Dime Store Decorating with Designer Results

Regardless of the economy, once in awhile I must have some change in my home! I've found that a little money can go a long way when inspired by resourceful creativity. There are lots of low-cost updates for your pad, and plenty of older items can be recycled with new style. Here are some ways to reduce, reuse, and redecorate on the cheap.

It's amazing how a coat of spray paint gives new life to old stuff! It's available in a huge array of colors and finishes at your local craft or hardware store. Use it to make coordinating sets out of items found separately, like picture frames or baskets. A drab piece of furniture makes a statement when repainted a bold color (or two). Disassemble items as much as possible and paint pieces separately to ensure even coverage. For best results, use multiple thin coats of paint, and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Stencils are another quick and easy way to upgrade. Use them on walls and furniture, spray paint them onto wood, metal or plastic, or use etching cream to stencil mirrors and glass. Try an initial or monogram stencil - so simple, yet it adds an elegant touch to almost anything! With a personalized touch, new items look custom-crafted and worn items take on the look of heirlooms.

You can make your own stencil with a computer: print your stencil design on heavy cardstock, lay it on a cutting mat (or layers of thick cardboard and/or newspaper), and carefully cut it out with a pointed utility knife. Some projects may require a durable plastic stencil; make one by tracing your design onto a piece of discarded plastic packaging.

The easiest stencil of all is sassy stripes, simple to do with painter's tape and two or more colors of paint. Make it "pop" with a high-contrast combo, or use different shades in the same color family for a more understated look. Be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying tape.

Old calendars are treasure troves of exquisite art and photography! Make yourself an elegant "print collection" by putting your favorite pages in matching frames from a discount store or secondhand shop and displaying them as a group. If you don't have any old calendars around, many non-profits offer calendars packed with stunning photography that they'll be happy to send you for a nominal donation. Each time you enjoy the pictures, you'll feel good about helping to preserve something you care about!

Worn-out clothing can be repurposed to decorate your home. That stained-but-beautiful sequined top that you can't bear to throw away? Make it into a pillow cover! You can cover pillows you already have, or buy inexpensive pillow forms at the craft store. Old wool sweaters can be felted in a dryer on high heat and cut into no-sew coasters and mats. If you knit or crochet, tear used T-shirts into strips to make soft, cozy area rugs. Or use colorful plastic bags for water-friendly results you can wash with a hose - perfect for the porch or mudroom!

Scope out tag sales, flea markets and your local secondhand/thrift store for furniture and decorative items like pottery, lamps, candleholders, baskets, and framed art (use as is or get creative - see above). You may even find items made of materials that are now restricted, like precious woods and ivory! Even if it's not a long-lost masterpiece, your home will be enhanced by the addition of handmade objects. Sanitize glass and ceramics by washing in soapy water with a bit of bleach. Be wary of unwashable fabric items, especially if you have allergies or pets.

For stylish storage, ask your local liquor mart about used wine boxes. Many are adorned on the sides with picturesque landscapes or colorful, stylish designs. Fold the top flaps down to the inside and line boxes up on a shelf to organize clutter. (You can even label them with stencils or computer-printed signs, i.e. "Gloves & Hats" or "Seth's Toys".)

Plants add vibrance to your décor, but they're not just nice to look at - they also replace carbon dioxide with fresh oxygen for your breathing pleasure. Add to your collection by taking cuttings from your houseplants. Clip off a healthy branch or shoot, place it in a glass of water, and put it in a sunny window for about a week, adding more water as needed until roots sprout. Put some small rocks or gravel in the bottom of a pot and fill the rest of the way with dirt. Gently plant the clipping in the dirt, taking care not to break off any delicate roots, and water thoroughly. For variety, swap with green-thumbed friends!

You can easily update your lighting for festive occasions by replacing a few white light bulbs with colored ones. Tealights are less expensive and messy than votives, and can be burned in most any open glass vessel. For a cozy glow, lay a string of white Christmas lights on a shelf of your favorite crystal, glass or metal items and watch them sparkle.

