by Angie Pollock

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

So you have decided to make a change and give new life to the interior of your home. Making the decision to redecorate a space in your home is the easy part, making that change with a limited budget can be the real challenge.

Start your redecorating journey by finding out exactly what you want to do beforehand. Thumbing through decorating magazines and books are great places to start. These items can be found at yard sales, second-hand stores or even your local library. Do-it-yourself books can be found at the library if there is a project you want to undertake but you aren't completely sure how to complete the task.

When scanning through the items, take note of what really catches your eye and feels good to you. A decorating folder will hold all of your ideas. If you own some decorating magazines, the pages that interest you can be removed and put into your folder. Make notes of the styles and colors that you are drawn to and you honestly feel you can live with for a considerable amount of time.

Five main keys to decorating on a budget are to think creatively, make lists, create a budget, be patient and do the projects yourself whenever possible.

Before getting started on your project, make some lists of exactly what you want to do with your space. This will save you not only money but also precious time. Your list should include:

1)What is the unified element that you are trying to create? This includes the style and the colors in the room. Different styles include traditional, the country look, modern and contemporary among others. Choosing unified colors can be easier said than done. Think about what colors you enjoy to be surrounded in. Are they warm, cool, dark or neutral?

2)Make a list of what items you need to purchase or what items you will be handcrafting on your own. These items can include pillows, pictures, artwork, furniture and fabrics for the handcrafted items.

3)Make your budget and don't go into debt on your projects. Decide beforehand how much money will be utilized for your project and stay within that budget. If you are patient, you will find exactly what you need for a fraction of what you would pay at retail stores.

Stretch the dollar by searching thrift stores, yards sales, resale shops, newspaper ads, outlet stores and the internet. Thrift stores and yard sales are good for items like books, picture frames and even small furniture pieces. You can also utilize items you already own by giving them a new look.

Be aware that cheaper isn't always the road to take especially with larger purchases like furniture and appliances. Purchasing items of quality can save money in the future because those items will withstand the test of time especially if children will be using the items.

We never completely stop redecorating the spaces of our home. After a project has been completed, rooms can be refreshed by simply rearranging furniture, the accessories and artwork or by exchanging pieces from other rooms. This allows you to enjoy the space for a longer period of time without the financial expense.

References:
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/
http://www.budgetstyles.com/

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