Decorating Your Home: 5 Style Tips that Cost Less than $50

Do you dream of adding style to your home but don't have a lot of money? Don't despair! There are 5 things you can do that will help your house look beautiful without spending much money.

1. Declutter your home.

Nothing zaps a great look like clutter. Look around you. Do you have paper plies or mail stacks? Do you just add to your knickknack collection rather than rotate your select favorites? When was the last time you saw the front of your refrigerator? Simple solutions that cost very little money are to invest in nice office trays, pretty bulletin boards and frames for your child's artwork. Make the trash can handy to immediately toss unwanted mail. Taking away the clutter will make your space appear larger and help your treasured objects be emphasized rather than lost.

2. Make display surfaces pretty.

A key element in houses that are decorated by a professional rather than want-to-be is the art of accessorizing. Flat surfaces such as mantels, bookcases, and coffee tables are the perfect places to restyle for less. The one important point here is to keep it simple. Bookcases should only be 2/3 full. A mantle should not have mirror above it (a very dated look) ? choose artwork instead. Place no more than three items on an end table ? cluster these varied but related items together for more impact.

3. Paint to Impress.

Paint, as you know, makes the most dramatic change for the money. Be bold, be daring and most importantly -- don't do white! Choose a complex color. This simply means if you would use several different words to describe the color than it is probably complex. For example; if you said it was a kinda "gold, straw, beige-y color" than it is probably a complex color. If you said "just yellow" - it probably is not a very inspiring look. A beautiful color on the walls can make the room go from ordinary to extraordinary in less than a day and usually for less than $50.

4. Make it personal

Decorating your house is a job but styling your home is fun. Personalization is putting your interests, hobbies or values into your décor to really make it your own. Buy simple ? read inexpensive - curtains at your local big-box store and then buy exquisite wide ribbon to hot glue on the edge. Use your grandson's first sneakers to tie back the den curtains. Use some family photos but just promise not to use too many. A guest coming for a visit may find all those staring eyes unnerving.

5. Change with the seasons.

You know the drill ? lighter brighter for spring/summer and darker richer for fall/winter. This easy task of changing the fabric items around the home can help you make it seasonal. Change out placements, bath towels, and accent pillows. The final touch is to purchase a seasonal bouquet of flowers: fresh or fake- these centerpieces can add punch to a room.

Decorate your home by spending time not money in decluttering, painting and accessorizing. By following these simple tips, you can make a huge impact by bringing your home from average to spectacular for very little money.

Julie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging. Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter.

---

Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating - Three Essential

If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathlessly and hopelessly... Read More

The Benefits of Dried Fruit Baskets

Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have... Read More

Decorating with Brains

Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist!... Read More

Update Your Home Decor Using Colorful Rugs

Retro, checks, black and white...looks like MOD is back. A... Read More

A Look at Tropical Ceiling Fans

There are several differences between tropical ceiling fans and standard... Read More

Lamp Shades Decorate a Room

When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While... Read More

Decorating on a Budget - 15 Easy Steps

Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More

7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture

During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your... Read More

Finding a Color Scheme - Decorating with What you Have

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and... Read More

Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that... Read More

Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent... Read More

Summer Every Season

Ahhh, the sumptuous days of summer. Clear skies, green lawns,... Read More

Using Color To Change The Size Of Your Bedroom

Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More

10 Tips to Care for Your Antique Glassware

Antique glassware needs a gentle hand. This month we'll give... Read More

A Look at Waterbed Sheet Sizes

Just like conventional beds, waterbeds come in a number of... Read More

Your Heritage and Personal Decorating Style

Ethnic traditions, customs, and attitudes carry forward our family values.... Read More

Soothing Symbols as Home Decor?

Did you know that our bodies can automatically react to... Read More

A Look at Faux Wood Blinds

For those who want the warmth of wood, but are... Read More

Traditional Lighting - What Is It?

For those considering what kind of lighting style to use... Read More

Essential Dishwasher Parts

You may need to replace dishwasher parts from time to... Read More

Amish Furniture For the Home

Amish Furniture makes a home warm and welcoming. Hard woods,... Read More

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner Filter

The air filter in an air conditioning system keeps the... Read More

Crafty Country Decorating Style Ideas

If you've ever seen Frank's decorations on TLC's Trading Spaces,... Read More

Decorating for Real Life and Real People

I spent a recent weekend curled up with a stack... Read More

Japanese Sword: A Great Piece for Any Home

A Japanese Sword is a wonderful decoration to add to... Read More

Outdoor Cedar Patio Furniture Goes Indoors!

It would be obvious to assume that the sudden boom... Read More

A Guide to Wood Stove Inserts

A wood stove insert serves several purposes. First of all,... Read More

7 Tips To Note When You Decorate Your Home

When you decorate your home, think twice about the colors... Read More

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as... Read More

Safely Decorating Your Kids Bedroom

? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More

Create the Right Splash With Bathroom Accessories

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical... Read More

Add A Little Spark To Your Bedroom With A Satin Comforter!

If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More