Chapter 1 –
A Few Decorating Budget Tips to Get You
Started
The first thing you should remember when decorating is that there are no rules except
those that you set for yourself. However, having a plan is always a good idea and will
help you to keep on budget.
Below are a provided a number of tips that will help you get started.
1
. Trust yourself
Remember, you will know more about what looks good for your home than you think.
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.
You could, if you want, direct the person’s eye towards, say, a window, which then
directs them to look outside into the garden.
3. Themes
Provide each room with a theme.
You may just decide on a color, or it may be a
particular style, say French Country or Italian Tuscany, for say the kitchen. 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.
But the most important thing of all when decorating on a budget is to have fun!
Chapter 2 –
How to Decorate a Living Room on a Budget
In this chapter, we will look at a number of different ways to provide a new look to your
living room. It may be that you are just starting out in a new home, or that you would
like to revive an old tired space, but decorating any room, and especially the living room,
can be a real challenge. It can be even more of a challenge when you only have small
budget to work with.
But the biggest hurdle that we face is how to get a look that expresses our unique
personality, without spending a fortune. However, by looking at the items you already
have in a different way, you should be able to create a cozy family room for almost next
to nothing. Below are provided a number of decorating tips which should help to turn a
drab living room into a warm and friendly place for everybody to gather.
1.
Paint
Paint one wall using your favorite color, and so make this the focal point of the room.
Then hang a piece of interesting art on the wall (it could even be something you have
made yourself). Next, place a nice piece of furniture on that side of the room to provide
even more accent to the wall. If you want to add extra impact to the wall, then why not
use a rubber stamping technique? Although it is extremely easy to do, rubber stamping
can look very impressive when finished.
2.
Use an Area Rug
This is a great way to define a conversation area and look for one which will complement
the décor of the room. Rather than lying it straight, put it at an angle underneath your
coffee table (if you have one). Or if not, then just place it in a central location where the
seating is situated. Why not add some large cushions as well?
3. Pictures & Mirrors
Hang those which most reflect your personality. If you are able to, try frames that are
more ornate. Plus, when hanging a mirror, place it in a position where it will reflect
either a nice view, or an interesting architectural element of the room. Including a
mirror in a room also creates the illusion of more space in a room because of the light
reflecting off it.
4.
Lighting
Replace lamps, as these are one thing that will provide clues to your room being
outdated. If you are unable to replace the whole lamp, then just consider replacing the
lampshade instead.
5. Coffee Table
If your coffee table is looking tired or scratched, then cover it with a small decorative
throw rug. Or if you want to be a bit more adventurous, then why not consider tiling the
top of it with mosaic tiles or colored glass instead?
6
.
Rearrange the Furniture
But do not think square; instead, put your furniture at an angle. By doing this you are
giving a whole new look to the layout of your room, and is much more inexpensive than
going out and buying new furniture.
Also pay attention to the floor space that you have left and use it. You could actually get
some scatter cushions and use these as additional seating. It will provide your living
room with a much more relaxed atmosphere.
7.
Plants
Use plants to add freshness and impact to the décor of your room, and if placed
strategically, will hide any ugly flaws in a room.
Finally, if you do not need it, then remove it. You can either donate it to your local
charity, or ask a family member or friend if they could use it. By de-cluttering a space,
you will not only be providing yourself with more room, but you will also be gaining a
whole new look.
Chapter 3 –
Ways to Decorate Your Dining Room When Your
Budget is Tight
We will now look at a number of different ways for decorating a dining room to give it a
whole new lease on life, without breaking the bank.
1.
Why not cover the table with some fabric in order to hide any ugly surfaces? You
could then use the colors in the fabric as the basis for the new décor for the room.
2.
The use of inexpensive accessories will help to change the whole appearance of
your dining room. Get some candles and candleholders in order to provide a
different look and feel to your room.
3.
Why not make a wall hanging for the room. If you can, purchase some Chinese
posters (these are inexpensive) as they are easy to turn into wall hangings.
4.
Why not see if where you live has a furniture bank. This is where you can arrange
to drop off any old pieces of furniture that you have and no longer want. Then all
you need to do is choose a piece from what they have there to replace the piece
you have donated. You may find the ideal dining table and chairs that you want
for the theme of your room.
