Interior Decorating Information

Easy Steps for Decorating on a Budget

Years ago I heard that the least expensive way to redecorate is to rearrange what you have. Not only was this one of the best decorating suggestions I've ever heard, but it is also one that can be very satisfying and fun to implement. Just think, a new room-practically free! And the thought that you accomplished something as great as this using your imagination and things you already have.

Like many suggestions there are always good ways and bad ways to do it. The steps below are being provided to help you take the right path.

1. Decide which room you want to give a new look to.

2. Ask yourself how you would like the room to be changed. Do you want it lighter and brighter, or more sophisticated, or casual? Do you want to make it a bit exotic or just contemporary?

3. Observe the contents in the room and decide what doesn't fit the new look/theme that you are going with. Especially concentrate on items that are worn, out of place or out of proportion.

4. View the room from each doorway and each corner. Give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? Furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room is a no-no. Also, most of us can't afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty either, so a well designed room is very important.

5. Itemize everything you want to keep. Measure and record their sizes.

6. Go on a "buying trip" through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. Measure and record their sizes. Keep in mind it is always a good idea to double check these measurements and colors. If you want to expand a little, you might find a friend or relative that wants to get rid of a "family cast off" that you could use. Note: if you find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint, cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.

7. When you have your look and know what pieces you will be using, put it all on paper. If you don't have a plan or do your homework, you could lose your 'willing' helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look. Pay particular attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents, and doors and windows. Also, lighting is important and unless you're trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.

8. Empty the room. Take all unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put everything you are going to use together in another room or area.

9. Now if you need to, paint the walls, clean the windows and woodwork. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling, clean and ready to be lived in.

10. Now is the time to purchase any small items you are going to need to complete the look. Doing it while everything is drying helps to optimize your time, but "make sure" you go shopping with your list. The easiest way to go off budget and end up with "stuff" you don't need is to shop without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. Stay on course.

11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.

12. Get your "crew" together. The larger pieces of furniture go in first. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.

13. The placement of lamps is next and is very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Under lighting your room could be a step in the wrong dir0ection.

14. Hang pictures and adjust window treatments.

15. When all done take a step back and look your work over keeping in mind that "less is more". An uncluttered room will give more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.

16. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you've accomplished, especially since you'll be able to afford it with the money you've saved.

Happy decorating!