Sometimes our homes evolve into a decoration theme (or lack thereof) without much thought and planning. We sometimes accumulate things little by little and add them to our space without much rhyme or reason. Putting a little more thought into our room style and decor can actually save us money. If we are aware of what we really want, we will be focused to only buy things that suit our room and the look we are going for. In addition, there are many things we can do to change the overall feel of the room that cost little or no money at all.
Start with one room in mind, such as the living room. Begin brainstorming a list of adjectives and objectives; words you hope would describe the room when you are through with it, and things you would like to use the room for. Some of these adjectives could be: inviting, relaxing, energizing, comfortable, elegant, casual, or spacious. Some purposes for the room might be: entertaining company, watching movies, storing toys, or gathering as a family. Try to get at the purpose of this space in your home and how you want people to feel when they are there. Next, narrow this list down to the qualities and objectives that you feel most strongly about. Take each of these words and try to come up with how you can change your space to better fit these ideals. You may decide that your room already fits some of these very well, and there is nothing you need to change in that area. For other objectives, you will likely have a little work to do in order that your space may function as you want it to.
Take these words as examples on some ways to rework the rooms in your home:
Entertaining company: If you would like some of your space suitable for entertaining company, you might choose to rearrange the furniture to better allow for company to mingle and interact with each other. Your furniture grouping should allow for conversation and there should also be space to walk around the furniture.
Comfortable: To some people, a comfortable space is one free of clutter that doesn’t constantly need to be cleaned and maintained. To others, comfortable might be a couch with pillows, throws and a good view of the fireplace or television. Determine what your idea of comfortable is and what you need in order to make your room more comfortable.
Fun: Perhaps some framed artwork done by your children could help to create a fun atmosphere in a room.
Notice that there are some distinct changes you can do with a room aside from buying a lot of things to add to it. Make sure to check out my next article, Frugal Homemaking: Simple Ideas for Improving the Mood of Your Home, for more tips on improving your space for less.