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Whether you're currently a student or have recently finished studying – it can easily be assumed that you have a tight budget! If you're lucky enough to be out of student dorms then renting your first student apartment will be an experience full of fun and creativity.
We know that as a student, your budget is the number one priority when thinking about how to design and furnish your apartment. And we want you to know – that nowadays, a low budget is absolutely not a crippling limitation! From large chains like Ikea, to second-hand shops and DIY projects, creating a space that's unique to you, or you and a roommate, is no problem at all.
First and foremost, remember to start out with 'staple pieces' – pieces that are personally significant to you in some way. This should include everything from decor, to furniture, and especially multifunctional appliances that are durable and useful. If you're starting out with hand-me-downs or fresh from scratch, we have listed six ways in which you can easily furnish a (stylish) student apartment – on a budget!
In the case that you have a studio apartment – consider this great Ideabook for how to make the kitchen look bigger.
As we mentioned before, sticking to a budget is one of the top priorities of students and their families. As a student, if you have a roommate, make sure that all finances are discussed prior to making the decision to live together. Obviously, living with someone can double your budget, but accounting for two peoples' tastes can be hard.
Make sure you stick to your budget because of course, things happen! Typically once you move into your apartment you will quickly realise things that you need and did not buy – so adding a Miscellaneous
category into your budget is a wise decision. Also – consider on spending more of your own personal budget on things that you can carry with you well after you're done with school. For example – invest in kitchen appliances of good quality and great items and furnishings for your bedroom. Keep items for communal spaces as cheap as possible, such as living room items and bathrooms – as a college student, items in these rooms have a greater chance of being broken.
Below, we have listed some ways in which you can stay in budget!
Sifting through second-hand shops and thrift stores is one of the most enjoyable parts of decorating an apartment! You truly never know what you might come across – and for minimal cost! Expand your mind and don't be completely put-off by items that might seem in bad condition or have some minor wear-and-tear. For the amount of money that you'll be saving – you can either fix the problems yourself, or pay to get larger items like sofas and chairs reupholstered.
When looking for second-hand items, look at various wall art, small decorative items and even large statement pieces like a Mad Men inspired couch or a perfect Scandinavian side table. Again, these are items that can easily be restored – and restoring a great piece of furniture to its original glory is one of the most satisfying (and cost effective) parts of getting your first apartment!
Designers, Clorofilia, have some great ideas to create fun and fresh rooms!
The excitement that your first apartment will bring might make you feel overwhelmed and a bit chaotic. You will be excited to go shopping and look through magazines for just the right look – but beware – this can be counter-productive to go shopping right away.
Either sit down alone or with your roommate and decide on a stylistic theme for your apartment. Are you aiming for country chic? Minimalist with a little flair? Or traditional with lots of personal items you've accumulated? Whatever you choose – make a list with a different column for each room. For example, if you choose a minimalist Scandinavian theme, decide on key elements you will need for the bedroom, living room and kitchen. Laundry rooms and bathroom (particularly in a student apartment) shouldn't be places where you invest the little money that you have.
Another consideration is – will your theme be general in every area of your home, or will it vary per room? For your budget's sake – we suggest you keep one theme for the whole apartment!
In order to choose a 'budget bed' it doesn't necessarily mean that quality needs to be skimped on! There are so many industrial design and bedding companies whose target markets are students and young professionals – use this to your advantage! Large chain stores and online ordering now allow you to choose a cheap bed, of relatively good quality that can usually be delivered in one or two days.
Take note – if you decide to go cheaper on your first student apartment bed – then use the leftover budget to purchase high-quality bedding, duvets, pillows and even a decent feather bed to add some high-quality comfort!
Curtains are one of those marvelous design items that can be just as beautiful if they're homemade. Of course, not all homeowners are nifty, or have the time to make their own curtains. If you decide to buy curtains then consider fabrics such as cotton and polyester that will offer a wide range of colour palettes, patterns and textures.
As seen in this example – simple white sheers are used to add natural light and a clean, minimal feel to create added dimension to this living room. If you don't have a lot of windows in your first apartment then consider cheap and trendy options like roll-up bamboo blinds or DIY dyed fabrics for a pop of colour.
With a small budget, student apartments and their design techniques can start to seem redundant. However, with one statement piece – you can turn your space into an eclectic dream! A cool and funky table lamp with a fabulous history is sometimes all you need to both perk a room up and get guests and friends talking.
The great part about lamps is that they are rather small, portable and easy to find – yet provide a maximum punch in any room. As we mentioned before – look through thrift stores and second-hand shops – we especially suggest that you go to local flea markets! The options are truly endless!
Designer Adeline Labord is fabulous at creating eclectic spaces with items that make a room pop!
