OH, the excitement that comes with the opportunity to decorate on an UNLIMITED BUDGET!!! If I had things my way, I would get a new set of dishes every other week and entertain friends over a new and visually exciting table setting. But I don’t always have things my way and unfortunately, I do not have an unlimited budget. But perhaps having a limited budget is more fortunate than we know. In our monetary limitation, we are challenged to think creatively and develop clever alternatives that reflect our unique personalities. The overflow of individual personality in one’s décor is what guests find most charming in a home. Often, the charm of personality is best portrayed when one has to release her creativity in order to design in compliance with a budget. If you presently do not have the time or money to invest in a total room makeover, check out these three mini-room makeovers that will enable you to spruce up your home for guests while incorporating the charm of your unique personality.
Mini-makeover #1
Swap plain lampshades for colored or printed ones- There are lots of places to buy beautifully printed lampshades. I personally recommend HomeGoods and TJ Maxx on account of their consistent variety and wonderful bargains. If you are motivated to take on a DIY project, there couldn’t be a simpler one than covering a lamp shade with fabric. All you need is: fabric of your choice, trim, hot glue gun, scissors, and a self-adhesive lampshade. Once you have gathered your materials, just follow these two steps:
- Remove the paper from the shade and use it as a template to cut the fabric according to the directions.
- Position the fabric over the shade and glue trim around the edges.
It’s that easy! Within minutes you will have a customized lampshade that will serve as the perfect accent in the room of your choice.
Mini-makeover #2
Give your furniture a new look- There are countless instructional videos on YouTube that will provide great support as you embark on this fun mini project. Check out the videos below for tips on distressed, aged patina, and old world painting techniques.
At Alchemy Fine Living, you can purchase a kit full of the tools you will need to give your furniture the perfect aged patina look. The kit costs just $32.00 and is available in Milk White, Cottage Green, French Rose, and Rustic Black.
Mini-makeover #3
Replace traditional coffee tables with upholstered ottomans- Perlora, Pittsburgh’s #1 modern furniture store, has a collection of high quality and stylish ottomans to serve as a perfect replacement for an old, sharp-cornered coffee table. If you are not familiar with Perlora, it is located on both East Carson Street and Smallman Street. Visit Perlora’s website and view the ottoman collection!
This blog is the first of a four series blog. Be on the look out for the next three blog posts, full of additional ideas that will help you keep your home exciting for guests without spending a fortune! If you have any questions or would like additional information, we would be happy to serve you! If you are interested in scheduling a free in-home window and flooring treatment consultation, call Nest Expressions at 724-449-1100 or email info@nestexpressions.com.
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