Tips on Budget Decorating
by: Maria Palma
Home decorating on a budget is
the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit
of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me,
sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and
**poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun!
Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page
out of your favorite magazine!
Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you
like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling
inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new
trends and styles.
Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational
ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book
when shopping for your home.
Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's
treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in
your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift
stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape.
A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can
update an old couch or chair.
Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change
to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in
mind the moods that colors can create.
Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of
decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the
walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned
colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of
art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your
local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books
at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white
photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy
a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.
Editors Note: Posters are a great way to decorate and are in
expensive to purchase online.
View our poster
store
Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place
will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little
treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks
for very little money. Who will ever know?
Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales.
Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!
Maria Palma is a
writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate
consultant based in San Diego, California. She received her degree in
Psychology from California State University, Chico, but realized that
she wanted to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites: Salon
de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which showcases her art, and
Home Solutions (http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com),
a resource for real estate and home decorating in the San Diego area. |