Decorating Tips For Tough Economic Times
Note: You might also enjoy watching the home decorating video at the bottom of the page, or our other home decorating videos.
Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted
your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you
uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a
bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the
skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a
fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic
difference.
Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:
Lighten Up
The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a
room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures
that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most
attractive or illuminating options.
Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes –
can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more
relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps
strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side,
rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps
purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million
dollars.
Create with Color
Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary,
trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt
for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come.
Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room
feel fresh and new.
You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement
stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use
of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder
room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and
paint trays.
Make it Better with Murals
Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not
content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to
make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a
great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor –
from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah
of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.
Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install
wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can
find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near
you visit www.lowes.com.
Accessorize your Bath
Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the
next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels
like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries
everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.
It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as
toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same
design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of
patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be
bought for less than $100.
If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower
curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching
accessories.
Go Green and Get Moving
Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to
green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like
a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive,
consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of
life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the
difference.
Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors
inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and
windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama
to large entryways.
Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work
in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to
create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.
~ Courtesy of: ARA Content
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