5.
The rule of three. Instead of placing items together as even numbered groups, do
it in odd numbered groups instead. Where 2 candlesticks together look
symmetrical, by adding a bowl or another smaller candlestick holder, you will give
the element of surprise. Plus, by mixing colors and textures in order to form
groups of three in a room, it will provide you with a whole new look also.
6.
As previously mentioned, when looking to redecorate your living room, move the
furniture. You can also do this in your dining room. Instead of the table being
horizontal to the walls, why not place it in the room at an angle (but make sure
you have enough space to walk round it). Also, move any cupboards etc., away
from walls, and instead place these in corners of the room at angles. By doing
this, you are giving your dining room a whole new look.
7.
Why not build and attach a fold down shelf to one of your dining room walls? It
will certainly make it easier for you when entertaining, and can be used as a buffet
area also.
8.
How about giving your dining room cabinets a new lease on life and paint them to
accentuate the color of the room? Check at your local paint supply store or DIY
store, as well as online for advice on how to paint unusual surfaces.
9.
Use a mirror in order to create light and space in your dining room. Frame one in
such a way that it creates a mock window. You could even use one by placing it
behind some artistic belongings in order to highlight them from all sides.
10
.
If your dining room chairs are looking a little tired and dated, then cover them
with slipcovers…why not try making some covers yourself? Why not purchase
another tablecloth or two that matches the one you use for your table, and
upholster them in this as well?
11
.
Finally, why not repaint the room? You do not need to do the whole room, just
paint one or two walls with an accent color. Maybe go for a color which will
accent all the various aspects of the room, and integrates well with any soft
furnishings that you have.
Chapter 4 –
Some Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen on a
Budget
For many people, the thought of redecorating their kitchen can be frightening. They
start thinking that they need to replace everything in order to get a whole new look. But
this they do not need to do, by just following a few or all of the tips provided below, you
should be able to create something new for next to nothing.
1.
Instead of replacing the cabinets in your kitchen, why not repaint them? There are
many techniques around which are easy to learn and will provide your cabinets
with an expensive designer look. Such techniques as crackling, faux finishing and
glazing are not only simple to do, but will save you money. If you need help on
looking for ways to up date old and tired kitchen cabinets, then take a look on the
internet.
2
.
Provide your kitchen walls with a new lick of paint. By painting your walls in warm
and inviting colors, you will make the room even more of the hub of the home.
Plus, if you have good quality wooden cabinets, a new coat of paint will help the
wood to appear richer.
3.
Why not spend a little of your budget on purchasing some new hand towels and
potholders that will match the color of your new décor?
4
.
Another simple and easy tip for redecorating your kitchen, and will cost you nothing,
is to get beautiful dishes and glassware out of the cupboards, and use them to
accentuate the kitchen.
5.
But a great way of changing the whole décor of your kitchen is by putting up new
curtains. You could try this first before you do anything else. They will help to
create a fresh new look to your kitchen, and they certainly will not break the bank.
Plus, you may well find that just making this one change will give your kitchen a
completely different look. By changing your curtains, you could actually bring out
the personality of the kitchen with little or no effort on your part.
6
.
Why not use fabric in your kitchen? If you have appliances that you wish to hide,
then using a fabric is a cheap and cost effective way of doing this. Just get some
material that co-ordinates with the décor of your kitchen, and some wire and
hooks, and then just place the fabric in front of the appliance. Hey, presto, it’s
covered up, and the fabric provides a new dimension to your room. Plus, if it
A Guide on Decorating Your Home on a Budget
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should get dirty, all you need to do is take it off and put it in the washing machine
and wash it.
7.
Why not consider replacing the cabinet doors. There are many companies around
which provided many different designs, colors and shapes of kitchen cabinet
doors. This is a much more cost effective way of giving your kitchen a whole new
look without actually having to replace the whole cabinet.
8. Also why not just replace the ironmongery on your cabinet doors, and get new
handles? Just by doing this you will be giving your kitchen a whole new look.
9
.
One other affordable way of making your kitchen look different is by adding a kitchen
island. They not only provide you with more counter space, but they provide a
place where people can gather. However, for those of us on a budget, instead of
getting a permanent one, why not instead consider getting a kitchen cart?
