Just like a wardrobe, the space someone occupies can be a reflection of personal style. Depending on square footage and time constraints, the decorating process can be arduous and expensive without the proper help.
Though technology is already used to enhance communication between friends and family, make advances in medicine and improve education, its use in the home-decorating process has only just begun to unfold.
First-time decorators looking for creative stimulus may want to begin by exploring websites such as Tumblr or Pinterest.
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows users to collect and organize pictures, videos and links found on the Web. The mission of the website is to “connect everyone in the world through the “things” they find interesting.”
Pinterest has a specific page dedicated to home decorating where users can find and “pin” virtual inspiration for furniture, accessories and even entire rooms. The best part about this website: It’s free. Users need only request an invitation to join.
Tumblr can also be used during this stage of the decorating process as it is home to countless blogs dedicated to decorating endeavors. All users need to do is search within an interior design tag or any other specific decor-related term.
Once design decisions have been made, it’s time to purchase supplies.
Need tools? Home Depot offers customers the option to rent. Prices may vary, but are typically reasonable for college students who may prefer to save money for books or food.
Need furniture? There’s an app for that. The Yard Sale Mapper can be used to find the most affordable items by providing yard, garage and tag sale listings from craigslist.org and yardsaletreasuremap.com.
Need paint? The Home Decorator app is a convenient start. Users can take pictures of the wall they wish to paint, choose the color and see what it will look like before spending any money or time actually painting.
Hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s also have apps available for customers seeking help in the decorating process. Each boasts a number of features, including a bar code scanner and a section for how-to projects and videos.
Not only are these apps extremely useful, they are also free.
The iHandy Carpenter app, however, comes with a cost, but its five tools — the plum bob, surface level, bubble level bar, steel protractor and steel ruler — can be especially useful when hanging wall decor. At a cost of only $1.99, this app is worth purchasing.
With the help of technology, decorating on a budget has become as easy as pushing a button.
