Tag Archive 'budget decorating'

Sep 05 2010

The Power of Paint

Published by under Painting

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform any room is through the use of paint. With just a bucket of paint and a weekend, you can make your entire home feel fresh and new. It’s the perfect solution for any budget decorator.


Updating the wall color in a space can create a completely new atmosphere in your home. If you cannot repaint the entire room, consider painting an accent wall instead. Choose an accent paint color that works with the other elements of the room, and has a medium to high level of contrast to your existing wall color.


Select a wall that will make sense when accented. For example, choosing the wall with the fireplace will naturally reinforce the fireplace as the focal point of the room. Other good accent walls may contain a large bank of windows, interesting architectural details or amazing artwork.


If you have a chair rail or other decorative molding, you could paint an accent color above or below the trim. This is a simple way to add pizzazz to a space without painting all of the walls at the same time.


While changing the color of the walls is a great way to use paint, there are other ways to harness the power of paint. Painting your existing wood or metal furniture is a way to add punch to your room while keeping your budget under control.


Think about painting a side table in tropical turquoise. Or, perhaps the bookcase in the corner would look richer when painted tomato red. You can paint just the legs of a table, or the top of a desk. Lamp bases, candlesticks, picture frames and other accessories also come to life with a fresh coat of paint.


If your room contains mismatched pieces of furniture that you have collected over the years, painting them all a fresh shade of ivory or chocolate brown will instantly make them feel as though they are part of a matched set.


To choose a paint color, look to hues found in the accent fabrics in the room, and you cannot go wrong. For best results, use an oil-based gloss or semi-gloss paint for furniture as it offers the most durable finish. Small metal items and oddly-shaped accessories will be easiest to cover with spray paint.


While paint is inexpensive, it gives you amazing bang for your decorating dollar. Never underestimate the power of paint!

Platinum author Jennifer Wezensky is editor of http://BudgetDecoratingOnline.com, the one-stop resource for how to decorate on any budget. She leads a team of interior decorators to offer tips, trends and ideas for the budget decorator. Wezensky also creator of the popular Facebook page, Decorating on a Dime.

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Oct 15 2009

4 Simple Ways to Decorate on a Budget

Published by under Interior Decorating

BedroomBelieve it or not, no matter how small your budget, it’s possible to bring style to any room in your home. There are so many inexpensive ways to add style to your home, giving it a whole new look. Following are some great ways to decorate any room in your home while sticking to your budget.

1. Paint is the best way to spruce up a room on a tight budget.

With just a couple gallons of paint that will cost you less than 50 dollars, you can give any room an entirely new look. You might use bright or bold colors to add drama to the room, or go with more neutral colors for a more natural appearance. You’ll be surprised how creative you can get with paint. You might choose to paint only one wall an accent color, which will make that wall the focal point of the room. There are many ways to add some real interest to your walls, by painting strips or trying a textured painting technique.

2.  Your windows are another great place to make a big impact on a room without spending a lot of money.

There are a variety of different window coverings to choose from for any type of room. Even if your windows are already covered with blinds, adding a valance to the top will add much more drama to the area.

There are many different creative options to try when dressing a window. Try taking sheer material and draping over a decorative curtain rod as a simple and inexpensive decorating idea. Another easy idea is long curtain panels tied back with thick ribbon or velvet.

3. You can largely impact the look of a room by simply adding some accessories that will tie the room together.

So often it’s the little things that count when it comes to décor. When used the correct way, accessories such as candles, photos, flowers, and baskets on a oak dresser can add a lot to a room. By simply adding a row of candles to a coffee table or wood night stand, you can give a room a more intimate feeling. With a vase of flowers, any kitchen can look more inviting. Even the smallest touches, such as new towels in a bathroom, can make a big difference.

By shopping flea markets and consignment stores for these items, you’ll be able to stick to your budget. Shopping this way may be a bit more time consuming, but it will save you a ton of money, especially if you have your entire house to decorate.

4.  For a new look, try rearranging the furniture or pull items from one room and use them in another.
If your budget is really tight, it makes sense to work with what you have. Always be on the lookout for pieces you can refurbish and add your own style to. For instance, the old vase that use to hold flowers in the family room could be spray painted with a metallic finish to add the perfect touch to your dining room table. Carefully consider the items you have and envision how you might change them to fit the style you’re looking for.

Decorating doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars. You’ll be surprised at how far 100 dollars or 200 dollars will get you in bringing style to your home on a tight budget.

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