Decorating On A Budget
Other than marriage and children, there is probably nothing more overwhelming and exciting than decorating your home. It, after all, must not only be functional and comfortable, but a chic reflection of your personality and tastes. If we had no monetary constraints, we could all have the home of our dreams. But, the reality is that most of us are on a budget. But, that doesn’t mean that your home cannot be a haven and showpiece at the same time.
The first step to decorating your home on a budget is to get creative. Instead of getting bogged down in the world furniture catalogs and showrooms, exercise your own experiences and tastes to create a space instead of impartial buying it. This can salvage overwhelming, hence why built in rooms to go are so popular. But, really, this is the most fun part of the task. So, let your imagination go wild! First, create a blank canvas of sorts by taking everything away from the room. Then let the space inspire you. Your inspiration can near from anywhere. Was there a spot that you visited that had wonderful memories or scenic spaces? Is there a painting or art part that means something special to you? Are there any time periods that really speak to you? Of course, if you are running into decorator’s block and the muses are not doing their job, then cheat . . . pick up an interiors or travel magazine and flip through it to stare if there is anything that really speaks to you.
Once the inspiration is taken care of, then comes the belief. Because you are decorating on a budget, the major key to your plan will be wise spending. Figure out ahead of time what your budget is. Then, set aside the bulk of your budget to one large item, generally the focal point of the room. When it comes to the key share of furniture of your room, be realistic about what you will find and how much you will acquire it for. Purchase a portion that is truly reflective of the vision in your mind. Make sure it is good quality, in addition to looking nice. With so many discount furniture places out there, it is easy to get distracted by prices. But, be discriminating. Remember – if it’s too expedient to be apt, it probably isn’t true. And, with a focus piece, quality will make a dramatic difference both with regard to durability and its aesthetics.
Of course, that does not mean you have to break the bank to purchase the major pieces of furniture. Instead of going to major stores, try furniture outlet stores. Most major furniture design places, including major department stores, have outlet stores where they sell special orders that were returned or items that have been discontinued. This will take your buck a long way. So, consider trying them out. Like outlet stores, discount department stores are also a cost-saving trick. Marshall’s and Home Goods, for example, have very good quality furniture pieces, rugs, and accessories for your home at a discount from major department stores. The caveat with stores like Home Goods is that they do not have a stock of items like the major stores. So, you may secure 3 big chairs at one store and have to drive to another location for a fourth. Also, they do not always have the same designs in at any one time. So, you may have to try your luck at different locations and at different times to find something that catches your eye. But, trying your luck at the stores is a huge way to save hundreds of dollars.
Another great idea for estimable quality furniture at a good tag is to visit flea markets and antique stores in your area. Like discount department stores, of course, you cannot get what you are looking for at any one time. So, you do have to keep trying your luck at different stores. But, if you do not have time constraints, this can be a wonderful alternative for current and timeless pieces. Most major cities have a weekly or monthly flea market where antique hounds and antique store owners can get first picks on great furniture pieces and household items.
Flea markets are a great place to shop for table bases and chairs. The key with is to eye potential in items. Most of the items will be well-worn. But, if the frame and major parts of it look sturdy and in good condition, don’t be scared to purchase an broken-down item. It is fairly inexpensive (and quite easy) to either re-upholster chairs yourself or pay someone to do it. Similarly, with tables, you can get very creative as long as you are willing to take a leap of faith. Flea markets often have a variety of items that you can use as table bases. For example, one of my friends purchased an old surgeon’s table and added her maintain glass top to it for a wonderful piece of furniture with a great story late it. Often you can even find an old table that has a top that is scratched or worn. Don’t pass it over honest yet. As long as there is no major damage, it is fairly inexpensive to refinish wood. Of course, if you do not want to keep the original top, you can remove it and add your own beveled glass top to easily and cheaply acquire a custom piece of furniture.
Tip: Just like antique sales, estate sales are also a broad venue for finding good quality furniture at affordable prices. You can usually find out about estate sales from your local newspaper. But, the better way is to drive around a really nice neighborhood and look for signs. It’s the best way to make definite that you are not going to waste your time on junk.
This leads me to the next trick of decorating on a budget – do it yourself. The new trend with furniture is that it comes in a box. By purchasing unassembled furniture, you can save a good amount of money. Of course, because it is cheaper, the quality of the furniture is not as solid as high end furniture. But, for accessorizing your room, this is a good, inexpensive alternative. Settle do-it-yourself furniture for side tables, consoles, TV carts, book cases, or desks. If modern furniture is your thing, try European discount furniture stores like IKEA or Bova. Target also has a variety of styles in very decent quality pieces, including recent, traditional, vintage, and Shabby Chic. Tip: Most discount stores have very user friendly websites, so consider narrowing down your search by figuring out what pieces you like online first.
Accessorizing your space with artwork and window dressings can also be inexpensive if you are willing to do it yourself. Although it does not always have a large variety of drapes, Target has very nice quality drapery and Roman blinds that you can install yourself. Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Linens N Things also have pre-cut, pre-sewn drapery. If you are particularly adventurous and splendid with a sewing machine, you can purchase patterns for drapery panels and valences at most fabric stores, especially those specializing in upholstery fabrics. Tip: Wholesale fabric stores are a wonderful residence to purchase very good quality fabrics for upholstery and drapery at a portion of the cost.
Even if you are not handy, there are definitely tasks that you can do yourself. Paint, for example, is one of the easiest tasks to do yourself, and you will save a good amount of money doing it yourself. Another great thing about painting on your own is that you can create custom details by using stencils or glazes. Even if you have never painted before, most paint manufacturers have easy to follow do it yourself instructions. Moreover, most DIY stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot usually have very knowledgeable employees who can also guide your foray into painting. Tip: Painting is actually also a great group activity. If you have kids, you can get them involved in helping you paint. (Don’t effort – most paints are water-based, so clean up is a cinch!) If not, call up your friends, order a pizza, and have a painting party!
Do it yourself accessorizing is also fun and easy. For example, instead of paying for framed art pieces that anyone can buy, try to customize your artwork. In today’s digital age, anyone can be a photographer! Choose some of your more memorable shots and enlarge them. You can do this yourself at most drug stores or specialty photography stores. Then, purchase a good frame and matting at a hobby store like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn’s Fabrics. Put it together, and, voila! You have a unique piece of art. Hobby stores are also a good situation to purchase lamp bases and blank lamp shades that you can customize with paint, glitter, jewels, feathers, tassels, and a good imagination. Or, you can purchase craft kits for ideas on how to design your own, unique lamp shade. In fact, such craft kits and ideas are also applicable to photo frames. You can purchase both the craft supplies and unfinished frames at hobby or craft stores. Tip: Instead of buying silk flower arrangements, which can get very expensive, try preparing your own flower arrangement by purchasing individual silk and dried flowers, available at any craft store.
Decorating your home should not be stressful. The best way to realize a upright reflection of your vision is to be flexible with it. Instead of getting bogged down in details, start off with a general idea of what you want to convey with your space. Then, find your focal point. And, then, get around it, adding pieces as you find them. Most of all, remember – turning your house into a home by decorating it in your own way should be fun . . . so have fun with it!
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Filed under Interior Design Careers by on Jan 24th, 2012. 