When it comes to home decorating, it doesn't matter how much money is spent, but how wisely it's spent. In every home decorating situation, no matter what style is the goal, imagination and creativity are the most important assets.
With that in mind, here are some tips from frugal decorators on how to make the most of a tight home decorating budget.
Get It for Less: Both, skilled amateurs and gifted professionals say that the genuine satisfaction in home decorating comes from finding affordable solutions to annoying problems. Resourcefulness is the name of the game here, because few of us have unlimited funds, especially in these financially uncertain times. The objective here isn't to be Scrooge, but to make every penny count.
Begin by using inexpensive materials generously and expensive materials frugally. For example, matching sheets come in all kinds of colors and patterns, and they can be used in dozens of ways, from swag draperies to table coverings. Cotton sailcloth makes excellent slipcovers as well. Limit expensive fabrics to trims and accessories such as pillows.
When choosing between expensive materials and expensive labor, pick the labor, every time. A skilled crafts person can take those sheets we mentioned earlier and make them into curtains that look like a million dollars. The style is in the details, whether it's sewing a set of slipcovers for side chairs or painting faux finishes on the walls. Those are the touches that will make a room look fabulous.
Make the Most of It: Whatever the state of your furnishings, make the most of them, and then consider what else is needed. For example, a room can be transformed merely by rearranging the furniture. Or move those oval rugs from the bedroom into the living room, and put the square rugs in the bedroom. The result probably will improve the looks of both spaces. Do lots of experiments before going shopping.
At the same time, many contemporary homes lack the kind of architectural details found in high-end dwellings. Thanks to home improvement stores, these features can be added for a small price. Wood moldings come in a wide range of sizes and styles. They can be painted or stained and used to frame windows, doors, wallpaper panels or make a chair rail or a plate rail. Likewise, wallpaper border provides ornamental detail for the price of a few rolls. It can go at the top of walls to give a different dimension to a room. Or splurge on professional matting and framing for a large poster that captures your attention. This sophisticated addition can create a stunning focal point for any room.
Just Paint It: If nothing else, there's always paint. In fact, a good coat or two of paint is a decorator's secret weapon because paint can work such wonders in a room. What's more, paint's potential isn't limited to walls and ceilings; it works as well on floors and furniture.
Experiment with these tips, and you'll likely come up with a whole new batch of your own ideas. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but creativity is the fun of frugality!
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