Simple Design Made Simply Divine!

Every once in a while, I get an itch. An itch to create, change, re-do, re-paint, switch around, something...anything really. But, how often does a woman have all the money in the world sitting in her bank account to redecorate her bedroom? I'll tell you first hand...not often. So, I have a few tips for redecorating on a dime.

Where To Go

Consignment Shops, Goodwill, and Flea Markets! I have picked up many great figurines, lamp shades, and artwork from all of these places. Most of which, I paid less than five dollars for. Another good idea is Treasuring Hunting. My girlfriends and I will get together early on Saturday mornings and drive around different neighbors having big yard sales. We find all sorts of great treasures!

Calendars

Okay, this sounds a bit strange, but do you have a great calendar that is three years old, that you just can't throw away because the pictures on it are just "to cute?" Well, hang those pictures up! Carefully rip off the pictures you like, throwing away the actual "calendar" part. Then, go to your favorite discount shop and pick up 12 matching simple frames (black or white). Frame each picture and hang them galley-style on your bedroom wall over the bed. It will appear as a great collection of matching artwork, all for the price of a single calendar. I've done this with a smaller calendar as well, to hang 12 small pictures of beautiful flowers in my bathroom.

Lamp Shades

Silk Scarves that are no longer in season make great versatile lamp shades. Simply drape them over the current shade and voila! Mood lighting. Or, another great simple technique I've discovered is beaded ribbon. In the craft section of any department store, or better yet JOanne's Fabric Store, is different beaded ribbons. Pick your favorite, then superglue it around the bottom of the lamp shade. This drastically changes your existing shades without a lot of money disappearing from your pocket.

Rearrange the Furniture

Sometimes, something as simple as putting your desk on another wall or under a window will brighten up a room. It will give you a sense of "change" without "spending". I love doing this every season or so, just flip that bed to another wall and it gives the room an entirely different look. A colored fabric couch cover is inexpensive and gives a living room an entirely different look as well.

So, the next time you walk in your bedroom and "just HAVE to change it" think of these simple and inexpensive options. Check out Real Simple Magazine for other great decorating ideas on a dime!

Brandi Lee
Redecorating Guru
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