Home Decorating On A Budget

Do you fit into any of these scenarios?

* You've just built a new home and now you're ready to decorate. But you've put most of your money into building the house with little left over to turn it into your secret oasis.

* You've lived in your house or apartment for a while and feel like the décor is stale and out-of-date. But the kids' activities and everyday expenses are zapping your discretionary cash.

* You just purchased a 40-year-old home and although you can see the charm and potential, the outdated wallpaper must go, the whole place needs painting and your furniture and décor from your previous home doesn't quite fit. To top it off, you used most of your savings to make a huge down payment.

There is an answer and it's one that can fit into almost anyone's budget. I call it "Champagne Decorating On A Cheap Wine Budget." (You could call it a "beer budget" but beer isn't that cheap anymore!) It's a process that takes some time but can save you thousands in the end.

The first step is to take a trip to your local library or bookstore. Spend some time browsing the home décor and style magazines. Page through and look for pictures of rooms that have the design styles that appeal to you. And don't just look at the articles; look especially closely at the full-page advertisements.

An ad for carpeting, for example, may show a photo of an entire room. Advertisers want you to put yourself smack in the middle of that room enjoying their product. So instead of showing you a photo of say, six kitchen cabinet styles, they'll show you an entire kitchen where their cabinets are in place.

Home product advertisers spend much of their budget on interior design specialists who "stage" their products in just the right way so consumes will purchase.

Simply by paging through the magazine, you have the expertise of those designers right at your fingertips.

When you find two or three photos of rooms that you love, either purchase the magazine or make a color copy of the photos.

Now you are armed with everything you need to transform your room into a decorator showcase.

By shopping for individual pieces from outlet stores, discount stores, catalogs and online, you can replicate the entire look of an expensive, designer room for pennies on the dollar.

Begin with the largest items. Is it the couch, the bed, end tables, dining table?

In many cases, reupholstering or slip covering a chair or couch is the best option. Although you may find at some of the discount furniture stores, that purchasing new is a less expensive alternative.

Once you've identified the best way to transform the big items, you're on your way.

If the walls in your dream photo are painted, check the small print on the ad or the article to see if the brand and color of the paint or wallpaper are noted.

If you're lucky enough to find the exact brand and color, you can purchase it and start painting!

If not, head to the paint store with your photo in hand and ask the professional who works there to help you select a color that is the closest match.

Once you've decided on how to tackle the major furniture and wall color, then it's time to "designer-ize" your room with accessories.

Again, by shopping at discount stores, e-stores, catalogs and even warehouse clubs, you can select accessories that will create the designer look you are seeking.

Searching for wall art, tapestries or framed prints that match the look of your magazine photo or ad. It doesn't have to be the exact print that is shown in the photo. For example, if the photo shows a tapestry of a wine bottle with grapes, look for a grape- or vineyard- themed tapestry. A floral design in the same color palette would work as well.

Accessories can make or break the look of a designer inspired room. Look for accessories that contain the color scheme and texture of your dream room. For example, if the room features bamboo or iron or brass, look for accessories that mirror those textures.

Part of the fun in creating a designer-inspired room using this method is the hunt for just the right pieces.

Keep track of your expenses and when the room is complete, you will be able to revel in the fact that your "cheap wine" budget created the "champagne" decorated room of your dreams.

About The Author:

JoAnne Westcott is a do-it-yourselfer who has recreated designer rooms in her own home utilizing the techniques you just read. She is the mother of two, a decorative painter and the author of Easy Face Painting, a downloadable ebook that teaches even non-painters how to face paint quickly and easily. You can learn more at http://www.easyfacepainting.com . Find more information about budget decorating at http://cbw.50webs.com/dcr.html.