Kicking back and relaxing in your own place is something that a lot of you may dream about. However, as many teens hit their twenties and head off to college, and as many college graduates used to dorm life hit the “real world” full of tiny apartments, the idea of a place of your own can become less of a dream and more of a nightmare. Even as you are able to afford a place, you might not be so proud when it comes time for mom and dad, or that hot co-ed across the hall, to visit. First apartments can definitely be small, dingy, and a bit worse for the wear.

Decorating on a budget, as well as decorating spaces too small for more than three or four visitors at the same time, is not easy. In fact, being sophisticated, trendy, and cheap does not happen easily – those words do not go together in a sentence very well! Luckily for you and for the other twenty-somethings out there, there are some great tips to finding that perfect style on a less-than-perfect budget. Following these ideas can mean that you have an even greater place – one that you will be happy to show to your parents, and even happier to show to that guy or gal across the way. Your own place at last – why not make it something to be proud of?

First Of All – Avoid Those Impulses!

When you begin to shop for items for your new place, whether it’s a house full of people in which you’ll be renting a room, or a tiny basement joint where you plan on staying with a cat for company, you are going to be faced with lots of impulses. Walking through Ikea or even department stores like Target, you will be bombarded by great things that you simply must have. That antique dinning set or that space-age shelving unit will be jumping out at you, practically begging to be purchased and put together. However, the things that you want the most are probably not the things that you need, and chances are good that none of these things are going to go together well even in a larger house, much less in the tiny place that you’ll be calling home.

So, avoid the impulses! Instead, make a mental wish list – or even a file folder on your computer with all of the must-haves for your first real house. Do not buy them right now. Focus on the things that you really need, and the things that are going to look good no matter where you move to next. After all, what good is that fabulous chandelier if its handing over an empty space where the kitchen table should be?

Put Your Priorities In Order – What Is Important?

Along those same lines, don’t think that you won’t have to buy anything! Most college kids, and most kids who are done with college find themselves with surprisingly little. If you have been living in a dorm or at your parents’ house, you might be in need of a real place to sleep. Yes, you are going to have to buy things, but you have to prioritize, and you have to focus on the important things first.

No matter what situation you are in, the first thing you should inventory is your sleeping arrangement. Do you have a good, real, and fairly new bed? As you move out on your own, chances are that your nights of sleeping on sofas are going to come to a swift halt. You will probably have to even get up in the mornings now, so you are going to have to find a way to start getting some good sleep! No, that cool beanbag chair is not an option. Buy a real bed. Not only will it make you feel more grown up, but it will also help you get into the swing of things for your daily routine.

You are also going to want to look at getting something nice for your friends, and your parents, to sit on when the come visit. Think of a great place you can find to buy a couch, even if it is second hand, and make sure that you have an area in your home where you can welcome guests. You are going to want to show it off, once you get it finished, so be sure that you can show it off and entertain at the same time. If you cannot find a sofa that matches, try not to fret! That is what slipcovers are for! A futon is also a great option. This can serve as a second bed if you have overnight guests, but can act as your couch when you simply need a place to sit.

Read part two of this series here.