How To Decorate Your House With A Little Money And A Lot Of Style

When it comes to home decorating, there are many ideas, and few rules. Make your home comfortable to live in, and friendly to entertain in. Your budget does not have to match your ideas, or your tastes. A little money can go a long way with creativity, patience and planning. Your home will easily tranform into one that is not only comfortable and relaxing, but one that's brimming with personality and a lot of style; and will bring you enjoyment for years to come. Here are a few suggestions for decorating on a limited budget.

Color Me Beautiful- Perhaps you don't know your style, so a good starting point is your personality. Well managed color schemes add statement and definiton to your home. Color schemes include paint colors, furnishings and accents. When choosing a color scheme for your home, select colors that add compliment to each room. You don't have to use the same colors in all rooms, but close variations of the same colors, will harmonize all rooms, and allow you to RePurpose items from room to room. Repurposing let's you achieve new looks with what you already have.

Fake It Til You Make It!- I'm talking about wall designs! Like the look of wallpaper, but you can't afford the pattern you like, or can't find a pattern that you like? Create your own design, using paint. There are so many ways that you can achieve stylish wall designs, right from the can....of paint that is. From sponging, to stenciling, to faux finishes; the possibilities are endless. Check with your local hardware stores, many offer free classes. Of course information is available in other mediums, but hands on and free instructor led classes are awesome!　

Paint With A Purpose - Painting a room adds new life, and is an inexpensive way to freshen the look of a room. Before deciding on a paint color, take inventory of furnishing and accents that you already have. Choose a paint color that not only looks great, but one that helps to set-off existing furnishings and accents. A variety of (complimenting) colors works great too, even for one room. Check your local hardware store for paint returns. Often times customers are not satisfied with paint mixed for them. This paint is then sold at a fraction of the cost. The paint color may not have worked for them, but is GREAT for you! Each time you visit the hardware store, visit the paint section. I do this all the time, and when I find a paint color that works for my home, I feel like it's my birthday!　　

Accentuate The Positive - An accent wall is one that stands out from the others, enhances and livens up a room. An accent wall is the focal point of a room and can be painted in a different, yet complimenting shade and/or complimented with artwork, pictures, etc. Typically, an accent wall is opposite the main entrance to your home. However, an accent wall can also be created behind a sofa (if you're sofa is against the wall), or any wall (depending on the layout of your room). When adding artwork and/or pictures, select pieces that lend personality and further accentuate the room. 　

Picture Perfect- Take a careful look at pictures and artwork throughout your house, even those on the floor in the back of the basement or in the garage. Maybe you don't like the picture, but the frame is awesome, or maybe you like the picture...whooo. Anyway, switch the frames! Be sure that the picture and frame still compliment each other. Update a frame by painting it with a color that accents the room and the picture. By canvassing your home, you may also find pictures and artwork perfect for your accent wall. 　

What Window, Where? - Window Treatments add style,flair, and bring contrast to your rooms. Before selecting window treatment, consider what will work best for the look that you want to achieve. You should also consider the natural lighting to the room. Whether you use drapes, curtains, shades or blinds, window treatments should enhance the view of the outside, and compliment the look of the inside.

No Thank You, I'm Just Browsing! - Get inspiration and decorating ideas for your home, just by visiting stores. This is ideal for the person moving into a new home, as well as the person already established. Browsing allows you to consider suitable and creative options for your decor as well as give you a visual for possibilities. 　

Get Rugged- Area rugs are a great way to either distinct a separate part of the same room, or simply add charm. Area rugs look great under beds, coffee tables, dressers, console tables, etc. Can't find an indoor rug to your liking? Consider a Patio Rug. Because they're constructed for outdoor use, patio rugs tend to withstand wear, spills, treading, etc. They're easy to clean, moderately priced, and are available in fashionable colors and designs.　

Sift Through The Thrift- Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops, Yard Sales, Garage Sales, and Flea Markets are great places to find items for your home; from furnishings, to crafts, knick knacks, paintings, etc. People almost always have a need to get rid of items, and others have a need for them. You've heard of the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure". Well it's true, but don't think of it as junk, because often times it's not. You can find some of the same quality items found in regular retail stores. I love to Re-Purpose, not only my own items, but I'll Re-Purpose yours too!

Have A Seat - Can't afford that living room set, with matching sofa, love seat and arm chair? Don't worry "Use What You Got"! The seating in your home does not have to be a set, each piece should simply compliment the other. Mixed styles are more than acceptable, and actually lend charm to a room. Covers are an ideal way to bring new life to sofas and chairs. Make your own from bed throws, to blankets, even sheets. You have more creative options with covers, and can easily change the look of your seating anytime.　

Let's Table This Idea- Tables help to complete a room and enhance the decor. No matter the type of table, it should be one that's properly sized for the space. Height, width, and shape should be considered for the seating that you have. The design of the table should compliment the decor. If you don't need a new table or can't afford one, perhaps the table(s) you have will be better suited in another room. Or, you can refresh the look of a table with stain, showcase small heirlooms or attractive knick knacks, add a table runner (use a long scarf), display a few books. A nicely decorated table can help to discourage clutter, and add finesse to your room.　

You're Full Of Fluff! - Pillows are wonderful accents, and are a great way to add color and style to any room....well maybe not the bathroom. Select pillows with different yet complimenting colors, patterns and shapes. This is a great way to instantly update the look of a room, and add color and comfort. You can easily make your own pillows, or cover existing pillows with old blankets, comforters, quilts, or sheets.　

Knick Knack Paddy Whack- Knick Knacks are small treasures that were once taboo in my world (my mother just had too many, and as a girl I had to dust). Knick knacks when staged throughout the home, help to bring appeal to your decor. Use knick knacks that add compliment to each other, and that are attractive and stylish. 　

Did You Just Elbow Me? - You don't need a hired professional, just a little creativity, ingenuity and some elbow grease. Call over a few friends, have a paint party, have them help you move furniture, hang curtain rods, etc. Just remember, that your home is a reflection of your personality. When inviting friends to help, they may offer their opinions. Be open to suggestions that clearly match the style and look you are trying to achieve.

The tips mentioned in this article are practical solutions for inexpensive ways to bring charm, new life, and style to your home. Happy Decorating!!!