Jul 03 2009
Chic on the Cheap
“How do I redecorate my space on a very tight budget?” asks Victoria M. of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Well Victoria, I love working with a tight budget. It forces me to be more creative, to really use my imagination. The first thing I would do is paint. Painting is a cheap and visually obvious change. My suggestion is to find a nice bold color AFTER you choose furnishings and accessories. A bold color on the walls gives you more bang for your buck and can really bring a look together.
Another cheap change is drapery. I know, I know, people spend thousands on draperies. Well, I find that some of the major discount stores carry some really nice drapes and curtains at incredible prices. For $20 you can have a whole new window treatment. I recently shopped a clearance sale and found drapes for my own living room at $4 per panel. That’s two large windows redressed for $16 people!
If you are OVER your sofa you can update it for less than $60. Just check out those discount stores. They stock covers in practically every type of fabric and color you could desire. Also, buy some really colorful pillows. Mix fabrics and patterns for a really custom look. Throw pillows are a great place to find a bold color that would also look great on the wall! Most pillows are under $10, with lots of great choices as low as $3!
Sometimes floors are overlooked. If you have a great hardwood floor to begin with lucky you!! But lets say you live in an apartment with the standard cream colored carpeting. Don’t be afraid to find a large fabulous area rug to center in the room. Try to find something with an organic pattern that also has the colors of your design. There are really nice looking rugs out there for under $50.
The most obvious fix for an old look is new accessories. Accessories can be anything! So easy! So budget friendly! Pick up some really cool and unique items at the local flea market. Check out garage sales for nice artwork at extremely low prices. The options are endless!
Hopefully these ideas help you out Victoria. Beautiful doesn’t have to break the bank!
