How I Styled My Entire Apartment

When I first moved into my apartment, I felt both excited and overwhelmed. The space had so much potential, but my wallet definitely didn’t. With only $100 to spend, I wondered if my dream of creating a cozy, stylish home was even possible. That’s when I turned to something unconventional: a vision board.

By combining creativity, intentionality, and a little DIY spirit, I managed to transform my apartment into a warm, personalized space that feels like “me”—without breaking the bank. Here’s how I styled my entire apartment with $100 and a vision board.

Step 1: The Vision Board Magic

Before spending a single dollar, I gathered inspiration. I cut images from magazines, saved Pinterest pins, and printed aesthetic mood shots. My vision board wasn’t just about style—it was about how I wanted my home to feel.

I pinned cozy living room corners, thrifted finds, pops of greenery, and neutral palettes mixed with bold accents. The board became my compass, helping me avoid random purchases and instead focus on creating a cohesive vibe.

Step 2: Shop Your Own Home First

The best part? Styling doesn’t always start at the store. I walked around my apartment and looked at what I already owned with fresh eyes. A scarf became a table runner, mason jars turned into vases, and old picture frames got a DIY facelift with spray paint.

By repurposing what I had, I instantly saved money and gave new life to forgotten pieces.

Step 3: Thrifting Like a Pro

Next stop: the thrift store. With $40 of my budget, I scored absolute treasures—a woven basket for blankets, a quirky ceramic vase, and a coffee table book that added instant personality.

The secret to thrifting on a budget? Patience and imagination. Don’t just see what an item is—see what it could become. That mismatched chair? With a $5 cushion, it became a cozy reading spot.

Step 4: Small Investments, Big Impact

I spent another $30 on a few key pieces that pulled the whole apartment together:

• String lights for warm, cozy vibes.
• A set of neutral pillow covers that made my old couch look brand new.
• A small indoor plant (bonus: it purifies the air and adds life to the room).

These small investments gave me the biggest return on style.

Step 5: DIY Decor with Personality

With my remaining $30, I got crafty. I created wall art using free pintables I found online, paired with thrifted frames. I also made a gallery wall from postcards and Polaroids—instant charm, zero cost.

I even used leftover fabric to create a no-sew pillow cover, adding a personal touch to my bedroom nook. The best part? Every DIY piece reminded me of the process and the intention behind it.

The Final Transformation

When friends visit now, they can’t believe I styled my apartment on such a tiny budget. But here’s the truth: it wasn’t about the money—it was about the vision.

The vision board helped me stay focused, thrifting and DIY kept me creative, and the $100 budget forced me to be intentional with every choice. Instead of clutter, I ended up with a space that feels calm, cozy, and uniquely mine.

Think About It

Styling your home doesn’t require a designer budget. With a little imagination, patience, and clarity of vision, you can create a space you love—without overspending.

So grab a vision board, set a budget, and let creativity lead the way. Trust me, your dream apartment is closer than you think.