Do not
despair just because your money is limited- you can still create a warm
and inviting home frugally. Here are a few tips for creating an inviting
home on a budget.
Watch
television shows, read books, and look through magazines to gather inspiration
for creating a stylish home. Although many of the things you look at are
completely out of your budget, you can try to recreate it with lower costing
materials and a little creativity.
Paint is the
cheapest way to really change a room. One thing I have learned is to never be
afraid of color- bright colors can really liven up a room. Be wary though with
small rooms because this can make the rooms look smaller and closed off. In
smaller rooms use softer and lighter colors- yellows, light green, lavenders,
and white/off-white.
Getting your
home organized will make your house look well-kept. With different styles of
baskets you can clear out the rubbish and organize your items it not only makes
the room look cleaner, but it also adds to the décor.
To add
pictures to your walls, look through old art books or photograph books. Buy a
cheap frame to put it in and you will have beautiful artwork for a fraction of
the cost.
Rearrange your
furniture in your home. Try to find new ways to break up a room or to make the
room more open and inviting.
Light a candle
and put potpourri in a bowl. This really warms up a room, not to mention adding
a beautiful smell to the air.
Find
slipcovers for your couches. Doing this is a lot cheaper then buying a new sofa
and when you get tired of it you can take the covers off. These are especially
nice if you have little children because it is a great way to preserve the
quality of your furniture. The slipcovers are easier to clean because you can
throw them in the wash, unlike your couch.
Buy large
pillows to use as extra seating. These are great for when you have a large group
over and not enough seating. Don’t invest in more seating; just buy big
beautiful pillows for your guests to sit on.
Go to the
garage sales, but go early. Those who wait do not get the deals that the early
risers get. Don’t underestimate the Salvation Army and Goodwill either because
you can find some interesting and beautiful things for your house.
Learn one
craft that will aid you in decorating your home. Several of the fabric and craft
stores offer wonderful classes for learning crafts such as sewing and floral
design for
a very low cost. By learning crafts you can make things yourself at a lower cost
or you may be able to make money off of this to afford you more luxuries in your
home- you just never know.
Hit your local
Dollar Tree or any other dollar store in your area for some great buys on things
to make your home more inviting. You might laugh at this one, but you would be
surprised what ends up at that store. I have bought beautiful mugs, baskets, and
stationary for a buck a piece and no one knows that I spent so little money. Try
to think outside the box and go to the stores that are normally not known for
quality house ware. This is where you get the real deals.
Purchase all
different types of blankets and put them under your end tables or drape one on
your sofa. They make your guests feel cozy and invited especially on those cold
winter nights.
Put a book or
two on your coffee table that can be a conversation piece, but don't overdo it.
People tend to get carried away with this and then you lose the beauty of the
furniture underneath. One or two books are nice, but four or five looks like
clutter.
If you buy the
do-it-yourself furniture or have a piece that looks like it needs a face-lift
try replacing the knobs on those cabinets and drawers. A beautiful brushed
silver knob or ornate gold knob can make the item look entirely different.
Replace your
old plastic curtain rods with sterling silver or gold rods. Target and Kmart
have some really beautiful ones with different styles of ends (leaves, fruit,
glass) that really add that special touch.
Try a theme
room, but don’t get carried away. Remember that whatever theme you chose you
will have to live with it for a long time. Go for classic themes that seem to
withstand the ages. If you choose to pick a theme for the room do hints of it
throughout rooms, but don’t make the entire room one big theme. Just give your
guest’s hints of it.
I hope these
tips will offer you some insight on decorating your own home. My advice to you
is that you start small and with one room at a time. Do not get carried away
with redoing your whole home or you will feel overwhelmed. Concentrate your
efforts on one project until you are completely satisfied and then begin
thinking about another project.
