I am so ready to toss off winter’s doldrums and brighten up the house. The problem with new decor, however, can be the cost. From designer fabrics to new accessories, even a little brightening can make an impact on the budget. Ah ha! frugal living to the rescue.
I know that you have probably heard my mantra before: paint, paint, paint! It is a relatively inexpensive way to go, especially if you can get the paint for free. And although I think it is important to mention, let’s move on to accessories.
Shop the discount bins and the fabric store for small amounts of fabric and use it to cover your existing photo frames for a designer look. You can also get inexpensive fabric by reusing sheets! This is really fun for a child’s room. There are plenty of hardly used colorful character sheets available at local thrift stores.
Find some small interesting bottles either around the house or when you are out thrift store shopping. Dollar stores sometimes carry interesting bottles. Make sure that the bottles are clear. Then fill them with a little water and a few drops of food coloring. Place your bottles on a windowsill and let the light shine through them. I like this idea for an outdoor porch or deck, or for a small bathroom.
Plants instantly brighten up an indoor space, and they too are relatively inexpensive. a large potted plant can change the shape of your room and hide awkward corners. Flowering plants or plants with glossy leaves can brighten up many spaces in your home. Even a few cut flowers from your garden will make a huge difference.
Do a scavenger hunt around your home to find interesting things to frame. This will do a lot to inject personality into your home. Some ideas for things to frame (or even shadowbox) include old keys, small toys, the pages of a book, a map, pressed flowers or leaves, children’s hand prints, coins and more.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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