When couples move in together, there are a lot of exciting questions to ask:

What color will we paint the walls?

Whose bed will we sleep on?

Should we get a pet?

How will we tackle household chores?

What should the style of our home reflect?

The last question is one of the most exciting, intriguing and often the most expensive. Merging styles and décor can be as much of a challenge as it is an adventure for many couples. We often attach a bit of who we are to what we own — our books, artwork and style reflect our identity. When you move in together, you want to hold on to your individuality, while allowing yourself — and your style — to grow in your new home. That’s what often makes decorating after moving in so expensive.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Do you want to blend your styles but stay within budget? If the answer is yes, you may not be sure where to start, but you have more options than you may think. Here’s a quick and easy room-by-room guide for decorating a new home on a shoestring budget.

Living Room

Chances are, you and your significant other will be spending a lot of quality time in your new living room. From watching movies to playing games, from date nights to entertaining friends, this is the epicenter of your new life together — and it should reflect both you as individuals and your relationship. That’s where color scheme comes in. Both of you should bring out the décor you really want to see in this space, then find a safe, solid, neutral color to tie it all together. If you’re looking to pull in this color by painting the walls, you can find discounts on paint by searching the “oops” counter at Home Depot or Lowes. You can then scatter pops of this color with throw pillows and blankets by shopping homegoods stores and taking advantage of savings like Bed Bath & Beyond promo codes.

Kitchen

Who has the better coffee pot? Which one of you has the bigger microwave? Sometimes deciding what to keep is a no-brainer, but other times you wind up with duplicates no one is willing to purge. One way to solve this is to upgrade your appliances. You can sell your individual coffee pots, microwaves, pressure cookers, plates and pans and then use that money to purchase new kitchen equipment that reflects your combined style and taste. You can score great deals by purchasing returned or refurbished kitchenware on Amazon Warehouse Deals.

Bathroom

You and your partner will spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so organizing your separate toiletries is an essential part of sharing that space. Organization isn’t just about storage; it’s also about style. Thrift stores and antique malls are great places to find creative, clever storage containers. Think about items you already own that you can upcycle — a crafty way of taking something that has one purpose and giving it new life. For example, if you and your partner now have a mountain of Tupperware, consider wrapping some of the bigger pieces in fabric, rope or patterned wallpaper to turn it into a decorative storage bin.

Bedroom

The bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation. It should be calming and clean, giving you and your partner a space for peace and intimacy. That’s why it is crucial you both feel comfortable there. Look for affordable ways to find that balance with the things you already own. Take the bedspread for example. Instead of purchasing one that combines your taste, make or purchase a duvet cover for one you already own. It’s much cheaper and easier to clean. When it comes to artwork, look to yourselves. Hang photos that remind you of some of the most memorable moments in your relationship. This will help your bedroom feel like a place where your relationship takes priority.

Moving in together is stressful, no matter how happy you are to be taking this step. And that’s okay. Try not to feel guilty or embarrassed when you aren’t aligning 100 percent with your partner’s tastes. You can find a happy medium, no matter your budget.

Written by: Natalie Jones

Photo Credit: Pexels