Because they are on wheels, when not being used they can be put away, and so
leave you with room in your kitchen.
1
0
.
Finally, if your kitchen redecorating budget is so small that you would be unable to
do any of the above. Then why not think about replacing the backsplash instead.
Just by doing this, you can really dress up that drab and dull kitchen that you
have. The great thing about backsplashes is that they now come in a variety of
different colors and materials, as well as styles. But how much you spend on this
will depend on what material you select for it.
So as you can see, redecorating your kitchen on a budget can be as simple as just giving
the walls a new coat of paint, or changing the existing hardware or doors on your
cabinets. But just by making one small change to your kitchen you can give it a whole
new look.
Chapter 5 –
A Few Helpful Tips for Redecorating Your
Bathroom When on a Budget
Before you start thinking about any decorating you would like to do in your bathroom,
you need to make sure that it is in good shape. It is important that you make sure there
are no leaks, and that all the caulking is tight.
You do not want to complete the redecoration of your bathroom, only to find a leak, and
that you will have to completely redecorate after it has been fixed.
Unfortunately, although the bathroom is one of the easiest and least expensive to
decorate, it is often the most neglected. For many of us, redecorating our bathroom
consists of replacing an old shower curtain with a new one and that’s it.
But hopefully, using the tips provided below, you should be able produce a whole new
and inviting look to your bathroom.
1.
You can make a huge impact on this room by getting rid of any dark wood and old
hardware on cupboards. Just by using some paint and replacing the handles on
the doors, you will give the room a completely different look.
2.
Why not put some plants in your bathroom, as they thrive in such an
environment?
3.
Use light. Bright colors will create the illusion of space even in the smallest of
spaces (which many bathrooms are).
4.
Change the light fixtures, as the right type of lighting can make a huge difference
to any bathroom.
5.
Why not consider replacing the taps to your bath and sinks. Just by replacing the
tired, old looking taps to your bath, you will give it a completely different look,
and it’s an inexpensive way of updating an old room.
6.
Instead of buying a new shower curtain, why not instead choose to use a regular
curtain. This can be hung from a tension rod and backed with a shower curtain
liner. Such liners come in a variety of colors and are inexpensive to buy.
A Guide on Decorating Your Home on a Budget
Page 14 of 24
7.
Get a few candles. Not only are they attractive, but they instantly add warmth
(even when not lit to a space). Also, there is so much variety of colors, shapes and
sizes of candles available, that I think you will find it difficult to choose exactly
what you want. But it is best if you buy ones which will co-ordinate with the décor
of your bathroom. Plus, add a few bars of scented soap and your bathroom will
soon feel warm and luxurious.
In fact, before long by using the tips provided above, your bathroom will look fresh and
bright. Not only this, but you will know just how easy it is to do and how inexpensive it
is. Soon you will be ready to start decorating another room in your home!
Chapter 6 –
Some Tips on Redecorating the Master
Bedroom When Finances Are Tight
It really is quite easy to change the look of your bedroom without spending a fortune.
Just using a little creativity on your part will go a long way to improve the layout, and
look, of your haven away from the stresses and strains of modern life.
1. A good thing to do before your start redecorating your room is to de-clutter.
Unfortunately, many of us tend to use our bedrooms as dumping grounds because
they are away from the public eye. So put any items that you don’t need away in
labeled boxes and store them either under the bed, in a closet or the garage or loft.
2.
Next, why not give the walls a new coat of paint? This is the most inexpensive way of
changing the look of a room, as well as the one that will have the most impact.
You do not even need to paint the whole room you could just repaint one
particular area (that may be in need of renovation), such as the wall behind the
bed. But you do not even need to change the color; all you need to do is paint on a
fresh coat of the paint that is already there. However, whether you decide to
change the color or use the same color, you will find that the feel of the room will
have changed. You could even consider putting up a border, or stenciling some
designs on to the walls in order to give the walls a little more life. Both of these
ways are inexpensive and will give any tired old room a new lease of life.
3.
Why not have a rummage through your drawers for scarves, tablecloths or pillowcases
that compliment the color scheme of your bedroom? Such things can be used to
soften the top of a dresser or the edge of your bedside table.
4
.
By adding scent to your room, you will be changing the way the room feels.
