Tips on using Paint to Redecorate the House on a Low Budget

>> Sunday, June 10, 2007

A paint job can be expensive if the house is large. A person should redecorate the house a section at a time so that one portion can be completed before moving on to the next. The best place is to start with the exterior as it is the most visible to the neighbors.

There are things to consider when choosing the color for the exterior. The paint should match or contrast with the other things such as doors, the railings, the roof, and the windows. By using paint that is compatible with these areas, a person can save time and money.

There are three types of paint available on the market: gloss, semi-gloss or flat. Each of these has its own characteristic as well as pros and cons. For example: a glossy paint requires more maintenance since the blemishes can be seen more easily.

If it is an older house there are three ways to redecorate the home without using a great deal of planning and without great expense.
  • The first would be restoring the old color. This would entail simply matching the existing color and patching the damaged areas. Using this method the amount of paint needed as well as the cost would be minimized. If a person is not able to do the work, a painter could be hired to identify the damaged areas and do the work.
  • The second doesn’t necessarily involve painting the house a different color. If this is not the first time the house was repainted, the person can refer to a historical chart and use that color.
  • The third would be to follow the architectural trends of modern homes by using one of the popular colors. This doesn’t mean using a color that is totally different from the neighbors, but simply choosing one that is compatible.

Dark colored paint usually fades after a few years. This will cause others to perceive that the house is deteriorating. A person can prevent this by using light colored paint that does not absorb so much heat from the sun and encounter moisture problems.

A person doesn’t have to hire an architect or another professional to help choose the color for the home. An individual can use magazines and other publications which can be purchased at a reasonable price or consult with friends and neighbors who could provide insight for redecorating the home.

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Budgeting Money for Décor for Walls

People always want good value for money: not only when buying things from the grocery or buying a car. It is also important when purchasing items to use for the décor of the home.

Most people want the home to have a certain theme. Since this depends on the exterior look of the house there sure to be certain changes that need to be made. This could be as simple as buying new furniture or getting some artwork that will make it look good.

Those who are moving into a new home know it is going to have bare walls. Since the furniture being moved in may not match the walls, the person should consider what needs to be done before taking any action.

It does not take someone who specializes in interior decorating to get the job done. Any person can use a little imagination, search through magazines and get the advice of friends and family members for ideas.

Homes that have been in existence for a number of years will eventually show visible signs of deterioration of the walls. This may be due to aging or by the use of nails that have been used to hang paintings, etc.

There are many ways for a person to remedy this problem without spending a great deal of money. Use spackling compound to fill in the holes and then paint over it. This can easily be done by any person without hiring a contractor to do it. Another option is the use of wallpaper to cover the damaged walls. There are many beautiful patterns of wallpaper available at specialty or discount stores and one that will complement the furniture will be easy to find. You must measure the area to be covered before purchasing the wallpaper.

Those who don’t have enough money for paint or wallpaper can use artwork or a nice painting to place over the damaged area.

Most people prefer to use a large painting rather than several smaller ones. It gives a sense of simplicity rather than being cluttered. Many types of inexpensive artwork you can use to complement the furniture are available at discount stores, hobby stores, etc.

All it takes is for a person to check the budget and work within it. They do not have to break their budget to make the home look good.

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Dorm decorating on a budget

>> Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Decorating a dorm room is one thing, but decorating a dorm room while on a tight budget is another. As a student, you already have many expenses to worry about such as your books, various school fees, not to mention leisure activities. But this does not mean that your dorm room should suffer.
  • Decorating your dorm room need not cost you an arm and a leg. All it takes is some creativity to make your dorm room look like a million in no time. Below are some tips for decorating a dorm room while on a budget.
  • One way to minimize unnecessary expenses is to “borrow” or take what you can from your home. Your parents will not mind “lending” you some of the less-frequently used items in your house. Take old picture frames, carpets, rugs and even small appliances.
  • One way to decorate any dorm room is to fill it with inexpensive but tasteful posters. You don’t even have to frame these posters. All you need is some type of adhesive tape and you can decorate your dorm walls. The wonderful thing about posters is the many designs and kinds from which to choose: a poster of your favorite band, movie or even your dream car.
  • Memorabilia like pictures, postcards, concert tickets, etc. can be used as decorations for your dorm. The best thing about memorabilia is that it consists of items that you have collected that are meaningful and are priceless mementos of the past. Arrange your memorabilia in a creative manner on a corkboard. Creativity is the only thing needed to transform memorabilia into dorm room decorations. Like what they say, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
  • Don’t expect to be able completely decorate your dorm immediately after moving in. Buying the decorations you desire all at once will take a toll on your budget so buy little things for your dorm room a few at a time when the budget allows.
  • In furnishing your dorm room, remember that ready-to-assemble furniture is less expensive than ready-made. This furniture is ideal for dorm rooms because it can easily be transported from one place to another.
  • Purchase needed hardware items like nails, nuts and bolts, duct tape, etc. from stores like Wal-Mart. These stores offer affordable prices for items that can be bought in bulk.

