If you have lived in Cape Town long enough or tried to find a place to rent, you would know how cumbersome the process is. It takes long and when you finally find your ‘ideal home’ you have to deal with the hectic double or triple deposits required.
After figuring that out, you then need to make your place as stylish as possible, and that’s the stage I am at. Only catch though is with all the payments, my budget is literally swallowed. However, I still want the type of home that rises up to greet me when I walk in.
To curb my dilemma here’s how I am step-by-step, making my dream chic and stylish apartment come to life.
Research
I have at least ten Condé Nast House & Garden magazines that I am drawing inspiration from, for my new decor. I looked at what’s currently trending and what I would like to mimic and include my own personal touch to. I also looked at some of the stockists and looked at prices that are within my range.
Second-hand shopping
Now that I know what I want, I am actively checking out sites like OLX and Gumtree to see if anyone is selling the items I need. Previously owned goods usually come cheaper, and if you don’t like the cover or look you can always do your own DIY on the item.
Another great place I have been looking at is vintage shops. You can get some of the best statement furniture or even art pieces at vintage shops. Their pricing is also quite reasonable.
DIY
So I saw an exquisite bed base in an international magazine recently, its chic and also very functional, exactly what I need. But when I went to look around, they don’t have it available locally. The ones that look slightly similar will cost me over R30 000, so I found a great carpenter and he is making it for less. You can do that with your couches, tables and bar stools. Find a reputable and affordable manufacturer, and have it made to your specifications. The trick with DIY though is to get the measurements right and popping in from time to time to see if they are making exactly what you need.
Find cheaper options
We all want the best when it comes to our homes, and at times the best can be costly, that’s when finding cheaper options is key. Factory shops will sell furniture and home decor items cheaper than most mainstream stores, so make those your options when your budget is tight.
Stick to your theme
So some of the things I want, like crockery and interior decor pieces are costly and may need me to save up – I will do just that. I have seen from past experiences that someone may want a particular theme or feel for their decor and because of the budget they leave that dream, don’t do that.
Stay on course, even if it will take you time, let it. After all, there is no substitute for living in the kind of home you want.
Featured Image: Unsplash
