Budget Tips for Redecorating
BY READERS DIGEST
10th Jun 2020 Home & Garden
If you feel like you're in a rut but lack the time or money to take a holiday or make other major life changes, then how can you change things up? Redecorating a room in your home or apartment or redoing your entire living space can give you a fresh new perspective.
Budget Tips for Redecorating
It can also be a great opportunity to declutter and change up decor that is no longer "you”. These budget tips for bringing fresh life to a home that might feel just a little too lived-in can help.
Set a Limit on Your Spending
When you're redecorating, it can be tempting to push against the restrictions of the budget you've set. Maybe you've seen something that you like that you could get if you just went a few dollars over. The problem with this mindset is that once you've started making exceptions, it's hard to stop, and before you know it, you've created a whole new set of stressors for yourself in the form of a maxed-out credit card. A better plan is to look for places where you can cut back from the start if you'd like to spend a little more than you are able. You may be surprised at where you can rein in your spending. For example, you might be able to save money by refinancing your student loans. This can reduce your monthly payments and free up some cash to use for redecorating.
Paint
One of the simplest and cheapest ways you can completely change the atmosphere of a room is by repainting. Whether you're sticking with a more neutral shade or making a loud statement with a color like red, new colors for your walls can make you feel like you're living in an entirely new place. Look in magazines and on websites for inspiration. If repainting every room or all the walls of one room is out of your budget, consider the accent you can add by painting just one wall or even the trim.
Remember it is not just painting walls that can reinvent the home. ‘Arm yourself with a sander and some quality paints and you can easily transform kitchen cupboards, coffee tables, TV stands and even work surfaces’, says DIY expert Nico Wilson at Improb. ‘There are several YouTube tutorials that you can follow if you are a complete novice and if painting is a little daunting or too much of a commitment, staining wooden furniture is a great starting point’.
Go Back to School
Original art can be a great way to spruce up your walls, but it may also sound like a great way to get heavily into debt. However, if there is a college or university near you with an art program, you may be able to pick up some terrific artwork from students for bargain prices. There may also be cafes or other businesses in your town that display affordable work from local artists.
Work with What You Have
Redecorating doesn't always mean buying a lot of new stuff. You might be surprised at how much you can change the look of a room just by rearranging the furniture or picking up a few accent pieces at yard sales or thrift stores. You could also think about whether there are things you could make yourself to spruce up your living space. Not everyone has the time, inclination or ability for crafting, but for those who do, making a homemade quilt, reupholstering a sofa or building a piece of wooden furniture yourself can beautify a room.
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