Buying your first vacation home in Park City, Utah is just the beginning. The real fun comes when you get to make it your own (or decorate to appeal to renters). But that costs money, and your pockets may not be padded well after the down payment. Here are some ideas for couples on how to get what you both want without going over budget.

Start with the basics

When it’s time to begin planning your vacation home design, look at your space as a blank canvas. Then, start with the essentials. In the living room, a size-appropriate sofa, coffee table, and an area rug are a good foundation. Pair this with a wall-mounted smart TV (which will keep you from having to buy an entertainment console) and a few strategically placed lamps. There is no need to waste money on optional pieces until you have each room outfitted with the necessities. You don’t have to purchase top-of-the-line furnishings, but you may save money on replacements if you take the time to check the reviews first. This is especially important for more expensive pieces, like mattresses, since prices can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the most expensive option is not always the best.

Stick to a theme

Once you have the general layout ready, tie it all together with a few quality pieces that follow the same theme throughout your rental. If you have a condo on the beach, coastal decor is always in style. You are likely to find the most reasonable prices online at major retailers like Macy’s, where you can also stock up on other essentials, like towels and silverware. Check your search engine of choice before you place an online order, because you can usually find Macy’s coupons and promotional codes (like this one: https://www.ebates.com/macys.com) to further cut down on costs.

Check out local yard sales

If you’d rather stick with locally-crafted items, you can’t go wrong at flea markets and yard sales. As an added bonus, you can almost always haggle over price. Yard sales can be great ways to find eclectic pieces without spending a fortune. And if it’s something you’re not worried about, you’ll be less upset if it’s damaged.

Do the work yourself

Regardless of where you choose to acquire your accessories, keep in mind that it’s not the trinkets, trimmings, or trappings that have the biggest impact. The color of your walls, cabinets, and other major features play a huge role in the overall appeal of your vacation rental. You don’t have to hire a home painter to make it look good either. Good Housekeeping can help you brush up (no pun intended) on your painting skills in this seven-step guide. If you want your walls to truly impress, look for a mural stencil and create an eye-catching focal point without any artistic skills whatsoever.

Prioritize durability over price

Owning a vacation home is a continual investment. Don’t think of your budget in terms of being a fixed dollar amount, but a fluid pool of funds that will be there when you need to make changes to keep up with the market. While you don’t want to spend a fortune on furnishings, you should pay attention to quality on the most expensive items and the ones that are likely to be replaced often if they are poorly made. The carpet and dishes come to mind. A good carpet will stand up to repeated cleaning, which is paramount when you want to avoid wear. Likewise, your dishes have to stand up to daily use, including being put in the dishwasher and microwave. Coupled with the carefree attitude of vacationers, and you’re looking at replacing the dishes at a ridiculous rate if you don’t choose carefully. Stick with Corelle; even though the material is not 100 percent breakproof, tempered glass is strong and can usually handle whatever is thrown at (or in) it.

When your rental income (and relationship) is on the line, be smart in your decorating decisions. Don’t fritter your money away by paying full price, but remember that some areas require quality, which will cost a little bit more but will save you in the long run.

If you have more questions about vacation homes, contact experts in Park City real estate, Jensen and Company.