Everybody is tightening their budgets and trying to save money these days, so here are some low cost tips to help you spruce up your home or give it a fresh look without breaking the bank.
First, you might want to try a new color of paint around the house. Whether you paint the exterior, interior, one room or one wall, you can make it dramatic and bold, and it can still be inexpensive.
Next, let's anchor your room with one or two larger pieces of furniture to act as the "hub" and perhaps even a focal point. In many cases this will be a sofa or perhaps a bed. Too often people buy small items or small furniture because these may be less expensive. But remember, rooms need to have a good mixture of large, medium and small items to look and have the right balance. I know that might sound expensive, but there are always great sales going on at furniture stores. You might even find good quality furniture at garage sales or estate sales. The key is to have at least one major piece of furniture in each the room. Some estate sales and discount furniture stores are the way to go!
We also want good lighting. Take advantage of any natural light that comes into the room, blocking it out during the hottest times of the day, but allowing it to fill the room the rest of the time. Think in terms of triangulation - you should have good lighting spread out in the room that forms, at the very least, a triangular coverage. And, don't forget the energy efficient light bulbs (Check them out here).
Look for fabrics in the remnants department at your favorite stores. You can save a lot by buying remnants instead of yardage from the regular stock. Make a throw, cover some pillows and bingo, a new look.
Use a lot of greenery, whether it is live or artificial. You can easily fill a room up with greenery. It hides unsightly areas, is great filler, and just softens the room oh so much. Buy small plants and place in larger containers and wait for them to grow. Or just stick to artificial greens which will never die and never need water. Just don't forget to dust them once in a while!
Maximize your storage. Look for furniture that doubles as storage, like a chest instead of tables. Buy tall bookshelves and cabinets to take advantage of your room's vertical height. Shop at second hand bookstores and antique stores for great old books and collectibles at great prices. Intersperse your greenery, books and family photos around the room for that personalized, designer look.
If budget is tight, don't despair. Get creative. You can still make a huge difference in the way your home looks and feels for very little money.
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