Tips on Budget Decorating

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

*Visit Furniture Showrooms

Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles.

*Browse Through Decorating Magazines

Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.

*Shop Second-Hand Stores

One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.

*Color! Color! Color!

To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.

*Create Your Own Art

For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.

*Shop Discount Stores

Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?

*Be Patient!

Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

About The Author

Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego, California. She received her degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites: Salon de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which showcases her art, and Home Solutions (http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com), a resource for real estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.

---

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets

Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four, or more people. When it's just too nice to spend the day indoors, why not go for... Read More

Decorating, Where Theres a Will Theres a Way

Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the world! And when it comes to decorating your home, if one has a will and there is... Read More

A Vanity Bench Adds a Romantic and Old World Feel to Your Bedroom Decor

One of the easiest ways to add a romantic or "Old World" feel to your bedroom's décor is by adding a vanity bench or set. By placing... Read More

Country Home Decorating ? Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

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

Bedrooms ? Should Be A Safe Haven

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

Create the Right Splash With Bathroom Accessories

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical and beautiful bathroom accessories that also enhance the style of the room. It is this kind of... Read More

Craft Projects - A Home Decorating One Of A Kind Look

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

Lamp Shades Decorate a Room

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

Installing Granite Countertops

Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops; it's also the most expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. Though adding granite countertops... Read More

Using Psychology of Color to Influence the Mood of a Room

The living room is the setting which will blend the people in your life into the occasions of your home. It is the hardest room to decorate... Read More

Four Decorative Painting Techniques

Tired of plain, boring walls? Faux finishes are a great way to jazz up your space with little cost or effort. Here are a few of the... Read More

What Should You Know About House Flooring

Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody wants to have their own house. Unfortunately not everybody is fortune to have a house of their... Read More

Reasons to Consider a Professional Designer for Your Interior Decorating Project

When one is considering a new look for an existing room the question always arises, "Do I need to hire a designer for my new project"? This... Read More

Bean Bag Chairs ? Choosing the Right One

Decorating can be a big challenge in today's world. There are all kinds of decorating styles from which to choose. Each room of your home can have... Read More

A Place For Everything In Your Home

Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're like most families, you have countless bits and pieces lacking designated spaces, so the homeless items are... Read More

Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas

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

The Many Types Of Light Available Today

The Many Types Of Light Available TodayWhat's in a light bulb? For most people, an incandescent light bulb comes to mind when discussing "light". The incandescent light... Read More

Easy And Inexpensive Kitchen Decorating Tips

Small changes can have a big effect on how your kitchen looks. Below are 11 decorating ideas that you can do yourself in a day or less.... Read More

The Benefits of Massage Recliner Chairs

Massage recliner chairs are different than traditional home recliners. These innovative chairs offer a wide range of options for massages and comfort. Although they can be rather... Read More

Can Bamboo Flooring Really Help Save The Worlds? Environment?

Probably not on its own, but its an excellent example of how consumers can vote with their buying dollars to sway market demand to bring more environmentally... Read More

Save Money & Time... Plan Home Decorating Projects

Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by asking the following question.What do the following have in common?1) Boxes of odds & ends collecting dust... Read More

Kitchen Island Sizes

Kitchen island sizes vary considerably from moveable cutting and serving tables to installed free-standing cabinets with a full complement of storage and workspace options.Nearly 80% of all... Read More

Ambient Orb or Mathmos Color Bubble

The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the company that created the original Lava lamp back in 1967). This is a very intriguing light that... Read More

An Introduction to Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds, also known as Semi-Fowler beds, can be adjusted in position to suit the requirements of the user. Those who have medical conditions that require them... Read More

A Guide to Closet Organizers

Along with losing weight and quitting smoking, getting organized is a top New Year's resolution. In fact, a Franklin Covey Co. survey shows that 83% of people... Read More

How to Decorate Spaces for People

When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the empty, lifeless rooms you see in interior design magazines and books. Instead, you should concentrate on designing... Read More