Hey Smarty Pants...It can cost a small fortune to furnish and decorate our homes. I usually had to purchase things only when the budget allowed and by the time the room was finally finished, I was already tired of it. Over the years I’ve learned some creative ways to save when it comes to decorating my home and I hope they help you to decorate yours.
Utilize professional painters’ “slow season”:
If you’re going to have your house professionally painted, painters are usually the busiest in the spring and summer months and less concerned about earning your business. The way to get the best deal on having your house professionally painted is to wait until their slow seasons…typically between October and January. Most people are busy with back-to-school and planning for the holidays and aren’t interested in having their homes in turmoil while it’s being painted. Use this to your advantage when negotiating with painters to drive the cost down. I did this and was able to knock $400 of the original estimate I was given.
Be creative and make your own wall art:
Even if you are fortunate enough to find wall décor that matches your room, it can be extremely expensive! There are several great ways to make your own wall art for several dollars rather than several hundred dollars.
• Use scrapbook paper: Scrapbook paper comes in such a wide variety of colors and patterns; you’re bound to find some that matches your décor. You can cut it and frame it like I did or you can use spray adhesive to mount it on Styrofoam or canvas. The great thing about using scrapbook paper is you can usually find several that coordinate with each other so you can have a grouping of wall art that looks great together.
• Use wallpaper: Wallpaper is also a great way to make your own art. While most people shy away from wallpapering their entire rooms, it looks great when framed or adhered to canvas. Lowe’s has even been known to give away their old wallpaper books after they have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Imagine all of the art you could make with an entire book of coordinating wallpaper samples!
• Fabric/Pillow cases: Want artwork that matches your bedding set perfectly? Try buying an extra sheet or pillow case set and wrapping it around canvas. You could even make your own headboard by wrapping Styrofoam with coordinating fabric and attaching it to the wall where a headboard would normally go. This would also be perfect for college students to make a memo board that matches their bedding.
It definitely pays to think “outside the box” when it comes to home décor. Your home is an expression of you and what better way to demonstrate that than by making your own art. Plus, it’s much cheaper to change it out whenever the mood strikes.
Remember that craft and hobby stores usually carry a large selection of home décor items such as fabric, candles, accessories and frames and they’re almost always 40-50%.
As always...shop like a Smarty Pants!
When it comes to decorating walls the first thing that comes to mind is to decorate walls with framed art and photographs. But wall décor options do not end here. There are a number of other decorating ideas which are not only unique but also inexpensive and easy to incorporate into any room of a house.
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