Posted in Homestead

I often hear women talking about redecorating.  Some do it and others just wish.  I do both of these things.  But, I rarely DO it, because of cost.  I wondered, did women in hard times past think about redecorating, when so many other things were more important?  Then I caught an episode of the Waltons (set in the 1930's) and Olivia (mom) was making furniture covers.  She made a comment to Grandma that even though times were tough, their was no reason they couldn't spruce the place up a bit.  She only made a cover for one chair, because that was all the fabric she had, but it answered the question for me.

When you think about redecorating, think first about what you want to accomplish.  Many times a fresh coat of paint (which is inexpensive and often free on recycling boards) and a rearranging of furniture is all that it takes to give a room a new look.  I have seen those TV programs that re-do rooms for minimal amounts of money in 2 days AND they mostly look fabulous.  But how many of us have a crew to work with, including a master carpenter and desginer who can not only get phenomonal discounts, but has knowledge and access to resources we don't. 

So if a room needs a little pick me up think simple.  New color, rearrange the furniture, perhaps some new pillows?  I redecorated a bedroom with a set of sheets that were given to me.  I used one flat sheet to make a window dressing and accent table cloths.  I pulled blankets and a comforter from another room.  Then we took a lamp from another room.  Know what, it looked very cute.  Not drop dead shnazzy, but it brightened the room and gave it the change we were looking for. 

If you are in need of fabric and aren't finding any at the bargain tables in the craft stores, consider going to a thrift store and rummage through the sheets and table cloths.  You'd be surprised by what can be done with those items to spruce up a room!

These are my thoughts.