Duane Duggan's Real Estate Blog

7 Tips for Decorating on a Budget

In today's economy, homeowners are watching their money more closely and going out of their way to give their home a fresh look by working with what they already have.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have access to many great home improvement resources. Home decorator Lee Evanwood offers the following advice for homeowners who are looking to decorate while staying in budget:

Rub down and stain or repaint old wooden furniture. Take advantage of that old furniture you have sitting in your basement. Simply add new drawer or door handles to achieve a new look.

Can't afford a new sofa? Have the old one recovered. With plenty of fabrics in a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, recovering an old sofa is an easy and inexpensive way to create a new look.

Choose rugs. If the floor is already in good shape, you can get it refinished or try area rugs instead of carpeting. Not only are they chic and stylish, but they cost less, too.

Paint with a plan in mind. Try a neutral color on three walls, with a splash of color on the fourth. That splash of color can give you a starting point for further decorating.

Go with soft goods. A few new pillows or cushions that pick up the color on your accent wall can transform the look of a room. Add some inexpensive curtains, draperies or valances to help tie it all together.

Add some accents. Give a room a homey look by using baskets, vases and other small accessories to hold books and magazines, fresh flowers or craft projects.

Finish with artwork or mirrors. A pretty, framed print or two can help finish a room. Keep in mind that a mirror of any size on one wall can add depth and make the room appear larger.

These are just some of the many ways you can transform your home while staying in budget. Feel free to contact me for more ideas and please forward this on to anyone who can use a few inexpensive ways to create a new look in their home.