Budget Decorating - What Is It?

Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what does it mean? Does it mean the same thing to you that it does to me? Probably not, and here's why.

The term "decorating" is easy to understand; it concerns making something (a room, a space) prettier, better organized, more functional, more esthetically pleasing. Okay so far.

It's when we start talking "budget" that the confusion sets in. For instance, I have a friend who thinks following a budget means scrimping on 350 count sheets instead her favorite 700 count set. Me, I like to keep food on the table, gas in the car, and the cable modem hooked up. My decorating budget is what's left over, unless it's close to the holidays when that becomes my gift budget.

You may have a zero dollar budget (been there, my friend). You can still re-arrange your space, clean and de-clutter it, and look around your house for items to use in new, more effective, or unusual ways. You can create a pleasant, comfortable area without taking out a home equity loan or borrowing against the college fund.

Budget decorating is really about getting the most value and impact for whatever dollars you have available to spend on decorating. Put like that, it's not such a difficult concept, is it?

Budget decorating does not mean buying the cheapest of everything or making do with uncomfortable or inconvenient furnishings because they haven't fallen into pieces yet. It does involve some stretching of the imagination to see the potential in a marked down can of yellowish paint of a slightly odd hue that just happens to coordinate with another marked down length of fabric. It also helps to be willing to embrace various decorating styles. Eclectic is the budget decorator's friend!

It's important to spend your money on the most important items first. If you're decorating a bedroom, make sure that you have the best mattress you can afford. Stunning draperies lose some of their charm when viewed after a night of tossing and turning on a lumpy mattress. If it's a home office that you feel the need to spiff up, think about the desk and the desk chair. Oak filing cabinets look wonderful, but if I have to choose between sufficient room to work and a fancy filing system, I'll stick with my painted metal cabinets, thank you very much.

My decorating budget may be less than your budget, and it's certainly less than my friend's budget, and that's okay. Each of us can work within our means to create spaces that reflect our style and outlook on our world. When we sit back to enjoy our newly decorated rooms, we can do so with the satisfaction of knowing that there's still enough money left over for brownies!

LaJoyce Kerns is the creator of the website: http://www.decorate-bedrooms-for-less.com. She provides tips, ideas and techniques on decorating bedrooms for real people. LaJoyce believes that you can achieve beautiful results without breaking the budget, whatever your budget might be.

---

The Charm of Traditional Shutters

For those wanted to give their home an instant facelift,... Read More

A Guide to Decorative Picnic Baskets

Decorative picnic baskets come in many sizes, styles, and artistic... Read More

A Review of Popular Ceiling Fan Manufacturers

Nearly every residence has at least one ceiling fan. Ceiling... Read More

Fresh Fruit Baskets

From their inception, fresh fruit baskets were exactly that ?... Read More

A Vanity Bench Adds a Romantic and Old World Feel to Your Bedroom Decor

One of the easiest ways to add a romantic or... Read More

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More

A Look at Luxury Down Comforters

For those striving to create a bedroom retreat, a haven... Read More

Tasteful Home Decorating Changes Your House Into a Home

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept... Read More

How to Select an Interior Designer

Selecting an interior designer is the most important decision that... Read More

Using Vintage Hankies To Decorate The Bedroom

Vintage hankies can make interesting wall décor! These treasures of... Read More

Entryway Benches - Why Theyre a Must Have in Every Home

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm... Read More

The Benefits of Bamboo Roman Shades

Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More

The Value of Antique Cuckoo Clocks

As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have... Read More

1950s Home Decor Redesign

The styles of the 1950's are coming back and there... Read More

Is It Time To Move? Change Your Home Into A House... Have It Staged!

Heart and Soul Designs - Changing your Home into a... Read More

Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office

From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More

Freestyle with Metal and Format: The Milan FuoriSalone 2005 event.

This Italian lifestyle project, underlined by the aroma of espresso... Read More

Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas

Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that... Read More

Feng Shui in Colours

How does choice of colour affect your feng shui?Colours and... Read More

How To Decorate a Large Family Room

Dividing the room into different use areas is a great... Read More

An Introduction to Massage Chairs

A comfortable recliner is the prime parking spot for many-a-man.... Read More

Book Shelf Decorating Idea & Tip

If you have book shelves in your home, and lots... Read More

Reasons to Consider a Professional Designer for Your Interior Decorating Project

When one is considering a new look for an existing... Read More

Furniture Bench - The Many Varieties & Uses For One In Your Home

Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and... Read More

Make Simple Curtains and Valance for any Window

Making a quick set of curtains and a valance is... Read More

Psychology of Color - Decorating a Kitchen for the Subconscious

Psychologists have studied the influence of color on the mind... Read More

Pizzazz Your Front Door and More!

Want your front door to really "sing?" Then paint it... Read More

Choosing Candles & Scents Part 1 - Candles for July

Deciding on just a few candles is rarely easy. With... Read More

A Place For Everything In Your Home

Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're... Read More

How to Choose Discount Wood Blinds

Despite the high-end look, discount wood blinds are available. Constructed... Read More

Redecorating with Shower Curtain Hooks

Shower curtains are a quick and inexpensive way to change... Read More

A Look at Shiatsu Massage Chairs

The term "shiatsu" refers to a form of Asian massage.... Read More

Luxurious Linen ? Surround Yourself With Sensual Texture

Luxurious linen has been used for centuries. Writers speak in... Read More