subject: Five Decor Tips For A Budget Makeover [print this page] The old home place is looking pretty boring, but who has the budget for a major redo these days? Even if there are only pennies in the piggy bank, certain time-honor design principles make it possible for anyone to create a home that's beautiful, warm and welcoming, a genuine sanctuary from the stresses of contemporary life.
There are five guidelines used by designers to help you create the right decor for your home and will help you stay within your budget. If you have heard these before this will refresh your memory.
1. Paint your Room
Nothing looks any newer in a room then freshly painted walls. This is a simple and inexpensive way to create a new look. This is also an easy fix to a color that you no longer care for. You can change the look of your room instantly and without costing a lot of money. Invite family and friends over for a painting party.
2. Adding Light
Something basic but very much needed; light can say a lot about a room. Natural light is the best light in a room so you need to ask yourself, "How much and what kind of natural light gets in your room?". Window treatments can be the deciding factor on the amount of natural light that comes into your room. If the room is dark you can be creative and decorate using the right curtains and material. When you need more light added to a room or a part of a room that is dark then you want to paint the walls a light shade. Install a floor lamp or table lamp that can use the new energy efficient bulbs that can imitate natural light. If your room has no windows or very small windows you will be able to add soft textures to increase the warm and cozy feel to the room.
3. Add Pillows
One of the easiest, most simple ways to liven up a room that's getting stale is to change the pillows. Check out sewing and craft stores, along with thrift shops and secondhand stores, for fabric remnants and learn to make your own pillow covers. The simplest pillow covers are little more than envelopes that wrap around the pillow form and tie with a ribbon or button. Turn your imagination loose.
4. Area rugs.
Area rugs offer fabulous versatility when it comes to updating a room. Rugs can be used to define an area, bring in a new accent color, or camouflage those well-worn areas of fitted carpet. Well-made older rugs that will last for years can be found in many a secondhand store. Besides livening up the floor, smaller area rugs can serve as wall hangings as well.
5. Using your Imagination
No kidding. The top tool when it comes to interior decorating on a budget is your own creative imagination. The time and effort you invest in visualizing and planning a design, coupled with the ways you use finds in drapery, upholstery, furniture, lighting and accessories will be more than worth it. Experimenting with styles, materials and techniques will result in a home style that's distinctively your own creation.
