Budget Decorating Doesn't Have to Mean Cheap Looking

There are many low-cost ways that you can spruce up your home that can still look high-style. All it takes is some planning. Make a list. Walk around your rooms and decide what you think needs to be replaced, refurbished or tossed out. Make a list for each room. While going through your rooms, look for furniture or accessories that can be used in another room. Put that item on the list for the appropriate room.

When you are decorating on a budget, start with your basic needs and build from them. I believe your essentials would be beds, dressers, sofas and tables. Then you can add additional items like additional chairs and storage. End with accessories and artwork. Stick with one room at a time if you can. Of course, if you’re moving into an empty house, and have no furniture, that won’t be possible. Also, your larger items will point the way to the best ways to arrange your rooms. Go for quality on this furniture. You don’t want it falling apart in a week.

One of your first steps should be to find out what you like. Think of the different ways you can decorate: by color, by theme (such as nautical), or by style (such as modern or traditional). Look at pictures in decorating magazines and go to furniture stores. No, don’t buy anything! Observe how they set up their rooms, and write down what you like – or don’t like – about them. Create a file, or even a scrapbook, of rooms that you love. Find the common elements in them. Perhaps it’s the color scheme or the sleek look of the modern furniture. Maybe it will be the way the rooms are arranged.

Everyone knows that painting a room gives that room an instant facelift. Paint is also one of the least expensive options for updating the look of a room. You can also buy some great looking textured paints – or create the same look with faux painting. Some of the faux painting techniques look extremely chic and elegant. Just what you need when looking for budget decorating ideas. Also, look into wallpaper borders or just stencil a border. If you’re handy with a paintbrush (the art kind!) paint your own for a totally unique look. You can find a huge selection of wallpaper borders and window treatments at Decorate Today.

Another budget decorating idea is to simply rearrange the furniture. Move the sofa away from the wall and angle a couple chairs near it. Now, you have a wonderful conversation area. Do watch to make sure you’re not blocking the doorways or traffic lanes of your room. If you have a little more to spend, go ahead and make, or buy, slipcovers for your sofa and/or chairs.

Lighting will also make a big difference in the look of your room, without breaking the bank. Beautiful and inexpensive lamps can be found at thrift shops, garage sales and department stores. A large light glaring down from the ceiling will not show off your room to its best advantage. By using lamps to warm up different areas of your room, you will have a more stylish room.

Use plants. I’m a firm believer that every room should have at least one plant. Plants are an inexpensive way to liven any area. Even the silk variety will give your rooms a more natural look. And I love fresh flowers! They can really brighten up a dining area or coffee table.

If you need more furniture, such as coffee or end tables, or even a kitchen table, go back to the thrift shops and look at garage sales. I’ve gotten some wonderful bargains at garage sales simply because someone has gotten tired of a perfectly good table or chair. I even acquired a working color television for $25 once! Keep your eyes open for bargains like these! Try to picture how the piece would look in your home – perhaps with a little paint or new slipcover.

Hanging a mirror or inexpensive print of your favorite artwork is another budget decorating idea. Very affordable prints can be found at All Posters. Mirrors can also make a small room look larger by reflecting the space. Are you artistically inclined? Paint your own artwork.

Sometimes, just changing out those tired old draperies and curtains will help brighten a room. Pay attention to the colors and how they relate to your walls and furniture. Some color combinations are just not meant to go together! You might want to remove window coverings entirely if privacy isn’t an issue.

Even one of these budget decorating ideas can transform the appearance of your home. Try one at a time. Be consistent with your style, color scheme and, if you have a theme going, stick with it. Start decorating now – you can do it!