Finally, check your chi! Scope out your local library for a basic Feng Shui primer or read about it online. Applying some basic principles makes any space more inviting. You may find that simple, subtle changes "open up" spaces and give your home a feeling of greater comfort and harmony.

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If you are bored with your home décor, it might be time for a budget friendly facelift. Rooms sometimes need to be freshened up. Unfortunately, we don't always have the money to shell out on an interior decorator. If you are living on a budget, there are some simple and fast ways to update any room's look while spending less than a hundred dollars. For some top budget decorating tips to liven up any old room, keep reading.

No matter what time of the year, paint can instantly give a room an entirely new look. Paint is fairly affordable and can be utilized in various ways to give a room new color and even hone your theme and style decorating skills. Choose one wall of the room and paint it with the color of your choice without thinking of the rest of the room. Add some style to a painted empty wall with the use of faux paint techniques or stencils and stamps.

You can also give a piece of furniture a completely unique feel with the help of paint, or you can simply paint every piece of furniture in the room with the same color, so that they stay coordinated and look cohesive.

To transform the way your floors look, bring in a new area rug. A simple colorful rug can instantly change the look of the room and set off a completely new color scheme. Rugs are a great option for those who can't paint. If you live in an apartment or rented home, an area rug is your best investment for lasting style in your space. The best part about area rugs is you can have plenty of them and keep changing them around to give your room an instant facelift.

One of the cheapest ways to freshen up a room is by adding a couple of pillows and a throw blanket in it. Comfortable, soft throws can easily soften the look of bigger furniture pieces, as well as offer visitors a cozy space to spend the day.

Decorative pillows tend to be quite cheap and can be changed whenever a redecorating mood strikes. They can also add colors and patterns to the room without going over the top.

Pillows and throws can be found at practically every discount store and they come in a wide array of colors. These can be used in family and living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even the porch, if you wish. For a quick room lift on a budget, simply add mirrors to a room. Larger mirrors on one wall or over the fireplace will produce an illusion of a bigger and brighter room. If possible, position a mirror in front of a window to bring in more light. You can also put plants or candles in front of a mirror to enhance their reflection.

A mirror collection is another great option, and it can be used in place of expensive oil paintings. Small wall mirrors are cheap and can also be found at every discount store or thrift store. By hanging them just the right way, you can produce an illusion of an empty shape on the wall. You could also hang mirrors in groupings by size, shape, or frame design. Get creative and you can change the look of your room on a budget.

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Many people avoid renovating their bathroom as it can be a messy job that requires some specialized skills. But if you simply want to make your bathroom more beautiful, here are 9 easy bathroom decorating ideas that you can do yourself without getting into a messy and expensive remodeling job.

1. Lighting. Is your bathroom lighting modernized? Though this bathroom decorating idea might call for an electrician, it can be a great way to give your bathroom a bright new look. Even just a new set of lights over the vanity can often make a big difference

2. Accessorize. Remember to accessorize your bathroom with decorative toothbrush holders, soap dishes and even miniature soaps. Accessories pull the room together.

3. De-clutter. This bathroom decorating idea is inexpensive but usually provides a huge difference - just clean out all that stuff piled up on the vanity and you will see an immediate improvement in how your bathroom looks. Use this opportunity to add more decoration to the room design by adding decorative boxes to hide all that junk inside of.

4. Shower Curtain. You most likely change your shower curtain every so often, but do you truly put thought into what you are purchasing? This time why not shop for a curtain that is that is a little more pricey but that will get a great look? Complete the interior decorating scheme with matching accessories

5. Plants. Plants soften up the aesthetics of your room design. If you don't bring in adequate light in there to allow for thriving plant life, think about making use of a few silk plants, purchase costly ones, though because this is one thing where quality provides a large difference.

6. Artwork. Who wouldn't seek to gaze at framed art in the powder room? Beautiful art adds to any room, even the bathroom.

