I am constantly amazed at how creative we can get when we have to be. Some of the best ideas for decor come - not from those who have an unlimited budget - but from those who have to innovate, re-invent, and "make do" to create a living space. Decor, when it begins in the creative mind of the user, is the best kind - an individual expression of the spirit. If you think you haven't a single creative bone in your body, I beg to differ. You just need a little nudge. So I am giving you some ideas for each room in your home to help spark your creative spirit. So take them and...run amok.
- Living room. Do you love the luxurious look of swags draping from some fancy fixture above the windows. Well, you can have the look for much less than you think. Simply fing two matching door knockers (as elaborate as you can afford). Attach one to each side of the top of the window. Drape fabric through the rings (insert from front to back, making a swag between the two rings) Arrange so that the fabric drapes softly over the window.
- Bedroom. Want the look of an expensive canopy bed for less? All it takes is two curtain rods and a length of fabric. Simply attach one curtain rod to the ceiling above the head of your bed and one to the ceiling at the foot of your bed. Then drape a length of fabric (it should be at least twice the length of your bed) between the two poles, hooking the ends of the fabric over the rods. Instant canopy!
- Den. Do you love the look of custom bookcases, but they are way out of your price range? Get the look for less by purchasing inexpensive open bookcases. Make them look more expensive by painting the wall behing the cases the same color as the cases themselves. Add more custom look by attaching double sided tape to the front of each shelf. Cut thin, light molding to fit the shelf length. Attach to the tape on the front of the shelfand press firmly. No nails needed!
- Child's room. Do you want a colorful room complete with waincoting for your child? Here's a way to get both. Find posters at yard sales and thrift shops that are colorful (and not too outdated!). Iron the posters flat. Using wallpaper paste, attach the posters next to each other around the bottom of the room - giving the look of wainscoting. Apply a coat of sealer to finish the look. Add thin molding painted an accent color to the top of the posters. This covers up any uneven edges.
- Dining Room. Some of the richest and most sumptuous fabrics are made into drapes and curtains. So why not visit a thrift store or consignment shop and pick your favorite to make new cushions for your dining room chairs. They are easy to do. And any scrapes can be make into placemats. Add a little braid or ribbon from the remnant bin at your favorite craft or fabric shop and you have a new upscale look for your dining room.
- Bathroom. Think jars. Clear glass jars. They are great to hold shampoos, soap, and even mouthwash. And because they are clear, the brilliant colors of the contents come though and give the bathroom accents of color. And don't spend a lot for jars. Look for ones that hold pickles, condiments, sauces, and other everyday items. Wash, remove the labels, paint the lids if you want, and they are ready to serve as decor!
Decor doesn't have to be cost fancy to look fancy. Be creative and let your personality show through. Make it an adventure to discover new ways items in your home can be used. And if you discover some new decorating use for an everyday item, let me know!
