Simple (and Inexpensive) Ways to Decorate This Spring

The long, cold winter months are finally becoming memories. As spring arrives, we have a natural tendency to clean out the old and to start fresh. Spring cleaning gives us an opportunity to toss out worn-out items, and give our homes a bright new look.

Although our minds may dream up grand and exciting decorating plans, our bank accounts might be giving us pause. Everyone who has redecorated knows that a "quick" trip to the hardware or furniture store for one item has blossomed into a huge shopping spree. Don't worry, you can decorate well within your budget, even if that budget is small.

Decorating for the spring season doesn't have to be elaborate, or even expensive. Replacing a few worn items, or changing a few pieces of furniture can transform the entire look to a room.

Painting is an excellent way to alter a room's décor. Your first step is to take stock of the room you'd like to paint. Take a careful inventory of all the colors in the room, including paintings, furniture, bed spreads, and flooring. We painted one room in our house to match subtle colors in a framed print hanging on the wall. The effect is seamless and pleasing to the eye. Don't be afraid of colors, especially if you normally paint in white, off-white, eggshell, or bisque. Darker colors do not always make a room look smaller. A bright color might not be as garish as you think.

Take advantage of the paint samples at your local hardware store - bring a handful home to see what might work in a room. Some larger chains, such as Home Depot have kiosks in their paint department that will give you complimentary color ideas so that you can paint the walls one color, and the trim a complimentary color. Spring is an optimal time to paint, as you can open the windows - it's not too hot or cold outside. As always with paint, if you don't like how a color looks, it can always be repainted.

Throw rugs are also an economical way to change a room's appearance. Department stores often run sales during spring, and you can purchase a quality rug for under $20. A rug can be used with both carpeted and hardwood flooring, and is especially effective in high-traffic areas. For safety's sake, buy a non-slip runner for underneath your throw rug if you've placed it on hardwood, vinyl, tile, or slippery flooring.

Changing a room's theme also doesn't have to be a huge project. A smaller room, such as a bathroom or guest bathroom is a perfect place to transform a room without breaking the bank. Add a wallpaper border, or buy matching accessories including toothpaste holder and soap dish. Purchase a few new towels. A friend of mine added a Noah's Ark theme to the kid's bathroom by adding a simple painting, new hand towels, and a soap dispenser.

Be creative as you think of ways you can transform your home's look. Replace your lamp shades with modern, but classic styles. Throw pillows are an easy way to change a room's look. If you like to sew, pick out your own pillow fabric to match a sofa, bed, or other piece of furniture. Hang a quilt on a bare wall, creating an artistic motif to an area.

Adding fresh flowers is always a wonderful addition to your spring décor. A simple but beautiful bouquet can be bought for under $10. Also check out florists and lawn/garden centers who sell pots filled with spring bulbs. You're rewarded with the beauty of spring flowers without going outside. After the flowers bloom and die, plant the bulbs in a favorite spot outdoors and watch them grow next year.

Your home, whether a three bedroom ranch or a McMansion, is all your own. Even if you have an apartment and are unable to change the paint or fixtures, you can certainly add variety and color to your furniture, draperies, and linens. Start fresh this spring, and add a creative touch to your decorating ideas.