The most important thing to remember when decorating your dorm room is to have fun.

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Flea market and decorating on a budget

Is the decoration of your house stuck in some bygone era? Do friends who visit your house suggest you do some redecorating in your home? Then maybe you should consider changing the appearance of your home.

As a homemaker, your hands full when it comes to budgeting. There are just so many household expenses that often the upkeep of the home is put on the backburner.

What every homemaker must realize is that redecorating need not cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes all a person needs is a little creativity and a visit to a flea market.

That’s right! Flea markets are a good place to explore to find inexpensive home furnishings and decor. Some of the things that you can get from flea markets are draperies, carpets and rugs. These items often cost hundreds even thousands of dollars in home stores; but in flea markets, they can be had purchased for just a few dollars. When choosing draperies, carpets and rugs, be sure to buy solid colors that would blend with the color scheme of your home.

Other home items that you can buy from flea markets are toiletries, towels, shower curtains, soap dishes, etc. for just a fraction of a price of the same item found in retail stores. One good thing about flea markets is that you can often buy these items in bulk. A tip to use when purchasing toiletries is to buy them in sets rather than individual pieces which will save money in the long run. Buying in sets also ensures that the items match each other.

Bedding is another item that you can purchase at flea markets for very affordable prices. Blankets, comforters, pillows and pillow cases, blankets, bed sheets, etc. are readily available. When buying bedding, remember to buy those that will match the color of your bed and bedroom. Buy beddings in colors so that they can be mixed and matched with other items.

Bedding and toiletries are just two examples of the many household items that you can buy at flea markets. Many flea markets even carry items like ready-to-assemble furniture including tables, chairs, bookshelves, etc. This type of furniture is ideal for starter homes and apartments.

Always remember that in decorating your home you have better options than the large stores.

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Decorating Your Kitchen With Yard Sale Finds

Want to decorate your kitchen but don't have a lot of money?

With a little persistence and time, you can find decorative items at yard sales for pennies! Of course, it will take a bit more work then just walking into your local Home Interiors store, but you will spend far less and end up with some unique items that will add interest to your home.

You can find items at yard sales that will go with any kitchen decor. If your kitchen is country style, look for old baskets and chunky old pottery bowls and pitchers. Put them above the cabinets for a decorative display or use them on the counters to store fruits or everyday items. Look for old wooden boxes or silverware trays that you can use as decorative items - this old wood adds warmth and character to your kitchen.

Yard sale finds are perfect for decorating a retro style kitchen. You can still find many kitchen items from the 1970's and 60's in good condition. Some of these are true collectibles but many are just fun and decorative. I always look for old bread boxes, canister sets, salt and pepper shakers, napkin holders, wall clocks and other bric a brac for my retro kitchen.

If your kitchen is more of a 1940's look, you might have a harder time finding vintage items of the era, but you can come up with some good finds if you scour the yard sales and dig into those old boxes. Kitchens decorated in this era, beg for vintage linens to be used as tablecloths and displayed hanging from the stove and cupboard handles. These old linens are stamped with colorful designs and add cheer to any kitchen. Some of the state map tablecloths are quite collectible and can be very expensive in antique shops, so if you find one of those in your travels, you have a real gem on your hands!

If you prefer a modern or contemporary kitchen, you can find many almost new and gently used items to suit your tastes at every yard sale. Try hitting the sales in the upscale section of town and you might find some very expensive items for much less than you would pay at the retail store. You may have to look around a bit to find exactly what you want, but your persistence can pay off big time!

