|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start with. This helps keep you and your budget focused on the project. Which not only guarantees it's completion, it's going to save you money. Why? Remember impulse buying, well it's less likely to occur if you've planned and written down items specifically for that one room.
Think about it this way; You go to the grocery store without a list, what happens? Everything looks good, so you end up buying extra things you do not need and probably forget a few essential items.
Tip: A large notebook or blank writing journal will help make this process easier. This will come in handy for jotting down ideas, measurements, color choices, keeping track of purchases even drawing out a layout of your room. Also, if your purchasing any large items furniture, lighting, carpet etc. this is a good place to keep track of stores that carry things you've seen and the prices.
Now that you have chosen the room, the next step is to think about how the room is used. Sound like a strange thought, well not really. This will determine the direction your decorating goes in.
For Example: Lets say your looking to make changes in your living room. Is this the main area used for entertaining, family gatherings or watching TV and movies? Do you have children with friends hanging out at your home. How about pets, are they normally in here with you?
Sound like home, if so than practical, less fussy is the direction to go. There are endless ways to make your room function well and still have great style.
A few ideas might include:
1) Durable easy clean fabrics, like removable, washable slipcovers
2) Baskets or plastic stacking crates are perfect for remotes,
3) DVD'S, CD's and games. This makes for easy pick up at the end of the day, or when company suddenly shows up.
4) Possibly fewer pieces in the room, giving you more floor space.
Tip: Look for pieces that will serve double duty. Many ottomans today have build in storage, do you get extra seating plus some place to stash things quick.
5) Large floor pillows for TV or movie watching (kids, for some reason love laying on the floor).
6) If space permits, a table and chairs for playing games, doing craft or homework projects.
7) Washable latex paint for easy clean up.
The final step is to be realistic about your list of changes. Choose things that fit comfortably into your current budget, overtime more things can be done. So for right now, just remember, simple savvy changes can make a big difference
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 Bonnie Carrier
Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by both site for indoor and outdoor decorating ideas. http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com
http://www.savvyhomedecorating.com





I am not a quilter in the typical sense, but I love making small coverlets and quilts for babies when I am not making wall hangings. All... Read More
Home lighting is something that doesn't get the attention it deserves. There are so many TV shows that focus on home remodeling projects, and speak very little... Read More
Ionic air purifiers are not filter systems. Ionic air purifiers work by sending out negatively charged ions into the air of your home. The ions latch onto... Read More
If you are thinking about updating the look of a room in your home consider the addition of a contemporary floor lamp. There are several types of... Read More
Many people are not aware that the air inside our homes is five times harmful than the air outside. Because of airtight home and office building constructions,... Read More
A wood stove insert serves several purposes. First of all, they can keep heat from escaping through the fireplace. Wood stove inserts also raise the heating efficiency... Read More
Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically adjusted at the touch of a button. The user himself can operate them without assistance. They are... Read More
Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to many parents. That is why so many parents are interested in decorating ideas for a baby nursery.... Read More
Have you been in a craft store or maybe gone to a fair and noticed booths filled with home made crafts such as embellished wreaths or pretty... Read More
We spend a great deal of time in our bedrooms, hopefully 8 hours, and decorating ideas for them should reflect that and be well thought out. Very... Read More
There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make a wide range of quality products. Some companies specialize in making traditional wood stoves while other make... Read More
The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design of your living room is to rearrange the furniture items you already own. Furniture placement can be... Read More
If you've ever seen Frank's decorations on TLC's Trading Spaces, then you know all about the country style of design. From stenciled drawings to wooden cows to... Read More
If you want to make your bedroom look rich and luxurious, then top your bed with a satin comforter. Not only does satin carry a certain amount... Read More
You see it all the time in retail discount stores: Color coordinated decor for just about anywhere in your home. And some of the designs are quite... Read More
When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While it may seem that you will have to purchase all new lamps for your new décor, sometimes... Read More
Bathroom vanity lights are often overlooked in a bathroom. Artificial light from vanity bathroom lights and general lighting is important during hours when natural light is not... Read More
A down comforter is a luxury item that can be enjoyed year after year -- if it is properly cared for. Frequent washings can damage a down... Read More
