Monday, June 13th, 2011
Wishing for a magazine-ready home? Longing after the accessories du jour, clean lines, splash of color or lived-in Americana? Designing your interiors doesn’t have to be costly. All you need is a concept or plan, some time and creativity, and a little flair for treasure hunting. Your home décor can be created on a tight budget, without compromising style using these helpful tips.
1. Create a Plan – You should have a wish list and a budget. Find your inspiration or theme in your head to know what elements you need to add. Thumb through some magazines, catalogs or your friends’ homes to get inspired. Be sure to incorporate the floor and curtain dressings in your plan, as the floor is thought to be the fifth wall. Determining a budget helps designate specific funds for your purchases and keeps you on track.
2. Go Shopping – Armed with your plan, shop the discount and overrun stores (Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross) as well as the big-box discount centers (Target, K-mart, Walmart, and IKEA). Hit flea markets, garage sales and estate sales for gently used items. Or, check out eBay and other online auction websites for new and like-new décor. It’s great to mix and match cheap finds with family heirloom pieces, to keep your look classic, but updated.
3. Trash to Treasure – Check out the “free stuff” category on www.Craigslist.com or www.Freecycle.com and keep your eyes peeled for pieces left on the corner. Some folks are moving or need to downsize quickly and just want someone to pick up their perfectly functional cast-offs. Snatch up those free dressers, plant stands to double as side tables, or transform an old floor vase to an umbrella stand, proving someone’s trash does become another’s treasure.
4. Elbow Grease – Try crafting your own decorative items by whipping up a quick painting or refinishing an old table. Painting is one of the cheapest ways to revamp a room. Paint a wall (or four) a punchy color to make you smile. With a little sewing know-how, you can create throw blankets, curtains and toss pillows. Frame and group simple art projects like the kids’ drawings, old calendar pictures or charming wallpaper with interesting patterns.
5. Use what you have – Transform a tired space with a few fresh accessories and it feels like a new room. Reupholster that old chair with some batting, a few yards of fabric and a staple gun. Throw a slip cover over the sofa. Look to the outside for inspiration, incorporating sticks or long cut leaves in a cylinder vase, a few potted plants or some cut flowers from the garden. Use fruits and vegetables as edible decoration that would change with the seasons. Display your Farmers Market finds, such as a bowl of oranges, red potatoes or artichokes for an interesting focal point.
This was a guest post by LasVegasBankingRates.com, a site that provides the latest Las Vegas Interest Rates, finance information and more.