Sometimes you can find items at yard sales that have antique or collectible value. If you find that you gravitate towards collecting a certain type of item like old pottery or vintage linens, it might be worth your while to invest in some reference books on the subject. That way you will be able to recognize a good piece when you see it. Who knows, your yard sale find could turn out to be a real winner!

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5 Popular Themes for Decorating Your Living Room

>> Tuesday, June 5, 2007

There are 5 popular themes for decorating your living room which will be discussed in this article. While some may prefer the more traditional colors and lines to accentuate their living room, others may opt for a more earthy or contemporary design. Here are a few ideas which you may wish to think about if you plan to redesign your living room.
  • Black and white has always been a classic style. You can effectively combine this style with geometric shapes and designs. There are a number of living room pieces which have become quite popular today. Among them is a yin yang sofa. The sofa itself is white, with a black cushion encompassing the yin yang white circle. In addition, it comes with a white on black, and black on white side cushions which are quite attractive and useful. Considered a contemporary style, you can paint the walls of your home white, and add a touch of red to accentuate the décor.
  • Another popular color being used in some living rooms today is Chinese red. While it can be used to design a living room in Eastern décor, it has become the color of choice for most modern and contemporary living rooms. Using Chinese red to paint one wall of the living room, you can certainly choose a modern theme to accentuate your room with white slip covers; or whatever you choose to enhance the overall scheme of the room.
  • An eclectic style encompasses many colors, but is brought together by different fabrics, textures and patterns. Using red, gold, cream and brown, you can use a multitude of pieces from a variety of periods. While this may not be to your taste, you certainly have a myriad of shapes to work with.
  • The country style is still popular today, using an array of soft blues and red plaids in combination with paisley prints to accentuate an entire room. The cozy, warm feeling is further demonstrated by an area rug complimenting the furniture’s rustic look and window treatments which accent the brown woodwork within the room.
  • Perhaps you’d like to look into Shabby Chic! This is a very popular theme in which slipcovers are used throughout the living room; accompanied by painted furniture (pieces which may have come from a flea market); it is literally a mix of old and new; mixed and matched; plain and stunning; with white being the central theme. Interesting concept, don’t you think? If this appeals to you, you can check online for Shabby Chic stores and decorative ideas. It’s intriguing enough to take a look.

Whatever you choose out of the 5 popular themes for decorating your living room, there is such a variety today that you will no doubt find one which expresses your particular style.

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Decorating Tips Making Your Bedroom Romantic And Inviting

Tell the truth; is your bedroom a bit uninviting? Is it cluttered and filled with non-essential items you can easily store somewhere else? Does your bedroom set the mood for a romantic evening? If not, here are some decorating tips making your bedroom romantic and inviting.

Get rid of the TV! Unplug the telephone, and rid the room of anything that may district you and your spouse. Put away anything that’s out of place. Now that you’ve cleared the room of undesirable distractions, go to the store and buy a red comforter and/or red satin sheets. Pick up some soft plush pillows also. Buy some scented aromatherapy candles in different scents. Pick up some strawberries and chocolate while you’re out; and some whipped cream. One more thing; if you can pick up some rose petals, add those to your shopping cart.

Okay, now you are ready to set the mood. Make some chocolate fondue for later. Place the scented candles around the room. Turn down the comforter, and place rose petals on the pillows. Either soften the lights or turn them off. Ensure there are no sounds coming into the room via the windows by closing them shut. Set up a bottle of wine near the bed.Lay out your favorite night wear for you and your spouse.

Now stand by the door, and take a look! Is this a romantic bedroom or what? No matter what mood your husband comes home in, once he sees the bedroom his mood will quickly change. While these are some decorating tips, you may come up with your own imaginative style. Whatever you choose, the key to keeping your bedroom romantic and inviting is to get rid of all the distractions which would interfere with maintaining the ambience and mood of the room.

You can be certain that one night spent in this romantic setting will be the start of something grand!

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Budget Ideas for Your Kitchen

For those people who love to eat or cook, the kitchen is usually the best, and most used, room in their house: they love working there and want it to look wonderful all of the time. Often remodeling it and upgrading it is considered...

In the United States, kitchen improvements and remodeling is one of the top home improvement projects; it is also the most expensive to redesign. So does that mean you cannot have a new look for your kitchen because you don’t have the necessary finances available?

