Home Makeover on Budget

Start by shopping for furniture at thrifts stores, flea markets and garage sales. This is a great, inexpensive way to reinvent your style. Whether you're hunting for that mid-century modern piece or something more rustic-chic, there are always treasures to uncover, often for a steal. Don't worry if the piece you find isn't perfect. You can transform your thrift-store treasure into a work of art simply with a good sanding, a coat of paint or even some new upholstery. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase. After all, "going vintage" is "going green."

Don't have the time or money to wallpaper or paint a room? Those removable peel-and-stick wall decals are the perfect answer, providing a unique and creative way to dress up your walls. Go from drab to fab in minutes flat! With this foolproof decorating solution, you can bring a splash of color and high design to your boring white walls. So unleash your inner decorator! Wall decals are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes so you can let loose your own personal style in any room of the house.

One affordable design strategy is to decorate with plants, bringing in the simple beauty of nature to wake up any space. Opt for plants that fit in with your décor to create a harmonious and Zen-like atmosphere. If you're going for a more modern appeal, choose contemporary-looking plants with long, sleek lines. Thanks to the variety of stylish planters available today in all sorts of shapes and colors, there's no need to sacrifice function for style. Consider using an old teapot or decorative bowl for a planter to put your own personal touch on display.

Strategically placed good lighting can completely alter the look of a room, significantly improving your mood. There's no need to settle for harsh overhead lighting. Instead choose from a variety of more illuminating options, such as an attractive floor lamp with an ambient glow. Right lighting doesn't have to be expensive, and a variety of shapes and styles to fit your décor can be easily found at discount stores and secondhand shops. This simple yet powerful decorating solution will transform any room into a creative showpiece. Then you can bask in the warm glow of home-decorating success.

With a little fabric you can update your home instantly. Try changing the fabric on key decorative pieces such as a sofa or chair, or incorporate new patterned throw pillows and curtains into the room for a unique effect. You'll be surprised how inexpensive it is to experiment with fun patterns and textures that will wake up your space and give it a finished feel. Craftsters might try their hand at DIY projects, such as making your own bed skirt or headboard. Rifle through the discount table at a fabric store or use decorative quilts or bed sheets as inexpensive fabric sources.

You can add dramatic flair to any room in your house with a perfectly positioned mirror. The right mirror can take a small space and magnify it considerably, while strengthening the light in a shadowy room. A mirror can be helpful in creating an artistic focal point for any room. Try leaning a tall mirror against a wall and see what happens. A mirror can be an inexpensive investment that is smart and stylish, and is sure to have a bold, eye-catching effect in your home. Always keep your eye out for a fabulous mirror in places like discount stores, yard sales or on eBay.

When you become your own curator, fine art doesn't need to cost a fortune. Put your hands on one of those vintage magazines with gorgeous black-and-white photos or brilliantly illustrated book of botanical prints. Grab a sharp razor blade. Now you're ready to transform these unconventional images into fine art for very little money. Choose photos from the same source or with the same size and theme, and group them together on the same wall for a symmetrical, uniform look. For the perfect finishing touch, find attractive frames that complement your creations.

Candles are a brilliant way to add inexpensive style, charm and warmth to your home. If you want a more glamorous look, try placing your candles in decorative beaded holders. Or try arranging several tea lights on a mirror for a more illuminating effect. For a more natural, organic look, try arranging branches or greens around the candleholder. Candles that both meet your budget and suit your style can be found just about anywhere. Fabulous deals can be easily found at your local dollar store or neighborhood drugstore.

Leon Tuberman has almost 40 years of experience in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry. He operates a popular home furniture store and showroom in the San Fernando Valley. They carry a huge selection of Mission, Traditional and Amish living room, dining room and bedroom mission furniture for your home. His store carries the best in handcrafted American made furniture that is made to last the ages. You'll find everything you need within one roof, from mission dressers to handmade cherry dining room tables, they have the best in quality at affordable prices.