money-saving-decorating-ideas40 Best Money Saving Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Source: http://freshome.com/2010/08/27/40-best-money-saving-decorating-ideas-for-your-home/

One of the hardest facts about owning a home is that you can’t always afford how expensive your décor taste is! There are ways to cut corners, and still get fantastic ideas for your home.  Wouldn’t you love to find ways in your everyday life to save money and get wonderful décor ideas? Here are 40 of the best money saving décor ideas for your home. Best in this article means – everyday resources that are available to you – and easy for you to execute.

1.) Use free sources around you: From magazines, the internet, to satellite home & garden programs the world is at your fingertips for décor ideas.  Peruse through magazines, and home décor books to get a sense of what your taste is.  Visit home improvement stores and collect paint and material samples to start making an “idea” folder of what inspires you. Determine what your personal style is. Is it: Vintage, Modern, Bohemian, French Country, choose your style and start planning!

2.) Determine your budget BEFORE you begin: Let’s face it, if you didn’t have a budget your home would be already complete, and you wouldn’t need these money saving tips.  Everyone needs to set a budget to have boundaries on your wallet and your home! Once you’ve set one, buy a few major pivotal pieces to center the theme of your room around.  Then use thrift shops and department store clearance areas to fill in with gorgeous accessories.

3.) Start at the front door/entry: When guests walk in your home they should get a sense of your style instantly. Maximize a foyer space without over cluttering. Try using a chest or decorative baskets to house keys or mail. Add a decorative touch by adding a mirror and foyer sized table for resting flowers, and accessories to pull your guests into your home. The mirror will open up your foyer and reflect the gorgeous décor of the space. Save money by using vases and decorative urns from other areas of your home that already exist.

4.) Maximize your existing furniture: Consider re-upholstering furniture with updated colored and styled materials. Slip covers offer a quick and easy solution for changing out furniture for different seasons and or occasions. Re-finish wood furniture or use a fresh coat of paint on headboards and mirror frames.  Try using online planning tools to play around with different colors and options before you take the plunge!

5.) Redesign your furniture layout: Believe it or not, your space can look dramatically different just by moving the furniture! Find a new focal point – like a fireplace, an outdoor view, an accent wall with a television, and move your furniture to compliment it.  Consider bringing pieces from other rooms of your home. By removing some furniture you can get a more open space, and the room may function better. Professional re-designers do this every day, why don’t you try, it’s totally FREE!

 

6.) Paint a room or accent wall with a bold color: Paint is the most affordable decorating tool you have, so go for it! Paint an accent wall in a contrasting or complementing color to your furniture.  Don’t know how to decide on colors? Ask your home improvement store to mix quart or sample sizes for you.  This way you can try it before you take the plunge.

7.) Use accessories to bring a new look to furniture: Use throw pillows, throw blankets, and area rugs to give your ‘old’ room a new look and feel.  Instead of buying a new piece of furniture, look at what colors you haven’t tried before.  Try a new color palette and mix and match patterns and solids.  These accessories are inexpensive and can be changed on a whim.  Have a worn area on the floor? Cover it with a funky new area rug – instantly and cheaply you solved a décor dilemma.

8.) Use accent lighting to highlight décor and interiors: Wall sconces with directional lighting can add drama to a once boring hallway or foyer.  Install accent lighting to shine on artwork to add drama and a focal point to a fireplace or over a couch. Use simple up-lighting to give visual interest to house plants and atrium areas in your home.

9.) Make wall treatments from everyday materials: Windows can get an added decorative touch with wall treatments.  Inexpensive ones can be made with do it yourself home kits, and a sewing machine.  Everyday materials such as sheets, linen, and many man-made fibers that resemble expensive silks and organza are also available.  No one will know that you cut corners to adorn your windows with beautiful drapery, curtains or valances.

10.) Accessorize your bathroom with affordable décor: Towels, shower curtains/rods, and bath mats are easy and inexpensive ways to bring color and a theme to a boring bathroom.  Consider changing the theme of the bathroom with paint and add a new color palette for your new bath linen to match.