Not really! There are different ways and alternatives that will still give you a new and modern look for your kitchen even if you are on a tight budget. What makes kitchen remodeling expensive is that most people buy new appliances and cabinets and use expensive materials for their flooring and countertops. That need not be the case.

Your kitchen can be improved for less by refinishing your existing cabinets, buying used appliances, and choosing the more economical options for countertops and floorings.

The first thing to do is to refurbish the existing kitchen cabinets. For a much brighter effect, paint them inside and out with a lighter shade of paint: white enamel is a good option because of its neutral effect. The cabinet handles can also be painted, or polished (if made of metal) for a shinier look; they (along with the other hardware which was removed before painting) can be placed back on the freshly painted cabinets.

Your new kitchen can have new laminate countertops and vinyl floor, professionally installed, for a more reasonable price than using solid synthetic, tile, or granite materials. These too, will brighten the room. Your existing stainless-steel kitchen sink can also be reused. It may need cleaning to remove the rust and the faucet may be changed to a more stylish. yet inexpensive one.

If your kitchen appliances are still in good condition, then keep them rather than buy others. If not, then you may opt to buy used appliances: refurbished appliances are not necessarily of low quality. There are second-hand or refurbished items that are still in excellent condition available but you may have to search to find them – try bargain stores, used appliance stores, or garage sales. Don’t think that you need to by the first you see –be patient and you might find better ones elsewhere for an even lower price.

If your kitchen has a fireplace, it may just need some cleaning and a decorative touch to blend in with your new kitchen. You can place some inexpensive, decorative, scented candles for a touch of class, pleasing scent, and warm glow to the area.

Opt to add some fashionable curtains to your kitchen window for a new look, making sure the curtain color and style matches the overall look of your kitchen. You might even consider making the curtains yourself. Just purchase a piece of cloth that would match your kitchen design, and sew them yourself. Not only did you save by making them, you also gave your kitchen a personal touch because of your handmade curtains.

There are many ways that you can design your own kitchen for less. You just need to think use your imagination. Seek help from your friends and family who could provide other ideas. Not only will you get good advice from “professionals,” you most probably will not get charged for it! If you are capable of doing most of the work yourself, there would be fewer things you would have to hire done and less expense.

You see, budget is really not a constraint to having a totally new look for your kitchen. And it is not just a new look, it is a modern and stylish new kitchen.

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Zen on a String

Changing the look of your home to a “Zen” style need not be expensive; despite its recent association with austere luxury. Zen encourages functionality rather than decor. Characterized by clean lines and graceful spaces, this style is more instinctive than intellectual yet still requires some imagination.

Actually a religion: Zen is Japanese for the Mahayana school of Buddhism that began in India and then spread throughout Asia. One of its ethics is being useful, or being of service; with that in mind, you can makeover your home without burning a hole in your pocket.


First, focus on a particular room. Sort out the things that are important to you from those that are not. Further sort the unimportant items and give them away to be recycled and/or re-used, then throw away all other items.

Take the living room, for example: stacks of magazines on the coffee table can be boxed and either be moved to the garage for further sorting or taken directly to a recycling center.

Draping a solid-colored quilt over your sofa can instantly change the atmosphere of your living room and revive a worn piece of furniture. Or try replacing those numerous knick-knacks with a single centerpiece, such as a glass vase. By adding a single flower to the vase you can enhance that side table.

Even the den can be Zen. Keep loose toys in solid-colored boxes and stack them on one side of the room. Stack large books high enough that they can serve as an end table – just place a smooth sheet of glass on top to protect them. Take the batik tablecloth off of your wood table and use orange oil to restore the wood and make it shine.

Keep decorative motifs at a bare minimum. Chintz and other repetitive patterns don’t evoke Zen, and will divert your attention away from what you really want to achieve. Masses of color generally work better than smaller patches of color grouped together.

Try it yourself. With a little imagination you can change give your home a more sleek and elegant appearance. Just minimize the clutter, and dispose of those unimportant items as that is the essence of Zen.

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Shabby Chic Style Decorating for those on a Budget

>> Monday, June 4, 2007

Some think that it is only the older people that like to have their homes look antique; but there are also young owners that want to create this effect to make visitors feel as if it has been there for a long time.

