Design your home without going broke.
If you're a new homeowner, a poor college student or someone simply in need of a redesign, you don't have to go broke while transforming your space. There are some simple things you can do to save money and give life to your living room and kitchen, from adding a bright color to using those curtains you've tucked away in the closet to hitting a dollar store. Be optimistic and willing to try new things, and you'll have a new space to live in.
Instructions
1. Paint one wall a bright splash of color.
Paint your living room. One way to quickly and drastically improve your living space--while giving it a fresh new feel--is to paint it. A few cans of paint are inexpensive, especially if you ask your local hardware or appliance shop for paint specials or discounts. Many stores have "oops paint," according to the website Thrifty Fun. "Oops paint" is paint that was previously purchased but not used. It can be bought at a discount. Try painting your living room a totally new color or paint one accent wall. According to "Redroom" magazine, an accent wall is one wall with a splash of color.
2. Hit your local thrift store for ideas and pieces.
Visit your local thrift or dollar store. Often, these stores sell low-price items, like hand towels, vases, fruit bowls, curtains, nicknacks and other goods. With just a few dollars, you can buy some new hand towels, seat covers or interesting decor points, like new salt and pepper shakers, picture frames or decorative glasses. Be adventurous and think about your home's theme. Buy cheap items that fit the theme while also adding a newness to the space.
3. Recycle your most beloved pieces.
Swap items from room to room. Without any money, you can take a statue you've normally kept in your bedroom and bring it into the living room. Swap items you never thought you'd swap. Bring that old grandfather clock from your bedroom into your living room, and hang your living room curtains on the kitchen window. Be creative and think about what you can do to redesign your favorite elements.
4. A rug can add life to a boring room.
Visit Ikea for new home decor pieces. Ikea sells many items at very low prices, like $30 faucets and $2 kitchen cabinet handles. Simply swapping your old handles for shiny new ones can give the kitchen a sense of redesign. For your living room, visit Ikea's living room section, where you can purchase small throw rugs from $3.
Tags: living room, your living, your living room, your local, accent wall