March 1, 2009

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!

14 comments:

  1. I love all the tips! Thanks so much. You are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was thinking this room could use some design on a dime. =) By the way, thanks for being my interior designer.
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the great decorating tips. I really enjoy reading your blog. Marie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Victoria!
    Looks like you found some great pieces at great prices too! Have fun redoing your bedroom.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you all! I can't wait to show the makeover on my master bedroom. It just might be awhile. We have recently just found out we will be moving sooner than expected...that is military life for you. So it might be a little longer than I would like depending on when we move.

    ~Victoria ~

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my gosh, you bought some great things!!

    m ^.^

    ReplyDelete
  7. great ideas and some wonderful tips.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just need a warehouse room to hold all my "finds". I love your collection of stuff! I find collecting bargins and pulling them together is the most fun of decorating! It's ever changing.
    Have a great day.
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  9. What awesome tips...even better bargains! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your decorating is lovely!!

    Can't wait to see your button :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. where oh where did you buy the white bird wall hangers?! i love them!
    thanks for lots of great advice.
    warmly,
    chasity

    ReplyDelete
  12. I found those wall hangers at Hobby Lobby in the garden section. I think I bought them this fall on clearance. Thank you so much for your nice comments and I love your blog as well!

    Hugs,
    Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi, Victoria, oh you're a girl after my own heart! Thanks for stopping by. I don't think I've been to your blog before, so it's so nice to meet you & thanks for sporting my new blog button, I look forward to getting to know you too!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh you are a girl after my own heart too! Isn't it just so rewarding making beauty out of bargains and junk shop finds. Half my house is furnished with my treasures.

    ReplyDelete

Hello Friends! I love to read your comments. Please share your sweet thoughts here...