This Entire Toronto Apartment Was Furnished and Decorated for Less Than $2,500

After living in Vancouver for a few years, Jen returned to Toronto and snapped up this stacked condo townhouse in the Cabbagetown area of the city – coincidentally signing the papers on the same day the Raptors won the NBA championship. “What sold me was the central location, outdoor space, great layout and – most importantly – that I have front door access from the street,” she says. “It’s an apartment inside a townhouse, so there’s no waiting for an elevator to climb to the 40th floor.” Check out more jaw-dropping listings from the Toronto area.

“The coffee table was a Formica table that I used as a desk, but my dad switched the legs for me to make it lower to the ground,” Jen says. “And after getting a comfy beanbag chair at work, I knew I needed one for my home too.”

COSTS: MCM chair (Facebook Marketplace, $65); vintage trunk (Facebook Marketplace, $40); beanbag chair (Facebook Marketplace, $100); coffee table (Facebook Marketplace, $100); curtains (IKEA, $30); curtain rod (IKEA, $8); lantern (gift)

When prepping a budget for your new abode, first consider the most expensive item on your list. “Buying a couch stressed me out more than buying an apartment,” Jen jokes. “Couches are expensive! I had to pay off the couch right away, where I could take 30 years to pay off the apartment. The couch was half of the $2,500 overall budget.”

COSTS: Couch (EQ3, $1,169); pillows (IKEA, $36); crystal print (Bunz); tree print (gift); frames for artwork (estimated $90)

Most big-city apartments and condos lack ceiling light fixtures, leaving you with a golden opportunity to brighten your room with a variety of lamp styles. For more inspiration, check out these dining room lighting ideas that’ll shine in 2020.

COSTS: Lamp (IKEA, $60)

Jen has a love for mid-century modern, bohemian and minimalist design styles, which is obvious in the living room, a space that mixes all three styles. We particularly love how she introduced a variety of plants into the space, which can go a long way toward improving one’s overall mental health and wellness.

COSTS: Plants (corner store, $17 for all); green planter (corner store, $8); two other planters (gifts); deer canvas (IKEA, $30); volcano photo (gift); Wild Unknown tarot print (Bunz)

From colourful bulbs and stems to vibrant vases and bright artwork, there are plenty of amazing ways to add colour to your abode. Find out the best plant for you, according to your zodiac sign.

A statement piece or two is all you really need to liven up your walls, especially if you’re going for a minimalist look. It’s a great way to add a pop of colour and personality without overwhelming the room. This piece is from Jen’s favourite brewery in Vancouver. For more inspiration, find out how to pick art for every room in your home.

COSTS: Print (R&B Brewing Co., $25); frames for artwork (estimated $60)

It’s tough to stick to a small budget for the kitchen, but Jen managed to make it work by sticking to thrift finds and a minimalist approach.

COSTS: Stools (Facebook Marketplace, $70); kitchen accessories (combo of gifts and thrift finds, $40)

Adding prints or decor pieces that offer up little inspirational soundbites is the perfect way to incorporate more personality into your abode. When decorating, consider these things healthy, happy people don’t keep in their home.

COSTS: Mountain decor (gift); vases (gift)

There’s no need to clutter your countertop with a variety of appliances. Check out these minimalist kitchen ideas that’ll inspire you.

COSTS: Speaker (gift); growler (Storm, $5); butter press (gift)

Remember when we used to decorate our bedroom walls with Hollywood crushes and favourite musicians? Well, you can still indulge in a bit of pop culture love with unique celebrity prints from Bunz or Etsy. (Jen got this print of Beyonce as a Vancouver hipster from Bunz). We also love these novel ways of turning book collections into works of art.

A restful sleep and a clutter-free bedroom often goes hand-in-hand. An airy, low-to-the-floor mid-century platform bed will open up the sightlines in your bedroom – and result in an overall soothing effect. Find more minimalist bedroom decorating ideas that aren’t boring.

COSTS: Curtain rod (IKEA, $8); curtains (gift); rug (gift); bed frame (Facebook Marketplace, $40); bedding (IKEA, $60 and The Bay, $40); mattress ($100); tree painting ($75)

An area rug, no matter the size, can anchor a room and add some much needed texture and style.

Learn more about how to decorate with area rugs.

“My bedside table was my grandpa’s ammo box,” Jen says. She filled the vintage storage space with various knick-knacks picked up on travel adventures. The cute cat planter was a gift from her sister, the salt lamp was also a gift.

Using simple wooden crates is an inexpensive and on-trend way to create more storage in your bedroom without overwhelming the space with floating shelves or bookcases. They are filled with books and meaningful knick-knacks.

COSTS: Crates (Home Depot, $11/each)

It can be tempting to overdo it on the bathroom decor when you’re working with a tight space. Trust your instincts and keep it simple – artwork and patterned towels or shower curtains are all you need to liven up the place. For more inspiration, check out these modern, minimalist bathroom ideas to inspire you.

COSTS: Shower curtain (IKEA, $15); bath mat and hand towel (Bed Bath & Beyond, $38)

A great way to pay tribute to your home city is to sprinkle some hometown homages wherever you can – like with this TTC streetcar.

COSTS: TTC print (gift); frame for artwork (estimated $30)

There are simple, cost-effective ways you can decorate a narrow patio space and it includes a patterned outdoor rug and chic string lights for evenings outdoors.

COSTS: BBQ (gift); patio furniture (Facebook Marketplace, $20); patio lights (IKEA, $25); outdoor rugs (Wayfair, $44)

Brighten your outdoor space with watering cans and a variety of potted flowers and herbs for a soothing effect.

COSTS: Plants (two were gifts and lavender, corner store, $10); planters (two were gifts and purple planter, corner store, $8); watering can (IKEA, $10); plant bench (curbside find); mosaic table (gift)

Jen opted for a variety of colours and patterns, from the outdoor area rug and flower selection to the gorgeous mosaic table. If you’re worried about killing your plant, there are hacks that will bring your dead (or dying) plant back to life.

TOTAL COST: $2,498