by Raven Lebeau

Created on: April 14, 2008

The easiest way to cut costs when home decorating is to avoid focusing on brand names and designer labels. Discount store items can look just as nice and last just as long, so focus on the item itself, not the brand association. You'll find your home looks as good or better than one furnished with those silly, overpriced designer items, and you'll feel smart for having saved so much.

The next best way to cut costs is to look at particle board furniture, at least in some rooms. You can splurge on a few truly stunning pieces that will be in prominent locations, but keep it simple otherwise. Cheap furniture isn't that sturdy, but as long as you don't have to move it much, it will do the trick. The dining room table and the living room furniture are used by guests, so you may want to pay up and make these a little nicer. Otherwise, don't worry about buying something that comes in a box and has to be assembled. You'll be satisfied with the look of your home, and you will pay a lot less overall.

Of course looking for sales is a great way to budget too. Hobby Lobby and other craft stores often have deep discounts on very nice looking home accessories. You can often find that perfect item for much cheaper than you think!

Making your own decorations is another good way to pinch those pennies and keep your spouse from going into apoplectic shock when he sees the credit card bill. My mother would use an overturned box, a wood circle, and a tablecloth to make an end table that doubled as storage. How creative is that? That's just one of many ways a resourceful home decorator can find to make the home look fantastic without spending a lot.

Finally, you can save money just by being patient. You don't have to get your home looking great all at once. I bought a lot of furniture when we moved in, but not a lot of knick knacks. I wanted to wait and buy things that would have more meaning, so I waited and got some talovera pottery in Mexico. Because the items are from our trip, they remind me of our travels together and mean more than something bought at a craft store just because it looks nice.

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