I have a running list of posts I’d like to write and I add to it whenever inspiration strikes. The list was getting long so I decided to get busy and start checking some off. I shared an update on How To Restore Grout and a tutorial on How to Wash, Dry and Cut Burlap. (Finally.) Today I’m here with my top 10 Budget Decorating Tips. I have had this post outlined for months and am so happy to finally get it finished! I hope you find one or two tips that speak to you and that help you create a home you love.
1. Roll up your sleeves & DIY.
When I start a project, the first thing I do is figure out what I can do myself, and then what I have to hire out. If I can do the whole thing myself I am so happy. That rarely happens though especially with anything that’s labor intensive. Most big projects around here are a combination of DIY and paid labor. For example here’s how I accomplished my entry/stairway renovation. The walls were a mess and I knew I could not fix them so I hired out that portion. For the stairs, I knew I couldn’t stain them properly so I hired that part out as well. All by myself though I sanded, taped and painted the risers and banisters. Which took forever but was so worth it. Bottom line is by doing it (or at least some of it) yourself, projects that seem financially out of reach become attainable. The more DIY, the less money out of your pocket.
2. Figure out IKEA.
I know, I know. Not everyone has an IKEA around the corner. They are spread out and if you are like me, it takes a few hours to get there. Taking the time to shop at IKEA is not only really fun, but is such a budget-friendly way to decorate that you can’t afford not to make the trip. IKEA has come a long way in the past 10 years. It used to be where you went to get dorm room furniture. Now it is 2 gigantic floors of stylish and affordable furniture and accessories. I have purchased a sofa, chair, ottoman and all sorts of fabric and accessories. They have items to fit nearly every style. What I love about IKEA the most is that they set up actual rooms so you can see how everything looks. You are not shopping from a picture or stack of boxes. My one piece of advice for shopping IKEA would be to avoid it on the weekends if possible. It’s packed!
3. Shop second-hand and discount stores.
Nothing is really off-limits or out of reach if you are a good thrift store, Craigslist, eBay, discount or craft store shopper. My favorite ironstone tureen was a Goodwill find and cost a whopping $3. I rarely shop at the higher end stores because I know I can almost always find something similar for much less money. It takes patience because sometimes you can’t find exactly what you want. Hang in there though. Keep looking. It’s only a matter of time before you find exactly what you were looking for.
4. Make your own artwork.
Making your own artwork is a very simple and inexpensive way to fill your walls. Frames and mats can be purchased at just about any craft or discount store. You can personalize the colors too. Here are a few ways I make my own artwork:
~Find printables online, especially Pinterest. Download and print. Instant wall art.
~Search Etsy for graphics. There are an endless assortment of awesome images. Most can be downloaded for under $5.00.
~Take your own photos. Enlarge them at a photo center and frame. I like to do this and have the prints made in black and white. You can make a very cohesive gallery wall this way.
~Upload your photos to phone apps like Waterlogue. Email them to yourself, download and print. Original watercolors (sort of) for next to nothing.
5. Look past the ugly and buy some spray paint.
The one thing that you need to remember when shopping second hand is to look past the ugly. Take for example these yellow candlesticks. I knew I wanted yellow but finding them was impossible. I hit up my Goodwill and bought whatever they had. I didn’t care what color. I bought for shape and height. A coat of spray paint was all it took to transform that mismatched lot into something cohesive. Think outside the box and remember that paint is your friend.
6. Add inexpensive natural elements to EVERY ROOM.
I love natural elements. I love fresh flowers and greenery. They bring a room to life and you can use them in your decor without breaking the bank. Bring them in from your yard. Pick them up at the grocery store. It’s amazing how a $5 bunch of flowers can cheer you up and light up a room. Decorating with natural elements is inexpensive and easy. If you don’t do it, give it a try. I think you’ll like it.
7. Use fabric and pillows for color and style.
If you’ve followed my blog for even a little while, you know I am obsessed with pillows. I adore them. I also think they are an easy and budget friendly way to switch up the look of a room. Seasonally or just for fun. If you stick to a few main colors, any pattern or textured fabric will work together. For example my color palette is yellow and blue. I have 9 different fabric patterns in my pillow cover collection. The only reason they work together is because I kept the color palette the same. Try to mix geometric with floral, solid with a pattern.
