I was looking at my past year's articles the other day and those of several of my colleagues and I found that we all seem to emphasize the same things - what I call the top 5 of budget decorating tools. These tools are necessary if you are going to do anything to change your decor on a budget. Can you guess what they are? I bet you know the first and most important, right?
1. Paint
Photo: Photomondo - Getty Images
Yep, that's right! It's every decorator's favorite tool - paint. Whether your budget is ten dollars or ten thousand, a fresh new paint job is the basis for any room makeover. And if you get it wrong, it's simple and cheap to change.
2. Light
Photo: Andrea Kahle
Making the most of the natural light that comes into your room can be your best decorating friend - or worse design enemy. What makes the difference is whether you decide to make the most of it or fight against it. If your room is dark, you need to make the best of it unless you have the funds to remodel the room and add windows. If not, make the room a cozy womb-like room to curl up and relax. Warm colors and soft textures add to the feeling that this room is just meant for cuddle-ups.
3. Pillows
Photo: Joseph Hoban
One of the easiest way to freshen a room is to change the toss pillows. It can add an accent of just the right color, or texture, or wimsey to a room. You can use any number of thrift shops fabrics or garments to transform into pillows on a dime. They are simple to make and you can let your creative side go wild!
4. Area Rugs
Photo: Discountrugs.com
Area rugs can define a area, create an accent color, or help cover areas of your carpet you would rather not be viewed. A well-made rug can last for years and you can still find older quality rugs at thrift shops. Invest in one and it can be an anchor or starting point for your room design.
5. Your Own Creativity
Photo: Piotr Lewandowski
Your own creative ideas in artwork, furniture upholstery, and thrift shop makeovers is what makes your home uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to experiment with techniques and materials you might not have used before - that's how you learn. And as you experiment, you just might discover your inner artist - or inner budget decorator!
