As I’ve confessed in the past, I do not have a decorating bone in my body. But I so admire those who do! Myra is such a person and she kindly offered to share some tips she’s learned in her experience as an interior designer. I can’t wait to attempt to put some of her tips into practice once we move into our own home. – Crystal
Guest Post by Myra from My Blessed Life
Decorating is something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. As a child, I regularly rearranged my room and the living room (whenever my mom would allow me to!).
I decided to study Interior Design because it was a “trade” I could practice as a stay-at-home mom. After I graduated with a B.A. in Interior Design, I worked for three years in the high-end furniture industry. My clientele was willing to pay big bucks for furniture, accessories and for my time, but I was not.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a number of tricks for decorating a home beautifully and frugally:
1. Get Inspired
Read decorating magazines and browse decorating blogs online. Don’t try to perfectly replicate what you see; take inspiration and create your own look!
2. Shop at T.J.Maxx and Hobby Lobby
I have found numerous items at these stores on sale or on clearance. Hobby Lobby has a rotating 50% off sale that covers most of their inventory. If you need a product that doesn’t go on sale, check Hobby Lobby’s website for a 40% off coupon.
3. Hit Yard Sales and Thrift Stores
Don’t buy junk, but look for items that can be re-purposed. I love finding architectural pieces like picture frames, windows, shutters and furniture like this desk I re-purposed.
4. Use Paint
Many people are afraid of paint, but it is one of the most inexpensive ways you can update a room. Neutrals are good, but don’t be afraid to use color to spice things up! Arm yourself with spray paint for re-purposing items – it will become your new best friend.
5. Let Nature Bring It
Use branches or sticks, rocks, shells and de-bugged moss to bring the outdoors inside – for free!
6. Cut the Clutter
Knick-knacks be gone. It is more pleasing to have five awesome pieces on your mantel rather than twenty little things.
7. Create Your Own Wall Decor
Hang architectural pieces on the wall. I hung an old window in my dining room that I dug out of my mother-in-law’s neighbor’s garbage. {blush} Enlarge photos and use inexpensive frames to create an arrangement of family photos.
8. Mount Window Coverings High
Trust me. It will make the ceiling look higher and your room will appear more “grand.”
9. Use Books
You think I’m kidding? I’m not. I’ve found many inexpensive “pretty” hard cover books at antique stores, thrift stores and at library book sales. You can stack them, lean them and even turn them around backwards to let the pages show.
10. Be Yourself
Let your home’s personality shine through! Take it slowly. Don’t try to completely overhaul your home in a week. Change little things out here and there and you will be amazed at how much you can do for so little out of pocket cost!
Myra enjoys her days as a WAHM and wife to her childhood sweetheart. She blogs at My Blessed Life about various topics to inspire your heart and your home. You can also find Myra on Twitter @blessedlife2 and Facebook.