How to Decorate Your Home for Less by:Jessica Frost
Start with inexpensive basics, such as environmentally friendly shower heads and lights
, then consider the benefits of ceiling insulation and whether you can save on electricity costs by installing solar panels.
Paint applied over a poorly prepared surface will not last as long nor look as attractive. Paint the walls in a happy colour, such as yellow. It's full of energy. Paint the underside of the fabric with glue on the small brush, fold it carefully over the edge and smooth it out again. You need to clip the fabric at the back of the box to fold it under in the V-shape of the heart.
Paint stencil patterns on them. You can save tons of money on wall decorations by creating wall art yourself. Painting an opposing wall a deep shade will cause it to look further away, hence adding depth and drama. A blueish gray shade is quite nice for general atmosphere and for also making the walls seem to recede, Therefore making the room look less small. Paint the walls, doors, and trim in soft light colored tones. White and off white works quite well of course, but any soft light colors will make the rooms feel bigger and more open.
Paint all the furniture one color to tie it together and make the room seem larger, or feel free to experiment and paint all the dining chairs a different color. Paint is a great decorating idea. Be willing to try something other than beige or white.
Furniture, lighting, pictures and storage can all be moved to offer a new perspective on an old living space. Furniture covers is the best way to "not replace" furniture but yet have a new look. Changing curtains is another idea that will give a room a new look.
Shopping for raw materials and creating something from those is less expensive than purchasing ready-made items. Some of the items you can do by yourself are curtains, pillowcases, and simple wooden shelves. Shop at discount stores such as Target for reasonably priced curtains and blinds. Custom-made curtains are certainly a nice luxury, but they really aren't necessary or always worth the high price tag.
Walls should be clean, smooth and dry. Wash off all dirt and grease with a powdered household cleaner and water. Walls should be kept in the neutral range , white or cream, say, as a clean backdrop for the rich textures and shades of furniture pieces and accessories.
Color effectively defines spaces in open floor plans when it is applied in broad, contrasting swaths. Although the look is ideal for '50s and '60s ranch houses and later contemporary designs, it translates to traditional homes too. Color is the pretty, not gaudy. Like the high school cheerleader. Color can have an astounding effect on perceptions, feelings, and interactions. Different colors evoke different memories and different ideas.
Change your look with accessories. A few strategically placed accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Change your cabinet handles. There are so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. Inexpensive home decor accessories at
http://www.sotogifts.net
Choose plants heights and fullness based on the space and the height of other elements in the room, such as windows, armoirs, doors and so forth. Choosing lighter colors also helps to brighten the area, making it less likely to become a hazard zone for tripping over items in the dark or shaded and shadowy areas. Choose a few at a time until you know what you like and then you can feel free to mix and match scents.
Picture yourself bringing in a beautiful floral arrangement you created just for them. Ahhh, the oos and ahs. Picture frames can also make great message boards. Just remove the glass and replace it with cork, a fabric covered piece of cardboard (use tacks to attach messages), or a piece of dry erase board.
About the author
Jessica Frost is co-owner of
http://www.sotogifts.net
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