How to Redecorate on a Budget

If you've decided that a room or two in your house needs a fresh look you don't have to spend a ton of money. You can give a few rooms a home makeover on a limited budget; it just requires planning and research. Before you consider your options you need a decorating plan and general idea of the scope of projects you can realistically complete. Although you may have only a limited budget and you have to do most of the work yourself, you can still dramatically change the look of a room.

The first thing to consider is whether there will be any construction or handyman projects. If you have someone who can help you with a few simple carpentry projects you can save money. Or if you feel you could do them yourself you might consider enrolling in a few DIY seminars at Lowe's or Home Depot. This would be for small projects like installing shelves, headboards, or replacing plumbing fixtures. If you feel you can somehow make these projects part of your home makeover plan you can really change the whole look of a room.

However, even if you feel these types of projects are not possible, you can still achieve a dramatic makeover with easier projects. Your local library can be an excellent source for decorating magazines and books. You should find some photographs you like and ask yourself how you might achieve something similar. Look for colors and furniture types that appeal to you and pay attention to wall decorations and fabrics.

One of the easiest things to change is room color. You can really change the look of a room by choosing a new color and applying fresh paint. As you choose wall colors, you should also be thinking about fabric choices. Even small fabric projects such as throw pillows or wall hangings can really tie a room together. Once you choose a general color take the samples to fabric outlets and pick coordinating fabrics. Keep in mind the current furniture, carpet or rugs, and window treatments in the room. If you cannot afford to change these elements you need to design a decorating plan that will coordinate everything. You may wish to consider slipcovers if you have the budget for them, you they can really give the furniture a new look and allow a more dramatic color change.

Once you have painted, consider wall hangings and other decorative elements. You can make wall decorations yourself using inexpensive frames, photos, fabric, or tiles for mosaic work. It may take a bit of practice, but almost anyone can create interesting, coordinating wall hangings with very few resources. You might also consider buying unfinished furniture and painting or staining it yourself. A new shelving unit or end tables that you finish yourself can bring a room together.

For kitchens and bathrooms new hardware and fixtures can really update a look. If you are not comfortable changing plumbing fixtures, new drawer pulls and cabinet hardware along with new paint can still give a fresh clean look. In a kitchen, painting some cabinets, or changing a cabinet door or two can be easy inexpensive projects. Removing a cabinet door and using the shelves for display can create a nice focal point for a room. Or you might consider replacing one or two cabinet doors with more interesting patterned or glass doors.

Also, consider forming a cooperative with some friends. Exchange services or trade furniture and decorations. Offer to paint for someone who can help you with bathroom or kitchen fixtures or take on the sewing jobs in exchange for help installing some new shelves. Keep in mind the furniture and other elements you use don't have to be new. If you can trade with friends to create a new look you'll have more budget for a few really nice elements. You can also shop garage sales and flea markets for bargains.

Redecorating on a budget is possible with research and planning. New paint along with some fabric or decorative elements can really change the whole look of a room. Bargain shopping and trading goods and services with friends can really help you make the most of a limited budget.