7. Paint. This is quite easily the least costly path which will alter the decor of the room the most. You might be able to paint the bathroom in a day and discover a fresh new look! Take some time locating the shades of paint so you have exactly the style you have envisioned. If you already own a shower curtain that you adore, use a color in the existing decor to match the wall paint to.

8. Rugs. Modern mats and rugs that match with your interior decorating scheme can help pull the room together

9. Towels. Towels belogn in the bathroom, so why not make them fit as a piece of the interior decorating scheme? Try to pick out decorative towels which match your colors and curtains, accessories and rugs and display them in containers around the space.

So there you have it, some easy bathroom decorating ideas you can complete in a weekend without having to take out a home equity loan!

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1. Re-use existing items: This is the best ways to save money! Take an inventory of items in your home and look at them in a different light. Sometimes we get so used to seeing things in the same place, that we don't even consider using them in a different way.

2. Paint - change the look of a room for a few dollars! Try new colors. Go to the paint store and buy a small container and test it first. Use paint to update and change the look of things, whether it's a whole room, a piece of furniture, or creating new artwork.

3. Make Artwork - This can be done by salvaging old items or creating new works of art from photographs, canvasses, a collage of interesting items, or shadowboxes.

4. Clean up your act - Clear out clutter so people can see the beautiful rooms you've created. Sometimes starting with a blank canvas can give you a new perspective on your space.

5. Dress your windows - You get a lot of "bang for your buck" with window treatments, because they take up vertical space, and draw the eye up. Try looking online at different types of window treatments and see what kind you like. Some of the easiest treatments to install or create include blinds, flat valances, square cornices, and pinch-pleat drapes.

6. Try new shops - Such as thrift shops, consignment stores, and auctions to find new and interesting items. You might find a great conversation piece, or an antique worth more than you paid for it!

7. Illuminate - Be sure that your new design has plenty of lighting. Lighting is a great way to add accents and unique touches to your budget design.

8. Don't buy everything you see - Just because it's cheap, it doesn't mean you should buy it. If it doesn't work in your room, you won't like it when you get it home. You will be stuck with a piece of junk with nowhere to put it. Focus on buying things you have planned and budgeted for.

9. Have a Plan - Know what furniture you need, your color scheme, and your style. Then you won't waste time and money by buying things that you don't need or like. Budget decorating is all about knowing what's a good deal and what isn't.

10. Have Fun - Don't stress over your room! It takes time, and trial and error to get everything right. Have fun and enjoy the process as well as enjoying the result.

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When my husband and I built our house there's one thing that I forgot.  Brand new houses don't come with ANY window treatments.  Of course after buying all the "extras" for the house we were broke.

There was no way I wanted to let my neighbors or every passer by see into my life so I did a little digging and found Domestications.  If you have not discovered this catalog for yourself get one!  The sheers, blinds and drapes are so inexpensive I was able to cover all the front windows of my house and our bedroom window for less than $150 (with shipping).

I haven't tried any of their furniture only because it looks like the pressed plywood and laminate stuff but some of their decorative accessories look nice and their prices are right.

Check out their website for their latest sales and sign up for your free catalog. http://www.domestications.com

The painted cuckoo clock - I was at an upscale store recently when I spied a cuckoo clock that was painted a solid teal green. Talk about eye catching! It was a great modern take on the old black forest clocks, but not for the $3,000 price tag.

To get this look on a budget I went to http://www.shopgoodwill.com and purchased a vintage cuckoo clock for $50. Add a can of primer and a can of spray paint for $10 and you've saved yourself $2,940.00.

Black glass chandeliers - I love the look of the black glass chandeliers. I've also see red and pink ones that really grab my attention too, so does the $400 - $4,000 price tags I've see for a 4 light model.

