Tips on Budget Decorating

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in
decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and
patience.

If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and
wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes
away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home
that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

*Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of
colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you.
By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends
and styles.

*Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook
of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for
your home.

*Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be
so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper.
I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions.
Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint
will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an
old couch or chair.

*Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the
walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods
that colors can create.

*Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own
original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple
as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating
a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look
classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your
local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through
art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black
and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this
type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer
and frame the pictures.

*Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of
money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as
candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very
little money. Who will ever know?

*Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun.
Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

About The Author
Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior
decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego,
California. She received her degree in Psychology from
California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted
to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites:
Salon de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which
showcases her art, and Home Solutions
(http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com/), a resource for real
estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.