I’m writing this post from my new office with boxes surrounding me. We moved into our new-to-us home two weeks ago, and I’m still feverously unpacking and organizing.
One thing I enjoy about moving is finding new ways to use things. The more creative/fiscally responsible I can be with basics, the more budget I’ll have left for “wow” factors that can really change the feel of the room.
Yes, the latter part is more fun. “Wow” beats “responsible” most of the time. That said, I’m still in the “fiscally responsible” stage of the game {sigh}.
Here are a few tips to help you free up your décor budget for the fun stuff:
1. White bedding
- It may sound boring, but it provides an uncluttered backdrop to just about any decorating style you might gravitate towards in the future. Let the pillows and throws be your WOW!
- White bedding also gives you more latitude to use darker wall colors if you like. Contrast = WOW!
2. Area Rugs
- A good rug can change the tone of a room. Without changing anything from our last bedroom, a new rug with a strong statement updated the room without requiring a complete redesign.
- Rugs can also define zones, a great concept for long-ish rooms.
3. Paint Something
- Sprucing up the walls has an immediate effect on a room. Use a flat enamel finish to hide any imperfections in the wall.
- Think beyond the walls, freshen up the trim with a semi-gloss for clean and crisp look, or add dimension with a monochromatic or complimentary color to your walls.
- Adding a coat of paint on a headboard or dresser can add a nice pop of color without breaking the bank. The pink headboard above is a sneak peek at my daughter’s new room (I found the headboard on the side of the road).
4. Lighten Up
- Light plays with color in mysterious ways! Adjusting the lighting in your rooms to include both ambient and direct lighting can change the feel (and functionality) of a room.
- Don’t be afraid to augment existing lights with paint and various adornments with paint, ribbons, fabric, etc. I love the above example from Real Simple. I plan to embellish a couple lamp shades in my daughter’s room so I can rationalize a new floor lamp for the living room.
5. Mix and Match
- Rearrange, or completely challenge your space planning by switching furniture to different rooms.
- Are there complementary colors in different rooms that can be brought together to create something new?
As I continue to unpack, I’ll highlight ways I’ve used these tips in my new-to-me home, and share how I found “WOW” pieces to make it all work.
What other ideas can you share about how to use what you have so you can get what you want?