Once again, spray paint to the rescue. First you have to find a glass or crystal chandelier. This can be tricky. Yard sales and Goodwill Stores are great resources. My second choice is the web (the cheapest 4 light I found online was $88 at gallery84.com). You will need a high adhesive primer made especially for glass that you can find at any craft store (follow the direction). Then choose your favorite color of spray paint and there you have it, a beautiful new chandelier!

I love old mirrors.  They add a little sparkle, a lot of light, and oodles of style to any room.  One of the tricks I use to get giant mirrors on a budget is to buy old dresser mirrors.  Many times these mirror have begun to has due to moisture damage but the look adds a vintage flare.  I was able to score the mirror to the right at a yard sale for $1.50 because the dresser it belonged to was long gone. 

Originally, the frame was cherry that had seen better days.  The seller confessed that the mirror had been in the rafters of a shed that wasn't weatherproof.  The shape of the mirror and frame was too good to pass up and for $1.50, I had to see if I could save it.  I took the piece home sanded, primed it and painted it black.  For several weeks I debated over weather to replace the mirror itself but after pricing a few in the size I needed and then the cost of having it cut to fit the shape there was not way I could afford it (besides I like the character).

Though my project was modern the frame would fit just as well in a country decor with a creamy white paint or crackle finish. It would be brilliant in a kids room painted in a bright primary color. Imagine a metalic paint! The possibilities are endless.

I'm not the first to use old mirrors in designs but HGTV has an interesting take on how to create an old mirror from a piece of glass and a frame.  If you can't find and old mirror you like at a yard sale, or the cost of a mirror the size you need is prohibitive you might want to consider trying this project.  The look will add vintage flare to your room without the vintage price tag! Click HERE to see this project!

Before you go take stock of what you need and make a list. Bring you measurements and a rough floor plan with you so you won't have to wonder if that great table will fit in the living room or not.

Bring a measuring tape, notepad, pencils and if you're going to a flea market or neighborhood garage sale bring a rolling basket to cart or backpack so you won't have to return to your car the instant you make a purchase.

Remember that cash is king! Bring both large and small bills. You don't want to negotiate someone down from $10 to $2 and then pay the seller with a 20-dollar-bill. That's just rude.

Check Thursday's paper for sales in affluent neighborhoods. The quality of the furniture pieces and linens will be better.

Always have a price in mind for the items you want and be prepared to walk away if the price is too high. Ask for a discount for buying more than one item.

See beyond what's in front of you. A friend of mine walked past an ugly, framed print until I pointed out that she needed a frame for a print she already owned. For $1 and some spray paint, she got a great deal! Old brass lamps can be painted with spray paint as can glass - if you like the form you can change the color easily.

Check for damage - chips & cracks in glassware - stains and tears in linens - test lamps unless you're prepared to buy a lamp kit (approx. $10-$15)
Be persistent - you probably won't be able to furnish your home in one day of garage sales. Scan the ads weekly for sales offering what you're looking for.

If you truly want designer gear at dime store prices you need to check out Designer Linen Outlet. They sell designer bedding, window treatments, towels, throws, rugs, accessories, etc. at deep discounts (check out the red tag section for your best buys!) Now these are designers like Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Croscill, Thomas Kincaid, and Ralph Lauren so the quality is above average.

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Decorating with plants is a great way to breathe life into your home without spending too much money.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of plants inside your house along with tips on different ways you can use plants to brighten up your space and how you can maintain them.

The Benefits of Plants

Cleaner Air

All indoor plants will clean your air and act as a natural filter, but some do the job a little better than others. Typically ivies, poinsettias, palms (lady palms and areca palms), peace lilies, Boston ferns and spider plants are great at improving the air quality in your environment.

Reduced Humidity Levels

Plant transpiration works to create an indoor humidity level that's ideal for humans. Remember, if the air's too dry, you're vulnerable to flu and colds, but if it's too humid, it can be uncomfortable or cold. Through transpiration and evaporation, indoor plants help to regulate the humidity in your home, keeping it at an ideal level.