If,
however, you do not have any potpourri, then cut up some orange peel and allow
it to dry. Once dry, mix it with whatever sweet spices you have (say cinnamon,
ginger or all spice) and then put it in an open bowl in your bedroom to freshen it
up.
5.
Get some old baskets and hang them up in nooks and corners of your bedroom. Not
only will they add style to the room, but will provide you with additional storage
space also.
6
.
A great way to change the look and feel of a bedroom inexpensively is by buying a new
lamp or even just a lampshade. Choose a color and style that will compliment the
décor of your room. Such an item can be used to accent the color scheme of your
room also.
It is important to remember that the bedroom is a place where we spend much of our
downtime. So why not spend a little time making a haven for yourself which will not
break the budget?
Chapter 7 –
How to Decorate the Nursery When Your
Budget is Small
For every new parent, they have a vision of what the perfect nursery should look like.
But really, is there any need for you to spend $2,000 in order to decorate and furnish a
space that, in a couple years, they will have outgrown? In fact, you do not need to spend
a fortune of decorating a nursery for that new arrival.
In this chapter, we will look at several different ways in which a nursery can be decorated
no matter how small your budget is.
1. Instead of using wallpaper, paint the nursery instead. Why not choose colors which
will co-ordinate with the baby’s toys, rather than going for the traditional colors?
Also, why not invite friends and family round and get them to dip their hands into
a pot of paint and place their hand prints on the wall? They could even sign their
names underneath if they want. Doing it this way, your baby will get to enjoy a
brightly colored room full of contrasting patterns. This is of especial appeal to
young infants. Also, it is an interesting way of introducing them to those people
who will be important in their life as they grow up.
2.
You do not have to be artistically inclined, but if you want, why not add some stencil
designs to the walls? This is inexpensive, as well as an easy way of adding
different elements and features to a baby’s room. However, it is best to choose
stencils which will match the theme of the room.
3. Where the floor is concerned, make sure that you have a stain resistant carpet, or just
have hardwood floors with some scatter rugs on it. But if you already have carpet
lay and you are worried that it may not stand up well, then why not get an area
rug which will cover and protect it?
4.
When you are decorating a nursery, why not consider buying some pieces secondhand
or used instead? The advantage to this is that you may find items that are of a
higher quality than you would normally purchase. Or it may be you find a vintage
piece of furniture, which you can then refinish to match the décor of the nursery.
5.
Why not get an old, beat up chest of drawers, and then paint with a high gloss paint,
and then replace the handles on it?
6
.
Also, consider buying a piece of furniture that can be used for many different things.
Do not spend money on buying a changing table, rather, buy yourself a dresser
that is about waist high, and sit a changing mat on top. Then fill the drawers with
all your nappy needs. In order to stop the pad from slipping, place a small bath
mat with rubber backing face down underneath it. Then, once the child is older,
the chest of drawers can be used as it was intended.
7.
Instead of spending large amounts of money on buying storage boxes for your
nursery, why not use baskets and shelves instead to store toys and other infant
essentials?
There are many decorating ideas around for nursery and which will save you money.
Hopefully, the ideas above will help you when making decisions on how to decorate a
nursery on a small budget.
Chapter 8 –
A Few Ways for Decorating a Child’s Bedroom
When on a Budget
When starting any project where a child is concerned, it would be a great idea if you get
them involved. What you need to remember is that this is their room, and you want the
space to reflect just who they are and what they love. So why not grab a pen and some
paper (as your child is likely to come up with 100’s of ideas) and get talking!
1.
When decorating a child’s room, choose the wall color carefully. It is important that
you pick a color that matches the theme that you have chosen to make sure that
everything complements and looks like they belong together.
2. If you want to add a splash of color to a child’s room, and do not want to repaint, then
add a solid colored rug.
3.
As curtains can be expensive, why not get a blind instead. Then hang a sheer panel in
front of it.
You can also add some color to a sheer panel so that it further
complements the child’s room by painting it with fabric paints (you could even let
your child do it themselves).
4.
Why not purchase a new light or lampshade to match the theme? This is a great way
of adding a new look to your child’s room, as well as being a cost effective way of
reducing the light they use in their rooms.
Also, why not just buy a plain
lampshade and then get some acrylic paints and let your child decorate it
themselves?