This style is called “shabby chic” and is basically a combination of the old with some newer items. Anyone can search interior design magazines to get an idea of the items ideal for the home before going to a furniture store.

The first thing that needs to be done before moving in furniture is to give the walls the “shabby chic” appearance. Purchase and apply paint in the colors of soft white, pale pink, faded green or muted grey. These soft colors can be used in every room of the house.

If painting is not desired, perhaps buying some wallpaper with those same colors can be used. The person should have a budget in place, as this is more challenging than simply using a paintbrush.

Homeowners don’t need to buy a lot of new furniture for the house. There are second hand furniture stores, garage sales and discount stores where suitable items can be found at bargain prices. Some of the furniture such a particular chair is not meant to be used to sit on; it could be used as a shelf for flowers in a vase near a window. People who want to have a shabby chic effect can purchase some scented candles to make the home smell new but yet have an antique appearance.

The ideal shabby chic look should have certain items painted white; or in colors that complement the color of the walls. An inexpensive option to buying furniture would be reupholstering the couch or chairs to match the color of the walls.

Curtains for the windows are also important. Use fabric in checkered, striped or floral designs. making sure that the colors match one (or more) of the wall.

A shabby chic style can easily be attained for the home by looking at what is available and making good use of it. You do not have to spend a great amount of money to obtain the praise of your guests.

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How to Decorate the Home in a Rustic Style & On a Budget

There are many ways to decorate the home: it all begins by deciding on a theme and working within the budget to bring that idea into a reality.

Some homes work well using a rustic style décor. By buying a few old pieces of furniture or some handcrafted pieces from a used furniture store you can create a rustic appearance. Most of this furniture is made from wood and/or old logs.

One way to save money is purchase items from abroad. Most of these finished goods are made in different countries then imported into the United States. The cost of labor and the fee to transport these items are many times cheaper than purchasing them locally.

The rustic design can be used in almost every room in the house. A person needs to buy only 3 or 4 as too many of these pieces may make a room look cluttered.

Furniture is not the only thing needed to give a home a rustic effect. A person should try to get some old lighting fixtures or lamps. Try to get pick these up at a garage sale or from friends and/or family members who are willing to part with some of their old and out-dated pieces. By doing this can a person will be able to save money which can be used on other parts of the project.

Tables in the living room should have pictures displayed. A good way to achieve the rustic effect is to use pictures done in black and white. Though this isn’t common anymore, a sense of history is brought back using this technique.

Plants are also good to use and need not expensive. A person can purchase plants at many stores and by using these with baskets can add a personal touch either inside or outside the house.

Not everything has to be purchased to give the home a rustic effect; some items can be made. Curtains can be made and decorated with a cross stitch design. Furniture such as the tables and chairs can be refinished if a person has a talent for doing this.

There are many ways to give the home a rustic effect. A person should assess what needs to be purchased and what can be done in house. By working on the simple things, money can be saved to use for extravagant items as well as avoiding spending too much for the remodeling.

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Decorate that Country Style Room within Your Budget!

Styling is a very important element in having a decorative room. Style gives the room a welcoming atmosphere and is used as a way of expressing the personality of a person. It determines the taste and preferences of the person decorating the room.

Most Americans prefer to use specific styles as their desired themes in their rooms. A popular style chosen by many Americans is country decoration. The country style is often referred to as contemporary style: 27 % of Americans choose this style for their rooms, but it may be too expensive to use this theme in every room. Here are tips that can help you attain that country style room without too much expense:
  • Paint the rooms with a white or cream colored paint. Most country style decorators prefer softer tones of paints as they provide a relaxed atmosphere and comfort.
  • You may save money by simplifying the interior of the house. Wood items and furniture are most commonly used in decorating a room as they provide a fresher look to the interior and are less expensive than those made of plastic and glasses.
  • The use of bold patterns should be eliminated. You may use patterns that are elegant but in soft muted colors. You may also choose traditional and conventional accessories to decorate the room.
  • Shop for old furniture and other accessories at garage sales and save money rather than buying new furniture. You can cover any damaged parts of the furniture with cloth, paint, etc.
  • Fresh flowers may be placed in any unused glass or vase. Hang other decorative plants inside the house to achieve a country style theme.
  • Uncovered windows, without curtains can be stylish and simple. You can enjoy the view outside and it will create a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. You may use simple treatments like plain drapery panels and valances or Roman shades.
  • Minimize the use of mirrors inside the room and use scented candles to brighten the room instead of lamps. The candles should be sufficient to brighten the interior.


