In these economically unsure times, we want to be careful how we spend our hard-earned money. At the same time, we may be spending less time going out and more in our home. And if we are going to entertain, we also want our space to look and feel great. So how can we create a fabulous and comfortable home on a small budget?
There are many things you can do to improve your home, even with no or on a small budget. It’s a question of thinking outside the box and trying things out. Here are some ideas to get you going.
Start one room at a time. First, identify things you don’t like and get rid of them. Even things you hide in drawers or things you were given but still keep, out of guilt (the importance was the gesture, not the gift). Now is the time to de-clutter and clear up space to let in new energy.
If there are items you don’t like, but that you have to keep, can you fix them up? Can you re-stain or paint them? Can you cover a piece with a slipcover? Can you re-purpose or move the piece to a different room? Just note, when you move things around, remember to keep pairs together such as lamps, chairs and accessories.
Window treatments: ask – do I need them for privacy or light control? If not, perhaps you can remove them all together. If unsure, take them down and live with the change for a week. You might be surprised at how clean it looks. Or simply remove the sheers you added in the 80’s or the valance and swag that looks outdated. They key is, let the light in and keep it simple.
Walls: Take a good look at what’s hanging on your walls. For art or photos, ensure they are large enough for your wall. If you clutter a large wall with small pictures, they are lost. If you have many small pictures, hang them in a grouping in a stairwell or a hallway. Be creative: you can create wall art using fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper. Just frame the art for example, in sets of three. Or stretch fabric over a large artist frame. Create a family wall of pictures in a hallway or office and use similar frames for the pictures if possible.
Paint is inexpensive and will give you an instant update. If you choose a bold colour, start with one accent wall. Pick up this colour in your accessories: pillows, throws, vases, books, bowls etc. Hang a piece of art on the wall that also contains some of this new colour.
Lighting: Poor lighting is common, and if you can’t add better light from the ceiling, invest in similar floor and table lamps. Stay away from up lights; they simply highlight the ceiling. For most lights, add dimmer switch. If you can’t afford to buy lights now, look around your home, are there lights in rooms you never use. Just remember to keep pairs of lamps together.
Floors: Keep clutter away from floors. You don’t have to fill every corner with something. Anchor your sitting area with an area rug that is large, i.e. front legs of your furniture should sit on top of carpet.
Furniture: arrange your living room in a u-shape. Pull furniture out from walls and create cozy conversation areas. Have a side or coffee table within reach for your drink. Use stools or benches as extra seating when needed.
Time is also money. If you don’t have time (as it may take you days or weeks to do your makeover or find things you need), hire a professional to help you. A two-hour consult may be the best money ever spent.
To get inspired: watch this short video on a living room make-over.

Tags: Decorating on a budget