Decorating a house is how many homeowners make it feel like a home. The cost of decorating however, can eat a real whole in a families budget, and can really get expensive. Knowing how to do it right, can help save money in the long run, and allow more freedom and flexibility in your style.
Budget
The first thing you have to look at, is the budget you have to work with. Some people don’t start out with a budget, which is fine, but you will need to watch what you are spending and keep track of your thrifty purchases to make sure you still have money for monthly expenses and other items. Try to do it overtime if you can, because this won’t make as big of a dent.
Design
You need to choose the room or rooms you are working on. Take note of what you already have, what you want to use again, or what you might like to incorporate into the room. Do you have items in storage that you could use? Do you have something in another room that you could bring in and use? While you are evaluating what you have to work with, keep in mind that many items have dual purposes and can be used in ways that were not the originally intended purposes.
Reuse or Re-assign
Consider reusing items that you already have, and make them new and more stylish by adding some paint, or new drawer or cabinet pulls. Browse the home improvement stores to see what items you could add to decorations you already have to make them new again. I will give you some additional articles I have written on reusing items at the end of this article.
Discover
Now it’s time to discover places where you can get inexpensive home furnishings. Typically garage sales are loaded with furniture items that people no longer want. Shop around. Some people just want to get rid of the stuff, so they offer it at a really low price. Others are looking to reclaim some of the cash they originally spent on the item, and so they price it higher than normal. Other sources for inexpensive home furnishings are auctions, antique stores, salvage stores (like Goodwill) and dumpster shopping. Dumpster shopping? Yes. Haven’t you ever driven down the street and seen a dresser or a table sitting outside with someones trash, and you’ve thought, “Oh, that would look so cute, if I spruced it up?” Often, if you stop and ask the owner, they are more than willing to give it to you.
Want more? Watch the frugal living blog for more great articles on decorating on a dime with unique ways to cut costs and save money. Decorate on a Dime – The Basics (2) will be coming later today.
Related Articles:
Reusing What You Have – Baby Stuff
Reusing What You Have – Dresser Drawers
Reusing What You Have – Baby Cradles
Reusing What You Have – For Bookends
Reusing What You Have – Flower Pots
Don’t Throw That Away: Old Clothing