The use of wooden flooring is appropriate for country decorating. The floor is left uncovered to give a natural look. Use sea grass and/or natural woven cotton rugs near the bed and in the sitting area. These are some tips to use to save many dollars and at the same time achieve a country style design.

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Decorate With Oriental Touch on a Budget!

>> Sunday, June 3, 2007

Want to make your living space look fabulous? Go ask an interior designer and have him transform your dream into a reality. The only thing that you will need is a large sum of cash.

But does this mean that fabulous homes are only for those people who have a lot of money to spare? The answer is definitely no!

The best and maybe the least expensive way to decorate with class is to go Oriental-style!

Here are some tips to transform your home into an Oriental haven.

Make use of basic furniture.
To achieve the Oriental look, home owners do not need to buy specialized or expensive furniture sets; they can actually make use of what they already have if it does not contradict Asian decor. A bare set of furniture made of wood and a black metal frame would qualify. The good thing about basic sets is that they are inexpensive.

The oriental look will be achieved by gathering Asian decorative pieces to mix and match.

Accessorize!
Many things may be considered in this step. The best part is that all of these accessories can be found at your nearest Asian market or the nearest Asian or Chinese communities.

  • China wares
    These will function both as eating utensils as well as for decoration. Tea pots and plates that have Oriental touches can be used as table accents. They are less expensive than purchasing oriental vases.
  • Fabrics and posters
    Instead of expensive paintings, home owners can utilize the use of Asian fabrics and Chinese posters by creating their own wall hanging. The materials needed are adhesives, bamboo sticks, red rope, posters and fabrics. Basically, bamboo sticks are attached on two opposite sides of the fabric to form a scroll. The rest is up to you and your imagination.
  • Add fresh accents!
    Oriental style of decorations employs a lot of fresh items. Oriental fruits like rambutans are placed in oriental trays to function as table centerpieces. Dried bamboo shoots and hard-stemmed plants are often placed in vases in place of Western type flowers.
  • Zen fountains
    Aside from the Oriental touch, it will also give a feeling of tranquility to any home. You do not need to buy a Zen fountain set - you can make it yourself. A water pump, a few rocks and Asian decorative pieces are all that is needed.


With the above tips, you can achieve the Oriental elegance without spending much!

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Inexpensive Ways of Remodeling Your Kitchen

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen but do not have enough budget? Different alternatives and cheaper options now make it possible.

Most people who remodel their kitchen want everything new and to have it done professionally: but neither is really necessary for your kitchen to have a fresh new look. If your kitchen furniture and appliances are not outdated or broken you can still make use of them. Cleaning may be all that is needed for them to look almost as good as new...

Your kitchen cabinets can still be used as long as they are not marred or broken. For a new look, paint them with a new color. A brighter color might be a good choice to give your kitchen a fresh look.

You can opt to have laminate countertops and vinyl floors installed instead of the more expensive synthetic tiles and granite materials. These alternative materials can look just as elegant as their expensive counterparts.

For a brighter kitchen, consider changing your lighting fixtures. Fluorescent fixtures are one choice and the bulbs now less expensive than in the past.

As for the kitchen appliances, as long as they still serve their purpose, it is best to keep them. If you think that they are not energy efficient and you want to purchase new ones try to find appliance sales or consider second-hand appliances. Just be alert and patient and you will find new or used appliances at a bargain price. Another viable option might be garage or moving sales in your area.

Online auctions can also be a source. Many people sell through online auctions. Extra precaution is needed when participating and bidding in these auctions. Before you try to bid on an appliance that interests you, do some research and determine if the seller is legitimate. Check for feedback from other users about the seller. You may want to think twice if there is negative feedback for that seller.

These are just some suggestions on how you can have a remodeled kitchen for less money. Something that looks good need not be expensive. There are always cheaper alternatives to almost anything.

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Bedroom Make Over Ideas for People on a Budget

>> Friday, June 1, 2007

People can always spruce up an old bedroom for less, by using a little bit of ingenuity, creativity, and some vision. Renovating can make an old bedroom look as good as new, or even better!

