Redecorating Your Home On A Budget
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Times are tough. In the fourth quarter of 2009, officials may say that the recession is over, but is it really? The percentage of people who are unemployed is still tremendous, and there are still businesses that are closing their doors to the public for good. When things are going rough, money is tight, and you want to make some changes to your deecor, what can you do?
There is a myth about redecorating your home. That myth revolves around needing plenty of money to make your home or whatever rooms you want to remodel absolutely fabulous. The truth is, you don’t have to be extremely wealthy to spruce up your home. Unless what you really want is to make additions to your home, then anything is within your budget. $500, $200… and even $100 – whatever your budget is, there are places to shop and sources to seek out to get a wonderful room.
Assuming that you will be redecorating the living room, you first need to start with a plan. What do you intend to do with it? Do you want to replace your furniture or keep your current ones? Do you want to add a little color to your walls? Make a plan first and then go from there. Heading to the stores without a set idea in mind will only result in wasted time and confusion.
If you are tired of your couch, think about having it reupholstered instead. Couches can be expensive. Occasionally, department stores will have a complete couch, loveseat and armchair set for about $700, and if you have that money then go for it! But if you really are strapped for cash, consider reupholstering. You can go about it in two ways: hire someone or do it yourself. Having it done professionally will vary in price, depending on the material you want and the size of your seats. If you do it yourself, all you have to do is find out how to do it (remember: the internet and DIY sites are your friend) and buy the material.
Need decorations? Hit up local thrift stores and yard sales and you might be surprised. People are constantly buying and throwing out their belongings – some are attractive, others not. Your job is to weed out the bad ones and get to the good ones.
For paint, those can be a little pricey, but you do have options. Paint stores and big home improvement stores will err in their mixes occasionally or will have customers return the paint. They will have these mixed gallons at a discounted price. You probably wouldn’t need anymore than 1 to 2 gallons to do a medium-sized room so you will only need to buy an extra can of paint at original price. Or if you get lucky, there will be two there for you already. Another option is to ask friends, relatives, and neighbors. Really. If they have done any work to their home lately, they might have extras.
Of course, there is always the trusty Craig’s List, which is a great resource for just about anything you need. You would be surprised to see what sort of deals you can get from people who have the expertise but just don’t have a shop or business to show for it.
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