Redecorating Your Home on a Budget!

If you’re looking for a fresh new look for your home, redecorating can be expensive!  But with just a little know-how, you can create a sophisticated look without breaking the bank.  Read the following tips to find out how you can create a great look for less!   

Paint Packs a Punch! –Did you know a small room can be painted for only $18 (3.7 L can from Rona)?  Painting gives you the most dramatic look per square foot, with the smallest outlay of cash.  Paint in bold reds to make a statement, or choose sage green for a nature-inspired feel.  If you’re planning on selling your home, a neutral colour like sand is popular.    

Retile in Style – If your old linoleum floor is sad and worn, it may be time to replace it.  Why not put down stick-on vinyl tiles?  At $20 for a box of 30-40 peel-and-stick tiles from The Home Depot (1’ x 1’ size), you can retile a medium-sized bathroom or a small laundry room with just one box!  2 boxes ($40) will retile the average kitchen.  And there are some attractive styles (ie: faux marble) that look expensive.  Do it yourself in a few hours and save all the labour charges!   

Spice Up the Bedroom! -  A new comforter with luxurious accent cushions may be all you need to add spice to your bedroom.  Set the room on fire with fabrics that are silky to the touch, and deep colours that evoke a sense of romance.  Winner’s/Homesense sells great comforters for $50—find accent pillows in the same store for $10.  Coordinating candles on the night tables are a great way to set the mood—and for $1 at the Dollar Store, you’ll be irresistible!

Accessorize with Antiques – True story: it’s less expensive to decorate your home with real antiques, then to buy faux antiques at a home outfitting store!  For $5 to $10, you can buy beautiful antique mirrors, glassware, china, silverware and trinkets.  Visit stores like Value Village and The Salvation Army to pick up great antique accessories.  Look for matching pairs or trios, and it will pull your room together smartly.   

Bring In the Outdoors! – If you’re looking for a beautiful (and FREE) way to beautify your home, considering displaying wildflowers in oversized glass vases or transparent containers.  Have allergies?  You can similarly display pebbles, sand from the beach, or seashells to bring the outdoors inside.  Layering beach sand in a glass container with found objects like bottle caps or marbles, creates a fun conversation piece! 

This article was written by me, Jenna Em, and appears in the Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 issue of the Kuklamoo blog.