I know not everyone sews. There are many ways to get the look of custom pillow covers without a big price tag. Craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s have started to carry ready made pillow covers. They are awesome too. I call them Pottery Barn knock offs. IKEA has several giant walls of nothing but pillow covers. Most are way under $10. You can also make pillow covers from kitchen towels. All you need are a few coordinating towels and some fusible tape.
8. Stay away from trends…buy what you love.
Nothing will eat into your budget faster than jumping on every style trend that goes by. Don’t do it! I admit that occasionally I am tempted to buy that trendy rug at Crate and Barrel or that fun vase at West Elm. I quickly talk myself out of it though. I know I would get tired of them quickly because they aren’t really “me.” Buy what makes you happy when you walk in a room…not what is on the cover of the latest catalog. Unless, of course, it makes you blissfully happy.
9. Connect the dots with paint.
Paint is cheap. Paint is easy. Paint is the quickest way to transform a room. The best way to make the rooms in your home flow is to keep everything in the same basic color family. In my case, that color is blue. For walls, I used different shades and kept some neutral. The easiest way to accomplish this is to pick colors from the same paint swatch. I picked my paint swatch 3 years ago when I updated my kitchen. I am still using it today. I’m not saying you have to stick with your choice for life…but it sure does make it easy!
10. Trade with your friends.
This is something you may not have thought of…but I have actually done it and it worked out great. A few years ago, I broke my third glass top deck table. Into a million pieces. I vowed to never buy another one again and found a replacement that sat six, instead of four. So I needed two more chairs but they were no where to be found. I looked everywhere. I had a 2-seated glider but that wasn’ t doing me any good. Enter my girlfriend, Mary Beth. She has the same furniture I do on the front porch of her house. I asked if I could swap my glider for two chairs and she said yes. Problem solved. If a friend has something you need or like, just ask. You may be able to work out a deal that benefits both of you.
Well…if you made it to the end, thank you for hanging in there! Like I said at the top of the post, I hope you found a tip or two that you hadn’t thought of before. The most important thing to remember when decorating your space is to surround yourself and your family with meaningful pieces. It doesn’t matter how much they cost or where you purchase them. All that matters is that YOU love them.
I’ll be back Monday as a stop on the Journey through Blogland. See you then.
Jessica says
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 10:13 amI have been looking for yellow buffalo check pillows like that everywhere! Mind sharing with me your source?
Melissa Pabich says
Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11:37 amLoved it! 1st blog I’ve read all the way through in a VERY log time… thanks!
Karen says
Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 9:14 pmDear Ann I love all your budget ideas and have used some of them. I love blue and white, porcelain and bedding, just about anything blue and white. I started collecting it when I was about sixteen. I’ve been married 45 years and now have 5 grandchildren so you can tell I’ve loved it a long time. I love your home and how you have decorated it. I’m very excited to follow your blog and learn new ideas from you
Irene says
Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 12:59 amLove all the ideas, wonderful
Diary of a Product Junkie says
Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 11:07 amI like tip number 4 & 6! Pinterest has been a great place for decorating ideas. Thanks for the decorating tips! ^_^
Mary Alice Kenley says
Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 9:03 amGood morning! I woke up early this morning, so I took some time to go through some of your posts I’ve been saving. As I scanned, I had one over-riding thought: Classic. I read your posts when others go into the bin because it’s not always the “newest” thing, but many times the tried and true. I have way too much on my plate to change colors and styles when the magazines suggest. I like subtle changes that fit into what I have and don’t require a major life change to incorporate!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 2:54 pmWhat a nice thing to say Mary Alice…thank you so much. I agree that life is too short to just change for the sake of change. Subtle changes are sometimes all we need. A am so glad you are following along…enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Pendra says
Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 6:12 pmHi Ann, we have recently purchased a 45 year old house and it has NEVER been updated. Wallpaper in every room, no appliances, a green sink, green, orange and yellow tile… it was a nightmare but had the bones. It’s been 2 years and I just about have all the wallpaper off, but painted almost every room the same color just to get it fresh and clean. Now it’s screaming for color and I LOVE your blue and yellow and would love to have that in my bedroom. I love to visit ARC our second hand store and have built a nice white ironstone collection for my kitchen. I shop in my Sister’s basement all the time as our parents have passed and it is full of treasures. I am a firm believer in paint and repurposing. I love visiting your site and your gorgeous home…keep it coming!
Ann Drake says
Monday, August 25, 2014 at 9:44 amOh Pendra your house sounds lovely…you are smart to go slow and take your time. Good luck!
