Life is hard when you have the expensive taste with a low-cost budget. The easiest way to recreate the looks you want but can't afford, is to start with repurposing the furniture you have right in front of you! Thrift shops will become your best friend, not only for inspiration but there's a good chance you'll discover some retro finds that will add some variety to your apartment too.

Just remember, if it's not worth its weight in moving it, then it's better to leave at home!

1. The Magic of Paint

Any old table, chair, bookshelf or anything in between can be converted into a totally brand new look with a few coats of paint. A perfect way to use old furniture from your parent's basement, or a cheap find at Goodwill. Spray paint will be your new best friend when it comes to anything made of metal or wicker, trust me on this! You can even sand down your paint job to create a rustic/ vintage look if that's the vibe you are going for.

2. Picture Frames: Reimagined

Find an old picture frame and remove the glass. Then, add some wire to the back of it with a staple gun, and you have a fun and fashionable way to hang up your necklaces, bracelets, and even your sunglasses. Super cute, super easy, and super affordable! You can also take a picture frame and put something that's ~get this~ not a picture of it. Use the frame to emphasize an old license plate, map, or even some records you have laying around. The possibilities are endless!

3. The Easiest Way to get a new couch

Want a chic looking couch, but don't have the money to buy one? The solution is simple: buy a slipcover for a couch you already own (or one from goodwill). Yes, you'll be out $100 for the slipcover, but you'll be saving upwards of $400 on any couch that catches your eye in Ikea.

4. Make your own art.

I'm gonna go ahead and assume that if you're reading this far, you have some artistic ability because a lot of this requires being crafty. BUT, even if you don't consider yourself an artist, it is super simple to buy a cheap canvas from Walmart and paint your own design on it. Take some inspiration from Pinterest, or just splatter paint it in colors that match your apartment. Either way, it's a cheap and fun way to fill up the wall space in your new home.

5. Glam up your glass

A super cheap and effective way to transform mason jars is to put a layer of acrylic paint on top of them, then screw on the lid without the "sealer". Or, if you're tired of painting add some decorative twine around the top for a bow! This adds character and color to your containers and you can use this for anything from holding toothbrushes and Q-tips to pencils and pens or anything in between! (You could even use these for glasses in your kitchen too!)