​When thinking about interior design and renovations, frugality does not often come to mind. After all, people want the biggest and the best, right? What is the point in upgrading your home with older items? To be honest, frugal interior design is not as strange a concept as one might think. The fact that an item is used does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with it. Recycling older items not only gives you something new-to-you, but it also reduces the amount of stuff that ends up in the landfill unnecessarily. It can also save you a great deal of money, as used items (no matter the condition) are going to cost significantly less than they would if they were brand new.

​If you are renovating your condo, you could find a great deal on second-hand appliances, windows, sinks, and more. Often, you can purchase building materials from construction sites and donation centres. Windows are typically donated or thrown out, even though they are in perfect condition, because they were the wrong size or there was a miscount and they had extras leftover.

​Plumbing objects (sinks and tubs) are sometimes thrown out or donated as well after a renovation project or new build if the owner changed their mind about the type or design they wanted after already placing an order. This is less likely, but it does happen. The point is to get out there and see what all you can find. You may find something spectacular and in perfect condition yet sold at a discounted price simply because it is second-hand, even if it was never used. It is similar to how a vehicle depreciates in value as soon as it leaves the lot.

​Upcycling can also go a long way. Convert an old dresser with broken drawers into a shelf. Remove the drawers, sand it down, and paint it to make it look brand new. Spruce up an old sofa with new upholstery. Turn an old stool into an end table or plant stand. A little work can go a long way in breathing new life into older objects. In some cases, you will never be able to tell. In others, it will serve as an interesting conversation starter.

For instance, you can turn an old, damage door, guitar, or object into a neat shelf with an interesting backstory. Guests will definitely take notice, and you will have a fun story to tell about how you converted something old (and perhaps meaningful) into something new.

​If you are particularly crafty or know your way around a sewing machine, then you can save a lot of money by making your own window coverings, pillows, and décor. You can typically purchase fabric for cheaper than new décor, and you can even recycle old clothing, blankets, etc. to make something entirely new. Cut up old jeans and pretty shirts to make decorative pillows or interesting lamp shades. If you are creative, you may have no shortage of ideas running through your head. If not, then there are plenty of ideas and tutorials out there to inspire you.

Interior Design Meets Frugality by Condo.ca