How to Make Your Home Look "Rich" and Stylish On a Small Budget

Reality home makeover shows have done a wonderful job of allowing people to realize the potential in their homes. Television programs like "Trading Spaces" and "Shabby Chic" have shown consumers how to solve storage needs, revamp bedrooms, and even completely transform kitchens into culinary playgrounds. Usually these shows allow for a small budget. And the interior designers are typically good at staying under budget.

Problems arise, however, for the average consumer who desperately wants to give his/her home a facelift, but has less than the budgeted amounts usually allotted for these makeovers. Additionally, the savvy displayed on screen is chopped into segments so that all the changes can be observed within a 30-minute time slot. Designers on the shows usually hire carpenters who also have years' experience with building furniture at the drop of a hat. So what is a regular "civilian" to do when time and money do not allow for the ripping up of carpet or the overhaul of furniture? There are ways of making your home look as "rich" as the decor featured in many of the celebrity homes on television. With a little creativity, your pad will be plush in no time.

THE "DON'Ts"

• DON'T overlook linens. They aren't just for sleeping and bathing. Large towels can often be used to "reupholster" throw pillows. Or, you can layer large decorative towels and create a throw for a chair or loveseat. Sheets can be used to create draperies, wall coverings, or even room dividers.
• DON'T underestimate Do-It-Yourself assembly furniture. The furniture being referenced here is the typical variety sold in stores like Wal-mart, Costco, Target, and other similar chains. Many of the decorative storage pieces are much sturdier than they once were. Since many of them have very simple designs, they can serve as stylish "minimalist" pieces.
• DON'T forget about flooring. You may not be able to rip up your carpet and install hardwood floors (especially if you live in an apartment). But this does not mean that floors should be overlooked. Area rugs (depending upon the size) can open up a room, and pull together a completely luxurious look.

INTERIOR DESIGNER? WHAT'S THAT?

Now that we've got some of the basics out of the way, the real trick to achieving a swanky-looking pad is all in the details---that means accessories. Know that in decorating a home, there are subtle things that one can do to achieve a certain desired effect. Sometimes simple placement of items is all that's needed in order to complete a look. Moreover, there may be household items that you already own which can be refurbished to create an entirely new decor. Check out a few ideas that you may not have previously considered in trying to revamp your space:

• SYMMETRY: Instead of piling up your coffee table with clutter, newspapers, or other things, try placing a simple row of white candles down the center. This creates a clean visual line, while the simplicity of the arrangement provides a contemporary feel. Or, use a solid color plate and group candles in a decorative cluster in the middle.
• ARTWORK: Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be an artist in order to create your own unique pieces of art. Peruse some of the most expensive homes and you may notice paintings which appear to be rather simplistic in nature. Why not frame articles other than paintings and photos. Create a colorful collage out of postcards collected from trips. Add a rich looking matting (from an art supply store), and you've got a funky piece of pop art. Be creative, and you'll be surprised how the simplest of items can pull off a totally polished look.

  Create other artistic pieces with a few things you can pick up at your local arts and crafts store. Choose a clear vase and place a small layer of pebbles along the bottom. Obtain several dry twigs and branches from outside, and place them in the vase. The pebbles will "set" the arrangement, and you end up with a very natural looking piece of art.

• MIRRORS: Everyone knows that mirrors make rooms appear larger. But what they also do is add a contemporary edge to dull living spaces. Group four or more inexpensive full length mirrors (from stores like Wal-mart) vertically along one wall approximately 1" apart. Or, group them horizontally-whichever direction suits your fancy. It's a great way to break up empty space on a wall, without spending a fortune on artwork or other contraptions.
• BOOKSHELVES: Obtaining a good set of bookshelves is also a fantastic way to liven up a dull room. The shelves can be used to house collectibles, statues, books [of course]. Plus, when highlighted correctly, they can add a certain intellectual flair to a living area. The shelving itself is also a great way to free up valuable floor space.
• LIGHTING: Many people fail to think about lighting options when they redecorate. But experts will tell you that the quickest way to transform a room is to alter the lighting arrangement. Choose an unlit corner and add an inexpensive, yet stylish floor lamp. These often cost less than $30 in home supply retail stores. Or better yet, revamp a lamp you already have. Change the base color with a little spray paint, and replace the lampshade and you have a completely new and one-of-a-kind piece.
• FABRICS: Fabric stores are not just for seamstresses and aspiring fashion designers. Find innovative ways to introduce fabric into your d�cor. Hang hooks on your bedroom ceiling to create an instant "canopy." If the fabric you choose is especially decorative, you may even drape it along the wall for an exotic feel. Small spaces can also benefit from the use of fabric: With the same hooks, you can create room "dividers" by hanging the fabric from the ceiling to separate sleeping quarters from a workstation.

Making your home look like a groovy pad, or a casually contemporary oasis is much easier than you might believe. The homes shown on television look fancy on the inside. But depending upon your personal style, you can recreate the same atmosphere by concentrating on the nuances that complete the look. You need not spend a fortune to establish an opulent mood. Simply add your own creative touches, and utilize the decorating shortcuts that are sure to fool all of your guests!