Creativity is not a
slave of the wealthy and you can decorate homes and
make them look better and live more efficiently even
without spending a fortune. However, this may need
even more skill and hard labor so that you can do all
the tangible things yourself to cut off the expenses
of hiring a professional. Here are some tips for home
décor that can be done on a shoestring budget:
For a particular look such as retro,
minimalist and contemporary, colonial, American, country, art
deco or funky 70s, search local flea markets and antique shows
thoroughly or go for machine-made reproductions.
Add molding to your ceiling for the
traditional look. Layered moldings can simulate the look of
richly carved crown moldings.
Fake ceiling medallions, made of molded
plastic compounds but look like plaster, are quiet cheap and
interesting too.
Try baseboard moldings to make your room ooze
elegance and sophistication but keep away from plastic
moldings here.
Used panels to hide ugly walls or wainscot
them 9paneling the bottom half of a wall) to add warmth to the
room. You can also use bead boards for narrow slats placed
evenly. Go cheaper with chair rails, painting the bottom half
of the wall in a contemporary color and add a wallpaper border
to it.
Wall-to-wall carpeting can add color, warmth
and texture to a dull and boring room and a thicker synthetic
carpet can soundproof your apartment from nosy neighbors.
Nylon floor carpets last longer and are
easier to clean.
Area rugs on a hardwood floor are less
expensive and offer more decorating variety than wall-to-wall
carpeting.
Laminated floors can look like hardwood floor
too.
Floor tiles can make your floor look much
more beautiful and you can also use it on countertops.
Tiles come in different varieties such as
clay based ones that are handmade, glazed, slippery, hard to
clean but can last much longer; porcelain tiles that are hard
and are colored well; terrazzo tiles made by setting marble or
granite chips in concrete and polishing; terracotta tiles that
are water and stain-resistant and are available in myriad of
colors and styles. Choose ones that suit your purpose and
budget.
Sheet vinyl sheets and tiles can simulate
almost anything and are thus very popular. They are easy to
maintain too.
Floating installation of laminate flooring
are easily removable, scratch-resistant and easy to maintain
but are not repairable and can get damaged by water.
Cork tiles are inexpensive and warm but can
be damaged by water too.
Unlike sophisticated and expensive linoleum
floors, concrete floors look earthy and rustic.
Choose window treatments according to your
privacy and light needs and you windows may be bare or have
simple blinds and sheer curtains, if you have a great view
outside.
In bedrooms, you may want window treatments
that block out light. Drapes and curtains with thermal linings
keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Mini-blinds are very cheap. Other types of
blinds are wood blinds, faux wood blinds, metal, vinyl and
fabric blinds and may be horizontal or vertical as you choose.
There are shades too such as Roman shades that you can go
through and coordinate with valances painted and sewn at home
for the elegant look you desire.
