Are you stuck in a rut, living with the same old look you've had for the past umpteen years? Does your room lack the style, excitement and flair you desire? If you'd like to change the look and ambiance of your room but feel that it would be too cost prohibitive; here are some ideas that can help.
First, assess the purpose you wish for the room and decide what furnishings and accessories are needed to best accomplish that designation. Let's say, for instance, that we're updating a family room (T.V.room). Obviously, the number one priority for the room would be a suitable television. Hopefully, that's something you already own because T.V.'s are a big ticket item and the purchase of a nice one can blow the budget in a hurry. Decide what other items would best compliment this room.
One of the most effective and least expensive ways to change a room is paint. Paint is affordable and can easily set the kind of backdrop from which you can begin to make other changes, starting with the floor covering. This is another area where a small amount of investment can bring about a huge change. Whether you presently have hard surface flooring (tile, wood, cement, etc.) or wall to wall carpeting, either look can be updated with the addition of terrific area rugs. We all know that beautiful rugs can cost into the thousands of dollars, but grreat looking ones can also be purchased at chain stores like Pier I, Ikea, even T.J. Maxx, very inexpensively. In one family room that I recently updated, I added a 0.00 zebra print rug which completely changed the look and feel of the room. It instantly changed the dull, lifeless feel of the room to one that was more interesting and earthy, and also provided a great direction for me to go with the other accessories that I later added.
With the paint color and floor coverings in place, it's time to start acquiring what I call the "personality pieces for your room; throw pillows, green plants, pottery and wall decor. Each of these items can be found at very reasonable prices and will add immeasurable charm and personality to your room. Take note, also, of pieces currently taking up space in other areas of your home that might find a much more suitable home in your "new" room. For instance, a comfortable but neglected old chair can take on new life with a zesty throw draped across the back along with one or two eye-catching throw pillows.
A word about green plants. In my opinion, green plants are essential part of a beautiful and livable room, but if you absolutely can't be bothered with the worry of their care; nice silk plants are an acceptable substitute. Just stay away from the really cheap and fake looking ones. Decent ones can be found at affordable prices at many stores.
Pottery can be the jewel in a room. You can find inexpensive pieces at some of the chain stores mentioned earlier which can add warmth and energy to an area that is hard to achieve in any other way. Mirrors are another terrific choice when accessorizing. They visually expand space and reflect light and can cost very little.
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients for your room; be willing to experiment. Move the furnishings around and change the pillows and wall decor until you're satisfied. You'll know when you finally get it just right. What a joy it is to step into a room that is perfect for it's intended use and that looks terrific in the process. And just think, you don't have to pay a decorator big bucks to achieve this look, you can do it yourself. Happy Decorating!