5. If you want to have bedding that will compliment your child’s bedroom, but can not
afford to buy new bedding sets, why not instead buy some flat sheets (only cost a
few dollars and come in a wide range of colors) and can easily be used for duvet
covers by being sewn together?
But not only can you use them to make duvet
covers, but also for simple curtains and pillow cases which will compliment the
décor of the room.
6
. Also, why not personalize something for their walls? You could make photographs of
them and the family and pets into a collage.
7. Another great way of making their room, and which will not break the bank, is to
create a comfort zone. All you need are some big pillows, or a plush or inflatable
A Guide on Decorating Your Home on a Budget
Page 20 of 24
chair. But make sure that it is something your child will enjoy sitting on and
relaxing in. Also, as they will use this area for reading, then you will need to place
some books close by. Do this by putting some small shelves or some plastic boxes
on the side in the area and putting their books in them.
Chapter 9 –
How to Decorate a Teenager’s Room When
You Have Budget Constraints
If you are the parent of a teenager, sooner or later the subject of redecorating what has
been a child’s room will come up.
A teenager’s room is different from a child’s room in that it should be treated more like
an adult space. But, it should have a slightly fun flair to it also. It is best if you involve
your teenager in coming up with a theme that will help to express who they are (and not
what you want).
Also, when redecorating your teenager’s room, let them choose the colors, but provide
them with some guidance. So why not let them have a look on the internet and see what
they can find?
When redecorating a teen’s room, remember that they are very sensitive to color, and
they are much more free with their sense of adventure. Why not go for using a bolder
color on the wall behind the bed, and in this way you have a great focal point. Plus, it
will save on you having to decorate the whole room. Also, it means that you can include
a color in the room that they really like and want, but which will not overpower the room
completely.
Another way to redecorate your teen’s room when on a tight budget is to change the
window covering. Instead of curtains, why not get them blinds instead? Because they
come in so many different designs, colors and materials, there is likely to be something
that they will like.
Why not get hold of a small table and turn this up into a cool make up vanity by painting
it to match your teenager daughter’s bedroom décor?
Also you could get some colorful bed linens to bring all the elements of the decorating
you have done together. You could even purchase extra sheets, which can be made into
curtains and lampshades that will match the rest of the décor.
If you can not afford to replace a worn out carpet in your teen’s bedroom, then opt to
have it taken up, and go for low maintenance painted floors with some throw rugs. Also,
why not include some large cushions which they can use when their friends come round?
It will provide them with a much more relaxing and friendly atmosphere for them and a
place where they can get away from it all.
Rather than replacing a perfectly good bed, instead, just get a more adult like headboard
for it instead.
Plus, by rearranging your teen’s furniture in their room, you will be able to give it a
whole new dramatic look. Many successful teen room makeovers can quickly and easily
be accomplished just by changing the layout of a room.
Also, by introducing new
accessories and lighting to their room, it can help to change the look of a teen’s room
dramatically.
If you want to make a teen’s room look a little funkier, then pick up some fringe or
beading from a clearance table at the local craft store. You can then glue this around the
bottom edge of the lampshade and the hems of curtains to provide a new look. You
could even glue it around the edges of shelves.
Why not keep those free CD’s that such people as AOL put in to magazines etc., and turn
them over on to the reverse side and glue them to the frame of a mirror or to cover a
closet door. Another great way is to glue them in an overlapping fashion and use them
as a faux frame for your teen’s posters.
So, as you can see, there are many ways in which a teen’s bedroom can be redecorated
and will not end up costing the parents an arm or a leg.
Conclusion
So if you love decorating, and want to challenge yourself, then the best way to do this is
by doing it on a budget. There is nothing quite like batting against your impulses in
order to purchase everything you need so that you stay within your budget.
However, saying that, decorating on a budget can be fun and if you learn to relax and
keep away from the more expensive items, you should find it easy to do.
One of the biggest challenges faced by anyone when decorating on a budget is to stay
within their budget constraints. So before you start the work, make a plan and stick to
that plan, and this will help you with staying on budget.
But should you happen to spend more than you anticipated on one particular item, then
you should remove something else from your list. This will then help to get you back on
track where your budget is concerned.
Kind regards.
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