A person does not have to spend a lot of money to make an exciting change. There are many ways a person can redecorate his/her bedroom for less! Ideas can be obtained by watching shows on television, talking to friends or reading magazines.

Here are some tips to make any bedroom look fabulous:

Splash the walls with colors
Repaint the walls. This simply gives your bedroom walls a new face lift! It will lighten up, and completely renew the look of any bedroom! This is a great chance to add some spice to your old, dull, and boring bedroom. Choose your favorite color to add warmth to the bedroom. But if you want to go crazy, you can pick wild colors and create your very own artwork on your walls. This is a great way to add a personal touch to a bedroom. It also will showcase your personality.

Make old furniture look good as new
Re-upholster old furniture. It’s amazing the difference this makes in the overall look of a bedroom. Individuals don't have to spend a lot of money on new furniture either. They can as easily restyle their old furniture using unique fabrics, paints, etc.

Just let their imagination run wild! The best thing is that they totally control the finished appearance of their furniture, since they decide what will be done to refurbish the furniture.

Accessorize the bedroom
Strategically place some decorative scented candles around the bedroom to give the room an elegant look. They exude a sense of tranquility once they are lit.

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Living Room Remodeling for Less

For most houses, the living room is the first place in the house that is seen upon entering the main door. For many, this is also a place to relax and unwind, so it should always appear fresh and comfortable to relieve you of stress as well as be inviting to guests.

Consider remodeling the room for a fresher, new look. You might think that it may be too expensive since you have to change many things, but actually, it is not!

Remodeling can be accomplished by just rearranging your things and changing only a few things. If your furniture is still in good condition, you should consider keeping rather than buying new. The same applies to other fixtures and appliances that may be in the living room.

You can start remodeling by changing the carpet or rug to a brighter, more colorful and lively alternative. You can possibly find one at a garage sale or take advantage of closeout sales occurring in your area.

The curtains and drapes may also need to be changed. If you are capable, you can sew new ones yourself. You can purchase the materials from discount stores where they are less costly. Sewing them yourself will provide a more personal touch and you have the freedom to do whatever you want. Choose a material that is light in color for a brighter effect in your living room.

If you are thinking of having a new living room color, perhaps a lighter one, you can repaint the walls yourself. Consider faux finishes that will have an appearance similar to wall paper but not be as costly. Paint is also less costly and more practical in the long run as it is not paper-based and will not peel off or tear. Faux finish will give your living room an artistic look. Try use a finish with soft colors for a more relaxing effect.

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Budget Ideas for Your Kid’s Room

Decorating your kid’s room can be a lot of fun. It does not need be redecorated by a professional; as long as it is artistic and the child likes it, it is okay. Your child would probably like to help with the job so he/she can help give it their own personal touch.

This project need not be expensive. There are many creative ideas and alternatives that can be done on a limited budget.

Kids like colorful, decorative walls. If you have an artistic talent, you can create a mural on your own. If not, you can project a design(s) on the wall and use it as a guide for painting. You can probably borrow a projector from your office or from a friend.

If borrowing a projector is not an option for you, then ask your child to design the wall himself. He might enjoy doing it and marvel at the output of his own work: he will always be proud whenever he enters the room because he knows that it is his own work of art.

After the wall, the next thing to decorate is the ceiling. Again, if you are capable, you can paint a design on it, or merely hang objects from the ceiling. Things like kites, toy planes, ribbons and other “flying” toys can be used. Glow-in-the-dark “stick-ons” like stars, moons, and planets can be used on the ceiling so when bedtime comes, he can be amazed by these objects.

Instead of buying one of those cute but expensive rugs, why not make your own? You can do it by cutting up old carpets into different shapes and figures, and then put them together. For consistency, make sure the color of carpet pieces match your child’s room.

You might also make use of your child’s old clothes as décor. You can reserve a space in the wall to pin some of the cute, little clothes. Walls can be a place to display your kid’s own artwork. Use the artwork he did in school and pin them on a corkboard or bulletin board.

There are many possibilities for remodeling your child’s room. No need to be too artistic! Simply put yourself in your child’s shoes and think of the things that he would like to see or have in his own room. Asking him to help will make it easier for you to know what he likes. Just be adventurous and have fun!

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