Having a limited budget or decorating with bargains doesn’t have to be a hardship, it can actually be a lot of fun if you approach it with the right attitude. Try to avoid thinking about all of the things you can’t have when you’re living on a budget, and whatever you do, don’t think of repurposed or previously owned furnishings as garbage or seconds, they are re-found treasures. Rather than focusing on what others have or what you see that you want, but can’t afford, think instead of ways to get what you want without spending a lot. Look here for cheap decorating tips and try to come up with your own to share with others on a decorating budget.
Countertops
Granite, marble, stone countertops are very trendy but they’re also quite expensive. There are alternatives that now look just as nice or you could try the new granite facades that slip right over your existing countertops. If you have a smaller area to cover, contact a local stone mason to see what they do with scraps and rejects, this might be all you need and with a little DIY you’ve got a great countertop at a fraction of the cost.
Floors
If you already have hardwood floors then refinishing them yourself can save you a lot of money. It may take a while until you get the hang of it so start in a non-obvious place, but once you get going you’ll find it’s actually pretty easy and fun. If you don’t have hardwood floors but want the look, try a faux wood flooring or bamboo. These do-it-yourself flooring options are cheaper than having a new floor installed and they’re a fairly easy project to complete. If you are looking for a deal on carpet, then waiting for a sale is your best option but you could try a large area rug in place of wall to wall carpeting and save yourself hundreds.
Furniture
Cheap furniture is easily dressed up with throw pillows and blankets, but the comfort level is almost never the same. If you can get your hands on a really nice, expensive piece of furniture check to see how much reupholstering would cost, if you can reupholster it yourself, or about commissioning a custom made slip cover. This way you’ll have the comfort of an expensive piece of furniture without the expense.
Paint
Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to give a home an entirely different look and feel. If you’re decorating on a budget then use paint liberally and wisely. Old furniture can be painted and repurposed and look better than store bought pieces in a heartbeat. Walls can look phenomenal when painted well, and if you have extra skill, a focal wall with some unique paint elements (stripes or a faux finish) will make everything else in the room look better.
Minimalistic and Eclectic
There is a trend toward mismatched pieces, simple furniture, and items with a lot of creativity. It’s easy to follow this trend if you’re creative and have a good eye for design. If you’re lacking in this area, find a friend who isn’t and ask for their advice. Sometimes these are the best designed interiors because they are full of character and intrigue, whereas a store bought matching set of furniture is simply functional without the fun.
If you have any great cheap interior decorating tips, please share them with us, we’d love to hear your ideas.
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