Decorating cheaply but nicely

[OohFriend]

We have recently bought out first house, which is very exciting. It is a very boxy, very boring-looking new build ie no character, slightly rubbish lighting, no features whatsoever. It also has a massive open plan kitchen living room which I hate, but is just how things are built here (not UK).

How can I make it really cosy and homely without spending a lot? We can afford a few new things but not to redo the whole place at once.

It is hard to find nice second hand furniture cheaply - nothing like the charity shops in the UK, which are great even for small things like vases or teapots. We do have Ikea here and a few local brands, but not much more than that. People don't really sell old furniture, they just toss it out.

I have looked at a few websites but while some of the tips might look good with studio lighting, I'm worried they would look rubbish in real life (eg does gold spray painting furniture legs actually look nice? Does washi tape actually work?) Or otherwise, it's totally unrealistic (make a feature of the fireplace! I wish!)

Any tips, websites or photos would be great!

have a look at houzz

Apartment Therapy is another good one for inspiration.

Pictures, rugs, plants, lamps will all help.

Wallpaper? I love it for adding a bit of personality really easily.

I hate this phrase, but I'd try area rugs, slowly pick up bits of interest that take your fancy (pictures, little oddities, different cushions). Decide if you want to tie everything together, or make each area clearly defined. There's a show I've been watching called My Dream Home, and these guys renovate houses and almost always do open plan - maybe have a look for them on YouTube if it isn't available on TV where you live. It's almost made me want an open plan place, but our house is far too small to make it look like what they achieve!

Cosy, imo, relies on textures and nothing being all matchy matchy, but not clashing either. So, dont do like my parents do, with EVERY accessory in the same colour. Light shades, kettle, cushions ..... all green 🙄 what the property brothers do on My Dream home is make ever house like a show home. Everything is in the one colour pallet with very subtle shading differences which completely blend in and they make every house look amazing! 🧁 cosy on a budget - doable. Paint is relatively cheap and can totally transform a room. Go bold, dark, so navy or a deep green, even in one wall if it's too much everywhere, and it will look cosy instantly. We went from a pale sage green to navy in the lounge and its gorgeous. It actually looks decorated rather than forgotten about. Again In the lounge, a rug some cushions in different textures, fabrics. You can get really cheap ones from Dunhelm and Next. They do flatten but it's an easy way to add texture and interest. I'd also invest in floor length curtains. Again dunhelm are really reasonable. I git a set of 228cm x 228cm for £60 full price. 🧁 enjoy your redecorating and hunting through pinterest and magazines. And do try to catch up with My Drean Home or My Forever home. Fab house.