Consider the Resources
Huge Style Budget Decorating
Decorating your home doesn't need to be expensive to achieve a fabulous look.
Budget decorating is devising affordable solutions by using several different resources.
Visit your favorite furniture stores often, including those that sell one-of-kind items off the floor. If you know that something has been on the floor for a while, ask for a discount. They may want to sell it to make room for new merchandise.
Design centers are in most large cities and periodically have sample sales open to the public. They may be selling the discontinued items or making room for new inventory.
Consignment shops which are popping up everywhere are a great resource for budget decorating.
Check out the ones in the pricier neighborhoods and visit frequently. Get friendly with the shop owner and find out when they usually receive their consigns.
Go to an auction or an estate sale. They are a lot of fun and a great budget decorating resource for one-of-a-kind home furnishings and decor. Preview the items before you bid so you don’t get caught up in a bidding frenzy!
Remember too, Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores hold a lot of treasures. Items found here may need a little cosmetic work.
Home centers like the Home Depot are a great resource for plants. You can buy orchids pretty cheap and they look great in the bath.
Knotty branches (from your backyard, that's cheap) in arrangements can create height to top of armoires. Use plants on mantels or consoles to soften any hard edges.
You can also use silk plants as a nice alternative to live plants. Or a combination of both.
Get inspiration from specialty store displays, then take "your" ideas to craft stores like Michael's, to purchase your silk stems and greenery.
Homegoods and T.J.Maxx are a great place to find pillows. Buy the ones with the down inserts if you can (and are not allergic). The down insert alone is worth the price of some of their pillows.
Borrow from your closet, use a shawl for a throw casually thrown over a chair, or a large scarf for a table topper. If you don't wear scarves, try thrift stores that sell vintage clothing.
Fabric stores selling upholstery grade fabrics are worth checking out. Purchase chenille fabric to use as a throw or wall hanging to compliment your decor.
A new rug softens a room and helps to define the furniture arrangement. Experiment by putting the rugs at different angles. I have had great success finding nice quality rugs at the Homegoods.
Check Ebay for trim (and a host of other goodies) to add to the inside edge or bottom hem of your ready made drapes.
Consignment shops, thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales can be great budget decorating inspiration.
Frame items like sheet music, old magazines covers, calendar photos, and postcards from museum shops for instant art.
Children's art is the best. Craft stores like Michael's will custom frame your artwork or you can find ready cut mats and frames to do your own.
Wall decor from the Marshall's or Homegoods are beautifully framed and matted. Take the image out and slip in one of your own. Or just keep the print the way it is.
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