Right now, like many young families, we don’t have a lot of money for new furniture or decorator items. I still want our house to be pretty though – inviting, and comfortable. That’s why I like the Freestyle decorating show on HGTV. They design rooms without spending any money! The earlier shows were hosted by Aaron Foster. The current shows are hosted by Evan Farmer, who you might recognize from The Learning Channel’s show While You Were Out.
On each show, three rooms are redecorated by professional designers using the furniture and decorating accessories that the homeowners already have. The designers move around the furniture, go “shopping” through the rest of house for other furniture, art, and accessories, and put the room back together. I’m always amazed at the difference between the before and after shots. I’ve learned a lot about flow, furniture placement, and focal points.
I also like the show because the redecorated rooms reflect the families personalities and needs. Families with small children get play areas incorporated into their living spaces. Couples who like music get their guitars and albums hung on the wall. My favorite part of the show is when the decorators “shop” the rest of the house. I love seeing how they use items in unexpected and creative ways. They’ve framed fabric and gift wrap, and used all sorts of things for coffee tables and art. One show even used a hanging shoe rack as a planter. That project isn’t one I plan on copying, but most of the ideas are really very cool. I love the emphasis on how homes should reflect the people who live there.
Some decorating shows have budgets that are unreal. And even the budget decorating shows spend a couple of thousand dollars. Not even that “budget” amount is in our price range right now. I like to watch Freestyle because when I see good ideas I can afford to copy them. The show inspires me to make our house the best it can be.
And all without spending any money!
Also See:
Mixing Things Up for a One of a Kind Look