I love beautiful homes. I could spend hours watching every show on HGTV while eating snacks and dreaming of what I could do with a design show-sized budget. Realistically, smart shopping, and patience are the ways I'm going to make those dreams happen. After those snacks, of course.

So what makes a beautiful home? How do you move towards the designer dream you’ve been looking for, especially when you’re on a budget? I’ve spent some time thinking about it, and a few things keep resonating with me.

Your dream designer apartment home starts with good bones. Many Camden communities feature apartment homes with the “good bones” I’ve been adding to my home design Pinterest board for years:   

• High-end finishes 

• Modern light fixtures

• Stainless steel appliances

• Quartz countertops with tile backsplashes

• Wood-style flooring

Camden Design District – Dallas, TX

Camden Lamar Heights - Austin, TX

Photo courtesy of Pictured above: This sleek kitchen offers lots of excellent storage space and has the white quartz counters that are featured on so many design shows and blogs. The task lighting and hanging pendants are also great accents. And the bathroom at Camden Design District needs only a few luxurious, plus towels to complete the spa-like feeling at home.

Bringing the Whole Look Together

Have you also wanted to upgrade your furnishings to a more modern look without breaking the bank? I've found that patience, budgeting, and creative shopping can help get you closer to your dream design goals. Is your vision clear...do you have something specific in mind, or is it just a kind of "you know it when you see it" kind of feeling?

I suggest getting as specific as possible. Learn what look will really make your heart flutter with joy when you walk into your apartment. Design magazines, blogs, Pinterest, and social media are all great resources to pull together your specific tastes.

Next, you'll need to do some in-person and online shopping. Find out the price range for each individual piece that makes up a fully designed room. Not only is it useful to approach your dream design with all of the information, but it will also help you plan the path forward. Will you decide to save up for a unique item, like a luxurious velvet sofa or a gorgeous bedroom set? Are you comfortable with "placeholder" pieces if something is way out of your current budget? Think about whether a similar but lower-cost item might do the trick until you've saved up for the real thing. 

Gorgeous apartment bedroom design is possible with chic pieces of art and unique furniturephoto courtesy of Camden Carolinian

Target, HomeGoods, and even the local furniture consignment shop will surprise you with good deals and quality pieces. You can "zhoosh" up the look of an older item by using slipcovers (for a shabby-chic look) or colorful pillows and a luxurious faux fur throw blanket. Dream, design and plan, and you'll get there. 

Don't forget the importance of accent pieces like small side tables, shelving, and even your walls. Every surface of your apartment home is a blank canvas for your creativity and design eye. There are plenty of affordable and chic art prints that will help you capture that wish list magazine look! 

It may take time, but if you start with those "good bones" I was talking about and add in some lovely accent pieces, you really can complete your designer home vision. Dream, design and plan, and you'll get there. We all deserve a home that looks polished and in-style…or at least a cozy home to eat snacks and binge-watch home shows in, right? Happy apartment living, friends!