Collins Country
Home DecorIf you are trying to save money, one way is to stay home! It saves on gas and wear and tear on cars. If you don’t go out to dinner, movies, etc., you’ll be saving money, of course! Spending more time at home will be easier if it is a place you want to stay. Decorating your home in an attractive way is important. It’s doing it without spending all the money you are saving by not leaving the house that is the challenge. Here are some frugal ideas: 1. Check out Flylady.com. I know I mention this site a lot, but the information and encouragement have done a lot for improving our home. 2. Get rid of stuff. It is hard to be comfortable in a home where there is no room to breath. I have to battle a poverty mentality all the time “I can’t get rid of this; I might need it!” If you have a reasonable use for something, and a place to keep it, by all means-save it. But saving the twist ties from the bread and bulk food bags is only going to make a mess. 3. Try different rooms. Switching curtains from one room to another, or furnishings, or pictures, can make a huge difference. It gives a room a new look and costs nothing! We just moved the piano to my son’s room, which looks nice. Even better, it made space in the living room! 4. Paint. You can paint almost anything! Walls, frames, furniture, lamps, vases, bricks (I don’t know why you would, but you can). It is a relatively inexpensive tool. When you go, check out the miss-mixed paints. They are usually very cheap and you might find one you like. 5. The Dollar Store. If you have one, these are great for little things. For example, I used a straw wreath from there as a hand-towel hanger in my bathroom (I actually used a dishtowel, which can also be purchased there). I bought some little nautical themed pictures, a bag of shells and a wooden box…I love how my bathroom looks. 6. Don’t forget the thrift shops. Sometimes you find treasures there. An old end table that needs paint, some old books that give your shelves a scholarly look, or a pretty sheet that can be made into curtains or pillow covers. Be creative. 7. Do your own thing! I am blessed with friends who have marvelous taste. Due to finances and a certain lack of ability, I can’t match their style. I’ve had to find my own. It’s eclectic, to be sure, but it’s what I enjoy. Warm colors, comfortable furniture and splashes of bright colors. I know that when people walk into my kitchen, they aren’t bowled over by its majesty (hah!), but I am happy with its cozy and functional setup. My husband and I have had fun experimenting. Nothing pleases me more than when he says “I like what you did there.” Or “That was a good idea.” So, have fun, be frugal, and please yourself! { Post a Comment } { Last Page } { Page 261 of 344 } { Next Page } |