Joan says
Friday, August 22, 2014 at 8:55 amAnn, I am passing this on to my young daughter who is moving into an apartment by herself for the first time. I hope she will utilize these ideas. Is that color strip of blues the same one you use in your home? I am a blue girl too and will be moving. I typically furnish with blue and have cream walls but I may switch it up this time. It always helps me to see colors on someone’s walls and with their furnishings. Thanks!
Ann Drake says
Monday, August 25, 2014 at 9:46 amHi Joan! I think I may have already answered this but just in case…yes the color strip in the post is from Sherwin Williams and they are the colors in my house. Good luck with your new home!
martina says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 11:59 pmGreat tips Ann…your living room looks beautiful!! Love all the yellow and blue!
Carole says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 12:21 pmAnn……as usual, some great ideas. I wish Ikea was closer to me. There’s one in Charlotte, and I live in Cary, NC. That’s quite a trip. However, I know they will ship certain items. I’m considering downsizing sometime soon, and I’ll probably purchase their loveseat (in the style of your sofa). Have a great week!
Pj says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 11:11 amAnother great post! I love blue & yellow rooms, so photos of your home really speak to me.
rosa says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 9:40 amLove this post! Thanks Anne!
Ana Maria says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 12:06 amHi Ann!
Thanks for the great tips. I’m forwarding your blog to several young women who are newer at decorating and will benefit greatly from your advice. One question: Where did you find the great ladder from which you hung the quilts. I would love something like that. Thanks!
Ann Drake says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 9:29 amHi Ana Maria!
I found that ladder on eBay. I looked around here but could never find one that wasn’t too tall. Here is the link to the seller. There is still a ladder listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rustic-Antique-Wooden-5-Rung-Ladder-/171174030315?pt=Patio_Sets_Picnic_Tables&hash=item27dac46beb
Have a wonderful day!
Ana Maria says
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 10:00 amThank you so very much for your lightning- fast reply!
Ann, you are a special kind of blogger. So many times I read in other blogs, readers post questions, and they often stay unanswered. I knew you would answer because I’ve read your answers before. Imagine my surprise to find that item is still available! I will be ordering one soon, regardless of the shipping cost, because in my neck of the woods, Miami FL, it is difficult to find vintage items (although I’ve found some beauties!)
Thank you!
Ana Maria
Rondell says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 10:50 pmHi Ann! I’m going to get the paint chip…what a great idea! I also love the tulips in the bucket!
Laurie says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 6:43 pmMany wonderful ideas, Ann, even for those of us who have been keeping a home for many years! When our daughter live in Minn. we had so much fun going to IKEA, but now she an her family live near us and the nearest IKEA is 8 hrs. away. But following your advice can be done anywhere. Thanks for sharing this!
Donna says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 2:26 pmWOW! Thanks for a bunch of ideas!
Peggy Zortman says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 1:03 pmLove your blues and thank you for just down to earth ideas we can use. I have to add, I am smitten with your tulips and enamel bucket in your foyer. Such a simple, beautiful idea.
Rona Berry-Morin says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 11:30 amI actually utilize many of these budget decorating tips, especially shopping at second-hand stores. Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are my favorite stores for finding discount home decor items.
Stacey says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 10:39 amYou are so right on every one of these!! You should repost this once a year to remind us all. :)
Dawn says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 10:28 amMarvelous post Ann :) Everything looks fabulous!! Pinning!!
nan - odesss delawa says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:55 amYou alwsys say it with common sense that is understood and great!
Dolly says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:53 amGreat post as always Ann!
debbiedoos says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:26 amLove this post Ann! So helpful and so inspiring. You are a fantastic decorator without breaking the bank! I just love your style.
Charlotte says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:04 amThese are all wonderful tips Ann! I absolutely love your wall of blue and white plates and don’t even get me started on that georgous ladder of quilts! Love!
Xo,
CharlotteT
Susie says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 8:57 amHi Ann,
This is truly a terrific post. All of your posts are terrific, but this one really hightlights the fundamentals of DIY and cost containment. I particulary like the “Buy what you love” segment. Trends usually fade before a room is finished, but what you love can last a lifetime.
I love getting your updates via email. Thanks for sending inspiration.
Best to you,
Susie
Patty says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 8:46 amThose were really wonderful tips, especially the paint flowing from one room to the rest. That is my next project.
Debbie Hall says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 8:38 amLove your style! Your posts are always so informative and give me lots of good ideas to use in my home. Thanks for all your inspiration, keep up the good work!