Modern bathroom vanities and medicine cabinets come in a huge variety of styles and finishes, from the simulated antique look to sleek modern designs. Your choice of... Read More
Decorating a kid's bathroom can be fun. There are so many possible themes, such as Disney characters, animals, the ocean, and geometric shapes, just to name a... Read More
The number of metal wine racks available may seem overwhelming, but by narrowing your search you can find your ideal metal wine rack quickly and easily.Don't worry... Read More
Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that is warm, inviting and the perfect home to live in. Country style decorating ideas help you capture... Read More
Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to any home. When neglected, however, upholstery can quickly turn into next year's yard sale's featured item. Help... Read More
Dale Tiffany Inc. has set out to bring the "Touch of Tiffany" back into the world. The mere mention of the word Tiffany will immediately call to... Read More
At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy. No more. Today, for the same price as you will pay for manufactured cast resin, imitation marble... Read More
Looking for the most impact from a small decorating budget? Or are you tired of the 'builder's white' that is still on your walls since the house... Read More
Who doesn't love the look of shutters? On the outside, they accentuate the windows, adding personality and style to the house. Inside, they offer a beautiful and... Read More
The popularity of granite kitchen countertops has increased dramatically in recent years, with the media focus on kitchen remodeling and personal incomes rising. Originally the choice for... Read More
With the array of choices we have for softening hard water, it can be difficult to decide which method will work best. Therefore, cost is one factor... Read More
There are many ways to decorate the interior of your home, none the least of which is with picture frames. Picture frames have the unique ability to... Read More
Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer both to today's homeowner. These unique window treatments trace their roots to ancient Greece. The Greeks used... Read More
Need An Easy Bathroom Curtain Idea?I've always had a hard time decorating my bathrooms. You want them to look more "cute" instead of fancy, after all, it... Read More
Selecting an interior designer is the most important decision that you can make before investing a lot in a home decorating project. Assuming you can afford the... Read More
Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have become the second most popular version of the original fresh fruit basket today. According to growers and... Read More
Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?Many people are afraid to make the leap from 'builder's beige' to a more daring color choice. What... Read More
Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what does it mean? Does it mean the same thing to you that it does to me? Probably... Read More
If you have book shelves in your home, and lots of books, you've probably discovered that bookends don't always keep everything in order. Sometimes your collection of... Read More
You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean tie the knot, I mean your finally ready to buy that new furniture you've been dreaming about.... Read More
Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When planning a lighting design for aging baby boomers we want to provide both adequate light to see... Read More
In the past, collectors have been fascinated with sculptures of pure white Ivory without knowing the damage it caused to our eco-system. Luckily governments of a number... Read More
Woven wood shades, also known as bamboo shades, are a contemporary window treatment popular in office and homes. They are constructed of natural material combinations, including bamboo,... Read More
I love candles! I have candles of all shapes, sizes and scents in every room of my home. I'm the woman at the local candle shop sniffing... Read More
Stainless steel has emerged as the most popular choice of materials for new sink installations because of its low cost, light weight, and almost unbreakable construction. Stainless... Read More
This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds available for purchase both on and off-line. Prominent adjustable bed manufacturers include Craftmatic, Sleep Comfort, Sealy, Tempur... Read More
Vinyl blinds are the perfect choice for high-humidity locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, or waterfront homes. Horizontal vinyl blinds with standard braided cord blinds and non-textured gloss... Read More
Bathrooms do not always offer many opportunities to make style statements. Sure, you can paint the walls or change the flooring. You can buy a new rug... Read More
The name "grandfather clock" instantly conjures up images of a dark, musty room, grandpa sitting in his rocking chair, smoking a pipe. Curls of woodsy smelling smoke... Read More
What is the lure and appeal of country home decorating? Maybe it's the desire to escape the rush and demands of a hectic lifestyle. It could be... Read More
1. Utilize the "use what you have" theory! Go through your cupboards and drawers to find items that can be used as props in your fall display.... Read More
When people decide to grow flowers, they have many choices. They can buy potted flowers and replant them. If they are extremely patient, they can grow flowers... Read More
Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a window treatment. They remain durable and easy to maintain regardless of humidity. Hence, aluminum blinds have remained... Read More
Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used for heating and cooking. Stoves from as long ago as the 1870's are available for purchase in... Read More