Posted in Homestead

Every now and again we become bored with a room. This boredom may be the result of the same color scheme, set up, or a need to change or expand the function of a room.

You can change a room for no cost, simply by rearranging the contents. During this process, you can remove some of the contents or add contents from other rooms. A room renovation for FREE! Simple and easy. The simplest solution to jazz up a room.

Now, when you want more than just a minor upgrade, what are you always told? Paint it. Painting is just about the least expensive way to bring about a more dramatic change to a room. It's also the best way to get rid of all those scuff marks, stains, and chips. I agree with this thought process.

However, paint isn't inexpensive. So if you are in need of a more dramatic change than furniture rearrangement, but do not want to spend the cost on painting the room entirely, consider another option. Paint for less. Here are a few ideas of how you can paint a room less.

• Don't think color scheme before you go paint shopping. When you are in the paint section check out the deep discounts on the custom colors that were someone else's mistakes. Is there a color available that would compliment your furnishings yet change up the room? No? Don't be discouraged. Ask a salesman how often you should check back for new additions to the sales shelf. If you have a specific color in mind and you are not shopping at a national chain hardware store, as the salesman if he would be willing to call you if a certain color becomes available. Don't be too picky when requesting a color, because you probably will never get a call. If you give him a color range, aquas, taupes, deep reds, he will more than likely be happy to do so.
• Consider painting only one wall. An accent wall can give a dramatic change to a room! Again, shop the discount rack. I have seen this done coupled with a rearrangement resulting in BIG impact. This is a wonderful option especially if you are not certain you will like a color change you have in mind. One wall is easier to live with when the color isn't exactly what you want, than a whole room. You will not have spent nearly as much money. You can do this again in a few months if you really don't like the color and only be out a second can of discounted paint.
• Give the walls on your room a good wash. I don't mean a cleaning, I mean a color wash. Pick a color that compliments the current wall color. Now purchase just a gallon. Using a 5 gallon bucket, mix the paint with 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon of water. Use a brush and paint the color over a small area of the wall. Now wipe it off with a rag. You can very this process A LOT! You can use different wiping techniques, vary the intensity of the wash, or use different items to pick the wash color up off the wall. Again, there is a double savings if you can pick up a can off the discount shelf.

Can't seem to ever find a color you like on the discount shelf, but are ready for a change? Wait just a few weeks. Paint companies will be offering sales around Memorial Day.

These are my thoughts.