Decorating on a budget...

I wanted to share some of my tips for decorating on a budget. I have always believed no matter how much money I have, I never needed to spend a lot to have a beautiful home.Recently, I decided that my master bedroom was in desperate need of a makeover. After being the same color and design for the last 5 years, it is definitely time for a change! It is now on my "101 project" list.

Luckily I have a great and understanding husband who knew when he married me I would always be changing things in our home. He also knows I am all about finding a great bargain! As long as I shop and stay within the budget, it keeps both of us happy.

I try to always make my money stretch and spend it wisely on my purchases. My friends and family know that I very rarely will pay full price for anything. I say "Why" if you know that the item will go on sale, clearance or you have a coupon. When I go shopping I do my research on the store's I am going to. I clip my coupons or print them out, make a list and know my budget. Many time's if the price is not right I will be patient and wait for the item to go on sale. There are a few exceptions I make to this rule. If I know it is one-of-a-kind and still within budget or as I wrote about on my last post, the dishes I had to have!

In working with my clients in their homes, I always tell them to remember that "unless you love it, don't buy it". There have been a few times I have bought something, because I couldn't find what I wanted to complete a design and had regrets about it. If you are spending your money, it should be on something you would love to see in your home and not because you had to settle. So remember when shopping for your home either "love" it or don't buy it!

These are some of my bargains that I "love" for when I decorate my master bedroom...

Here are a few of my tips I use when decorating on a budget.


1. You don't have to buy everything at once, you can add a little at a time.


2. My 3 R's in design. Repurpose, Recover and Revive! Give new purpose to an item. example: Wrought iron wall hangers (see below)~hand towel hanger's. Slipcovers are great ways to change the feel and look of furniture. Painting, fabric, and adding embellishments can revive and give a fresh new look!


3. Clip coupons, shop the sale's and clearance sections, shop discounted stores, garage sales and thrift shops, I love shopping on Craig's list.


4. If a display item is the last one and the store is wanting to sell it, they will give you 10-20% off if they are wanting to clearance it. Don't be afraid to ask.


5. Do your homework and know when the sales are, have a list and stay within your budget.


6. Sign up for store flyer's that come in the mail or sign up on an e-mail list with your favorite stores.


7. Use creativity and be resourceful, it will save you money!


8. Paint and fabric are the most cost effective way to add change to any room.


Here are just a couple of my bargain finds.

2 - choc. brown 11x14 picture frames
reg.$18 ~ SALE $8.99

Decorative crackled glass pear jar
reg.$19.99 ~SALE $9.99

Wrought iron branches and birds candelabra
reg. $40 ~ SALE $13.99

White wrought iron bird wall hangers
reg.$5.99 ~ SALE $1.50

Brown/light blue brocade fabric
reg.$24.99 a yard~SALE $13.49 a yard

Floral brown/blue fabric
reg. $17.99 a yard ~SALE $7.20 a yard

2-brown lampshades
reg.$12 ~ SALE $5.99
Leaf trim
reg.$5.99 a yard ~ SALE $2.00 a yard

Glass knobs
reg.$3.99 ~ SALE $1.99

Blue Matelasse Euro Pillow Shams
reg.$69.00 ~ SALE $14.99

Antique Gilded Gold Mirror 48x36 (favorite find on Craigs list!)
reg. $?? antique I am sure alot more than I paid~ SALE $35.00!

I hope some of these tips help you to stay within your budget and find the items you "love". By decorating on a budget you can create a beautiful home.

Happy bargain shopping!