Ida says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 8:22 amI love all of your ideas, Ann! i am a quilter and am going to start looking for a quilt stand…. and start decorating in the same color strip! :) thank you!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:50 amOhhhh Ida yes you need a ladder! I got mine on eBay but I’ve seen them in antique shops too. Good luck!
Kathleen G says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 1:11 amI haven’t bought anything from Ikea. But I do get their catalog. My daughter was given a bed frame and mattress from a friend and loves it. Very comfortable. Great tips Ann. I’m thinking that you started your blog because your children left the nest. That why your home looks nice all the time, its easier since your children no longer lives there. I understand that, being a empty nester too. Mmmm but I still pick up after my husband. Lol. Kathleen in Az
Ida says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 8:25 amKathleen, i am with you! we are also empty nesters, but, Yes, I too, pick up after my husband! Love him to death, but he is worse than a kid! :)
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:54 amYes Kathleen I don’t have kids at home. The unused rooms in my house stay picked up…and I don’t show my husband’s room because it’s not exactly picture perfect. There are days when I don’t even cook but my kitchen looks like a bomb went off!
Susie says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:06 amMy husband and I visited…….I mean…survived…. a weekend trip to IKEA last Sunday. I had my catalog tagged so I knew what I was looking for before I got there. This helped. Our IKEA is two gigantic floors with its own multilayer parking garage. People were EVERYWHERE. It was like an overrun anthill. Tips for making a trip successful. 1. shop the catalog to get clear ideas of what you want. 2. measure your spaces, take the list and a tape measure with you 3. go early and be prepared to stay…it will take time to get thru the store 4. take photos of items & the item tag you might want later 5. wear comfy shoes 6. call me to meet you there….I just love an adventure!
Happy shopping!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 9:54 amThanks for the tips Susie!
Penny @ The Comforts of Home says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 12:10 amGreat tips Ann!
Meadowsweet Cottage says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 11:34 pmGreat tips–I love the thrill of the hunt at yard sales and GW much better than plain ol’ shopping.
And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who sits on an idea for a blog post for months, lol!
Mimi -247 Mulberry Lane says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 11:14 pmAnn,
I love the blue and yellow palette you’ve used throughout your home–it’s one of my very favorite color combinations! I’m just curious, and maybe you’ve addressed this before in a previous post, how did you decide to use those colors? Are they just favorite colors of yours, did you have an inspiration piece, or did you see a room in a magazine? I absolutely adore the flow of color you have created, but it just seems like it would take forever to achieve…
Thanks so much for all the inspiration and ideas you share!
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 5:39 pmHi Mimi!
I have always loved blue. I remember when I was in the 8th grade my Mom bought me a navy blazer and a navy/white wool plaid skirt. It was the bomb for sure! I have gravitated towards lighter colors so I have more light blue now than navy. I used to be all navy. I added the yellow several years ago again to try and lighten things up. I live in the woods so my house is almost always dark.
I’m not going to lie. It does take a long time to get your house to flow the way you want it to. Be patient and I promise it will happen. Take one room at a time. We’ve lived in this house 25 years and it’s only been in the last 10 that I feel like it’s the way I want it. Of course it’s really never finished! Right now I’m dreaming about hard wood floors. lol.
Good luck!
Ann
Shenita says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 10:29 pmThese are great tips, Ann! We used most of these in a recent reno project for our girls. You can really save a lot this way!
Jeanette @ Creating a Life says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 8:33 pmWonderful tips, Ann!
Bev says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 8:24 pmI have no ounce of decorating savvy myself. I have to rely quite a bit on Pinterest and my sister who has all the talent. This post has helped me a great deal, it’s a keeper! Thanks for sharing :) -Bev
Elizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 8:14 pmThese are all great tips, Ann. I enjoy reading each one and I’m happy to say I follow them all. Your home is always so polished and pretty looking and of course your pillows are stunning as usual. The ladder with quilts is especially gorgeous and really helps to reinforce your colour scheme.
Lisa at Texas Decor says
Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 7:55 pmI agree with everything here! Especially the part about the spray paint. I’ve learned through the years that spray paint can fix (almost) anything. The internet is a great source for inspiration. I just did a small gallery wall with free prints from the graphics fairy and $4 frames from Walmart. :) And when we recently painted our kitchen cabinets, I found great tutorials online from other bloggers. Makes me wonder what we did with ourselves before the internet?! Lol!