You have to be hearing it everywhere! THIS economy!!! It affects everything and everyone. Including our “let’s fix up the house” budget. So, to help you out I’ve written down some great tips for you (and your budget) so you can still do some decorating.
The first thing you’ll want to remember when decorating is that there are no rules- well, except the ones you set for yourself. However, having a plan – always a good idea… and it’ll help you to keep on budget. Like my dad always said, “Measure twice – cut once.” That’s contractor talk for “have a plan” (and double check it too!).
So…here are some tips that will help you get started.
1. Trust yourself
Remember, you know more about what looks good for your home than you think.  Believe in that.
2. Focal Points
Select the most important element in a room, say a fireplace, and make this the focal point.  Then place furnishings and objects around it to draw a person’s eye towards it. If you have a great view of your garden, or the golf course or the ocean…make that your focal point and place your furnishings and decorative pieces so that it will draw their eye towards that view.
3. Themes
Provide each room with a theme. You can make the theme flow through the whole house, or simply confine it to one room. It may be just a color, or it may be a particular style, say French Country or Italian Tuscany. Maybe you want a Tuscan Cucina (kitchen) and that’s the theme you want to have ….but only in your kitchen. Go for it! Doing this will give you a starting point, and will help to guide you through the decorating stages.
4. Planning
When planning your design, work from the largest area of the room to the smallest. For instance, start with walls, windows, floors, furnishings and then finish with accessories. It is important to remember the larger the decorating surface, the more impact it will have on the finished design. Walls make a huge impact on your decorating and can make or break your decorating theme.
5. Don’t be Afraid to be BOLD!
The least expensive way to make a big statement in your new decor is to paint with flair! Use a bold color as a focal point if you don’t have a great view or a fireplace. How about “Black Cherry”!! Don’t paint one solid color and walk away. Be BOLD! Do a four layer faux finish on your wall and make it POP!
The most important thing of all when decorating on a budget is to have fun!
Country Living 750 Great Ideas for Decorating on a Budget: Transform Your Home Inside & Out
photo credit: Elin B
photo credit: Posh Living, LLC
