As an introvert, I prefer relaxing alone after a long day at work. Even my family is not allowed to speak with me during this time, as I rest and recover from a busy day. All of the interactions I have on a daily basis deplete my energy, and I feel exhausted when I go home. My job is very demanding as an engineer.
So, lately, I’ve been feeling more burned out. I thought of making my living place a little more pleasant. I determined that I needed to find a comfortable spot at home and set up a personal nook. So I started exploring for ideas on Pinterest. While there were magnificent, stunning, and countless possibilities, I realized that the majority of them were not appropriate for my modest flat, which was already overflowing with necessities. Also, all of that fancy stuff would cost thousands of dollars, which I do not want to spend right now.
Besides, having only one portion of the house decorated with Instagram-style furniture will make the house appear weird. Again, I am a person who becomes bored easily. So I began exploring affordable choices that I could switch to every few months. I settled on a $100 budget, with a maximum of $200. Today I am going to share my research on how to build a lovely and warm space for you for $100–200. I’ll also give you some tips for making it more comfortable and add some product links for your convenience. Let’s all create a cozy personal space on a budget.
The most budget-friendly design under $100
- Floor cushions: The first design is the simplest and most budget-friendly. These designs only require you to buy a comfortable floor cushion or floor pillow. Depending on the size, these can cost around $70-$120.
- You can find these cushions easily on Amazon and Etsy.
- Decorative pillows: You also need some nice pillows, such as a round decorative pillow or bounce ball. Play with different kinds of pillows and see what makes the place more cozy. Do not add too many pillows to avoid clutter. These can cost around $20–$30 each. It is better to buy the pillows from a nearby thrift store to stick to the budget.
- Bamboo bookshelf: For a more modern and organic look, my next choice is a bamboo bookshelf. I have looked at both Amazon and Etsy. These bookshelf prices vary by size and number of shelves. But the usual size costs around $80-$100.
Pinterest: https://pin.it/5ps9o4KUJ
Beginner Tips
Choose a Color Palette First:
Make sure you have a color palette in mind. For me, I am going for a fall color palette or natural neutrals. There is something so inviting about these palettes. But go with a soothing color palette to make the space more comfortable. You can make your personality shine through the design of the space, too.
Prioritize Natural Light:
Place the sofa cushion beside a window to get natural light. In the early mornings, this place can be your coffee area.
Wall hangings:
Invest in small wall hangings. You do not need to buy those right away if you want to stick to a budget like me. Slowly collect them or buy one monthly.
Folding screen for privacy:
You can think of getting a folding screen if you want more privacy. If you live with a roommate, this is a good thing to invest in.
Rugs to elevate your space:
I have not talked about rugs, as those can be expensive. Also, if you have a pet, you might not feel comfortable having a rug. I personally do not like rugs because they accumulate dust, and I have a dust allergy.
Add freshness with Plants and Greens:
Get small plants, and it will change the vibe of the space immediately. If you are not a plant person, you can get faux plants to add some green color to the scene.
https://pin.it/4ir1SkVdi
Balcony Bliss
A balcony is the heart of the home, for me.
If you are not able to find a well-ventilated and natural light-equipped nook in your home, you can transform your balcony. Even if you have a small balcony, you can use the same stuff mentioned above to make your balcony your favorite place. Transforming your balcony might be a bit costly, as you need to get some items, such as curtains.
Curtains:
If your balcony faces the sunlight directly, make sure to get long white curtains and prevent yourself from getting burned. Also, make sure the curtains are not too heavy and are available in light colors, such as white. Dark colors will prevent sunlight from getting into your home, and this will not enhance the overall experience. The fabric should also be flowy, like linen. There are some sheer polyester-based curtains as well. Those have better visibility of sunlight and might not get wet on rainy days.
These are available on Amazon for $15. You might need more than one to cover the whole curtain rod. Here is the link for polyester-based drapes. Linen-based curtains are slightly more expensive. Each piece might be around $25. Here is the link for linen curtains. You might get cheaper curtains based on your location. You can also get some curtains, known as patio curtains. Those are water-resistant but might be very thick.
Curtain rod:
Most balconies do not have a curtain rod. There are some available options on Amazon for outdoor patio rods known as tension rods. Depending on the quality, it can range from $15- $50. Also, it largely depends on the length of your balcony. Another option is to use a portable privacy curtain. But this is not visually appealing at all. So, try different solutions and see what works best.
https://pin.it/2aUfZ4dPu
Hammocks or Swing:
If your balcony has enough space, I would recommend getting an egg swing chair. I absolutely love those. But the caveat is that those are around $100–$200. In that case, try a hammock instead. There are so many hammock options. So, choose according to your comfort. I found this hammock chair or swinging chair, and it comes with lights. This will make the evening experience more calming. It costs around $50, only half the price of egg swing chairs. You might need separate cushions for the swing.
Sofa instead of floor cushions:
I suggest using a sofa instead of floor cushions for the balcony. If you live in rainy areas, the floor cushions might get wet and damp. So, you can buy some small sofa sets with removable cushions, similar to a patio sofa. But you do not need the whole sofa set, as it will not fit your balcony. There are two-piece patio furniture pieces for small balconies that might cost around $100 – $150.
At the end, designing a space should be creative. So, let your creative personality flow. But do not let it go wild. Stick to a budget and upgrade slowly.