure rather than a frustrating task. 

4. Maintain.

The worse thing that can happen is allowing clutter to accumulate after you have just moved into your new space. You will need to maintain a “small space mindset” while you are shopping. It is easy to overpack your new place with unnecessary items, but remember that the move gave you a chance to purge all your old belongings. Try not to start a cluttered lifestyle. 

5. Multifunction.

Small spaces can be made better with multifunctional furniture. Try to incorporate items that can serve several purposes.

6. Have a Buddy.

Sometimes, we need to be told to get rid of stuff. There may be some things that you think are essential to keep but in reality, it is not necessary for the move. Have a friend or family member with you while you pack to help determine the necessities. 

We hope you have a successful move and adjust well to downsizing. If you ever need new flooring, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Utilizing an area rug is a simple and inexpensive way to add color to the room and create a focal point. Also, if you are purchasing an area rug after the fact of purchasing furniture, you can introduce an accent color through the use of a rug.

• Definition.

Area rugs are the creative way to define space in one or more rooms. If you have an open concept family room with a dining area, you can define the space with complimentary area rugs. Keep in mind that the design function of this room is to accommodate a seating and conversation area, and the other is for dining and gathering.

• Texture & Layers.

If you have hardwood or ceramic/stone floors, area rugs add a sense of warmth, color, and definition to the room. What if you have wall to wall carpeting? Adding an area rug on top of carpeting will create a sense of layers while adding color and style. We are sure you have noticed the recent trend of bringing natural fibers into the design. Natural fiber rugs add texture and layers to the room without breaking the budget.

• Unconventional Uses. 

Do you have a large wall that needs that something special, but you are unsure of what to hang? Area rugs are perfect for unconventional wall art. You can make your own rug hanger with rough wood scraps, or take a trip to your local hardware store. Hardware stores will cut wood framing for the hanger to your size specifications. Also, you can leave the wood natural, stain, or paint it, according to the design of the room and its aesthetic. Keep in mind, to add a little architectural punch, try screwing rod finials into the ends of your wooden hanger. If you do not want to make your own, simply visit stores that sell drapery hardware. Use a heavy fishing line to hand sew a rod pocket (similar to a drapery rod pocket) on one end of the rug. Run your hanger through the rod pocket. If you are hanging a large heavy rug, make sure to hang with sturdy anchors and utilize drilling anchors into wall studs if possible.