Vintage finds and retro handmade--a sweet mix I know you'll love.

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Monday, January 2, 2012

New Year's Resolution: Redecorate on a Budget

In the spirit of making a change in 2012, many of us may have wished for new horizons and surroundings.  While it may not be workable to move right now, it is still possible to transform our surroundings in small and large ways.  One way to make a change is to redecorate, and it's even possible to do so on a budget.

Here are a few tips, in case redecorating was part of your New Year's resolutions for 2012:
  • Seek out ideas from interior design blogs, magazines, and tv shows.  As much as possible, gather clippings together in one place.  I hear Pinterest is a great place to find interior decorating images and gather them on a digital pinboard.  There is also the old reliable method of collecting magazine clippings in a binder, notebook, or journal.
  • Try to work with the furniture you have.  You don't have to run out and buy a whole new set of furniture if you want to redo a room.  Try making a graph of your room and small paper outlines of your furniture, so you can rearrange the pieces virtually before you exert your muscles, and be willing to swap furniture from other rooms in your house.  Another option is to paint or reupholster what you have (just not valuable antiques).
  • Consider repainting the room.  Paint does cost something, but it is one of the cheapest ways to dramatically transform the room.  Before you pull out the drop cloths and get started, it is generally recommended that you paint a piece of posterboard with the paint you want to use and tack it to the wall for a few days.  This gives you a chance to see what the color looks like in different light levels (night, sunny day, rainy day, etc.), and lets you change your mind before you make it permanent.  For other tips, look online for articles such as this one.
  • Bring in new pieces of art or other objects of interest.  If you have a good backdrop already established in furniture and wall color, it's time to accessorize the room!  Don't be afraid of some color and texture.  This is a chance to express your personality without spending a lot of money.  If you decide later that you don't like these things, you can replace them without a lot of regret.
  • Buy vintage or handmade for maximum impact.  Stores may not have the style or type of furniture or decor you are looking for.  Here's your chance to have something custom made for your needs, or find something that no one makes anymore.  If you shop carefully, you might find something that will brighten your home and your life for years to come.
Until next time, I'm wishing you a happy new year!

P.S. I am currently running a 30% off sale on vintage fashion scarves for women.  Visit my Artfire store and enter the promo code NEWYEARSCARF in the box on the right at checkout.  Vintage scarves can be worn, framed as art, or reclaimed for decorating projects like throw pillows, so be sure to check out this deep discount!  The coupon is available all month.

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