Post-holiday cleanup is an ideal starting point for spring cleaning and home improvement projects. But if the sagging economy isn’t inspiring costly updates, you can still create a new look, add pizzazz or a make decorative statement on even the tiniest budget. Just add your own creativity to some helpful tips from a few innovative decorators.
Here are some great ways to make the most of shoestring-budget decorating projects. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to make low-cost, high impact changes to your home, check out my list of must-see shows; “Design Cents,” “FreeStyle,” “Mission Organization,” and “Design on a Dime” on HGTV, and “Sell This House” on A&E. Each of these offers loads of inspiration and creative solutions that cost little to nothing.
Looking for No-Cost Decorating Ideas? Start at Home…
Design Tip Number 1: Shop… At Home
When was the last time you rearranged your furniture? Now go one step further. Have you swapped major pieces or decorative accents between rooms lately? Try shopping your own home to create a fresh look at no cost – it’s easy and as budget-friendly as it gets.
Swapping out decorative pillows, artwork, rugs, or a few accent pieces between rooms is a simple job; and rearranging larger pieces such as chairs, shelves and wall units within – and between – rooms can create a whole new feel. And don’t forget to scour closets and storage areas for useful finds. Need inspiration? Watch a few episodes of “FreeStyle” and “Design Cents” on HGTV for scads of no-cost room redo ideas.
Design Tip Number 2: De-Clutter Your Way to Style
Often, the basics in a room are fine but any sense of style is lost in the clutter. Culprits include too many accessories clustered on tabletops, accent furniture-lined walls, and stacks of magazines, books, DVD’s, toys, games, and such. In these cases, a good clean-out can feel like a room makeover for free.
To de-clutter, grab some moving boxes and mark them: Keep, Trash, Donate, Another Room, and Store. Begin sorting, working around the room until the floor, table and shelf surfaces are clear. Then look at your furniture with a critical eye. Remove fussy fill-in pieces that serve no decorative or useful purpose. Keep pieces that you like, especially those that can be used for storage.
