4. Speaking of artwork, if you can’t afford or don’t want to purchase art right now, a lot of local libraries offer an art rental service. You can check out artwork just like checking out a book. And, most of these check-out services offer a much longer time to keep the artwork. It’s a great way to fill up empty spaces until you find the perfect piece for any room in your home.
5. Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers each week – nothing brings a room to life like fresh flowers. This is especially true during the winter months. Grocery bouquets for $10-12. It’s a little indulgence that’s budget friendly and food for the soul.
6. Paint the ceiling in a room. If it’s a small room, like a powder room, go bold and dramatic. Pick a strong color you love and put it on the ceiling. Watch the room transform itself. If you’re less adventurous, consider 10-20 % of your wall color. Unless, of course, you have off- white walls to begin with. Everyone says it but it’s true. There is nothing that will change a room more than paint. But always add the ceiling to the mix – it’s the forgotten wall in the room.
7. Speaking of powder rooms, if you have one, consider wallpapering it for a big punch for little money. Most powder rooms can be done with 4-6 rolls of wallpaper. Wallpaper is back in a big way. Patterns are bigger and bolder and color is everywhere. Use strong color or go really large with the pattern even if the room is small. You will be amazed at how good it looks. You can paper it yourself – or – even hiring someone will be a few hundred dollars at most. Add a new, inexpensive mirror (look online at Uttermost, Target, Murray Feiss to name a few) and some fresh towels and you have a whole new room. Powder rooms are the one room that you can go really express yourself and move out of your comfort zone.
8. If you’re one person who loves to display family photos, go around your house and look at them with a critical eye. When was the last time you changed out the pictures. Like everything else, keep your photos current. Just updating the family photos (everyday pics as well as the special family ones) will make your room feel fresh and new. As you’re updating these photos, consider editing the total number you have on display. If you have to display a lot of them, it’s best to keep them in bedrooms, hallways and in family rooms. Living rooms and dining rooms are not the place to display such personal items. For an added punch, buy some inexpensive new frames and try grouping them in clusters rather than scattering them around the room.
Tomorrow – my final ideas for bringing new life to your home in these budget-minded times.
