Want to make some decorating changes around your home but you’re low on cash? Although many decorating shows and magazines may lead you to believe that you have to spend a fortune to decorate your home, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact, with little or even no cost to you. So no matter what your budget is there is always something you can do to make a big difference in how your home looks. Let’s take a closer look at how you can decorate your home on a budget.
Set Your Budget
This is a time when you need to be absolutely honest with yourself. What can you truly afford? You don’t want to spread yourself too thin and end up not completing your project or resenting the redo. Remember, you can do wonders with any budget, so set a budget you feel good about and stick with it.
When setting a budget, but sure to leave a 10-20% in your budget to cover unexpected costs. We all know that things can go wrong and chances are you’ll need something you hadn’t planned on purchasing. Having a buffer will make sure you stay in line with your budget despite these occurrences.
Make a List
You need a good list of what you need for a room so that you can focus on finding the best deals. When making a list, be sure you include measurements. You may find the cutest bench for the area under your window and get home to find that it doesn’t fit. Don’t make that mistake! Also, make sure to include the small items like painter’s tape, paint brushes, etc. This ensures you stick to your budget.
Start Small
Decorating your home doesn’t always have to be about big changes. Start with a new coat of paint on the walls, then add textiles like pillows, rugs and window treatments. Make these small changes first and it may be all you need to freshen up your space.
Embrace Your Inner Deal Diva
With list in hand, hit all the yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores you can. You want to purchase everything you can at places like this so you can get the most from your money. Don’t be afraid of things that have good bones but need a little work. A coat of paint or new fabric can work wonders and save you a lot of money.
Break Out Those DIY Skills
This is one area where the buffer in your budget will come in handy. If you find items that need to be fixed up, you can either use the money you saved by buying used or use your buffer to pay for the supplies you’ll need. Many DIY projects are very easy to do. You can find so many great videos online that will teach you how to repaint a piece of furniture, how to antique furniture, how to reupholster a piece of furniture, and so much more.
Finish Up at Discount Department Stores
Last, but not least, mark off the rest of your list by hitting discount department stores, such as TJ Maxx or Big Lots. You can find so many great items at stores like these. They can also be a great place to purchase furniture that you wouldn’t want to buy used, such as couches.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to redo a room. It’s easier than you might think to decorate your home on a budget. The key is to have a strong game plan so that you save money and don’t waste money on unneeded items. Follow this plan with each room and you’ll soon have a freshly redecorated home that didn’t break the bank.
Leave a Reply