Reduced Noise Levels

Plants can actually absorb, reflect and diffract sound. While this difference is more noticeable in environments with hard surfaces and harsh corners, plants can and will diffuse noise and loud echoes. The Peace Lily and the Sweetheart Plant are both good examples of plants that can diffuse sound.

How to Decorate With Plants

Group Them Together

Group plants together if you want to not only create an indoor green space and nice arrangement, but also take advantage of a big window with lots of sunlight.

Repot Your Plants Regularly

Typically a spring chore, repotting your plants will give them new life and infuse them with healthy new soil. Remember to always wash out a pot thoroughly before you put a plant back inside it.

Make Your Plants Functional

Try to keep plants that have a functional purpose in your home. For example, have an aloe vera plant handy for cuts, bruises and burns. Or, keep a handy herb garden on your kitchen window ledge. You'll benefit from the beauty of the plants, but also the extra flavors in your cooking.

Protect Your Plants from Your Pets

If your cat or dog likes to destroy house plants, set up a few deterrents to keep your plants healthy and thriving. You can plant toothpicks in the soil as the sharp points will deter your pets. Another method involves spraying the plants with a diffused garlic, pepper and water mixture. The unpleasant smell and taste will keep your pets at bay.

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Don't Overlook The Fabric Store for Home Decorating Bargins (Not Just Fabrics!)

A friend of mine who can sew (I don't) needed to pop into Joann fabrics for a few items. While she was ferreting out what she needed I wanted the stacks to see what was around. I left with an armload of home decorating items!

Joann carries everything from fabrics to lighting. I confess I didn't know this (yes, I am painful stupid). The end caps of the decorating rows are loaded with bargains. I scored damaged photo frames for 50 cents each. Since they were the wrong color and I would have to spray paint them anyway the scratch didn't matter.

They also have design magazines for FREE (my favorite price) in the store. Obviously they showcase items available in their stores but the ideas were great. They have a ton of FREE project ideas available on their website too. Click over and check them out and while you're their don't forget to sign up for their coupons! I've received two discount coupons emailed to me already!

You have just moved into your new apartment, and you have big blank walls. You have a few pictures to hang, but they look small in the new space.

Here's an idea for high impact decorating on a limited budget. Attach a huge scenic poster or mural to your living room, dining room, or bedroom wall. In your bedroom, this could become an impressive headboard. No one will notice that you don't have a furniture headboard.

Use a staple gun or flat head tacks to attach the poster or mural to most walls. You could use a special double-sided tape but it might harm the wall when you take down the image. If you are using staples or tacks, first attach one corner with a tack so you can swivel the poster or mural, and check that the top is level (use a level or balance if you have one) before attaching the other corner. Now add some more staples or tacks around the edges.

Now you can frame it out with wood or synthetic trim molding from your area hardware or home improvement store. The result will look either like a scenic view through a window or like a large framed picture.

Hang up one of these murals and wait for the oohs and ahs from your friends when they come over to visit. You don't even have to tell them how little you spent to get such a great addition to your new apartment. That can be your smart little secret.

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My decorating tastes are subject to change depending on the day. Without paint my redecorating budget would be outrageous! Recently I decided that country cute wasn't for me anymore and I wanted to change my style to modern chic. What to do with everything that was oak and white to fit in with the country scheme?

Paint it of course!

All my oak photo frames, oak shelves, and white furniture got a thick coat of inexpensive black paint. The walls were changed from a soft yellow to a sophisticated taupe. After ironing together a few pillow slip covers (if you don't have hem tape in your decorating kit get some) and Ta-Da! Room transformation.

Stop buy your local hardware or paint store and explore their OOPS paints. These are custom paint mixes that customers returned and are sold at deep discounts. I was able to repaint my bathroom for $10 using OOPS paint. Just because someone else returned it doesn't mean it's not the right shade for you!

Also, keep spray paints in white, black, and your favorite metallic (silver, gold, cooper) shade on hand at all times. Spray paint is a wonderful way to give something tired a fast face lift!