Do you struggle to try to decorate your home? Everyone does not have the skill to walk into a room and instantly see what it should look like. Some of us enjoy decorating. But hitting the right balance between chic and shabby eludes us. A home should reflect the style of the people who live there. It does not have to be a mansion to be lovely. Sometimes the most simple additions can make your home look like you spent a fortune without blowing your budget.
A great article on Lottoland helps people who suddenly come into a lot of money, decorate like a pro. These tips are provided by Kimberly Duncan, a residential and commercial interior designer from the UK. We think you will find them as easy and fun as we do.
They saved money by hiring a contractor to do all of the work they needed at a discount rather than to pay full price for one room at a time. They bartered their services. The result was their renovations were completed quickly and for a lot less money. For more on that, click here.
Before you begin decorating, are you planning to make any home improvements or renovations? When Duncan started her journey, she and her husband undertook a big home improvement project. To get the things they needed and could afford, they had to get creative. This included new carpeting throughout the house. One of the ways they saved money was by running an ad. They agreed to give the carpet to anyone willing to pull it up. They were overwhelmed with the response. This step saved them the time and cost of having the old carpet removed to make way for the new.
Simple ideas for a customized look
Use frames everywhere!
You can recycle old frames. You can pick them up for cheap at thrift stores and yard sales. They are easy to refinish, paint, or give a distressed look. If you invest in a frame that doesn’t work for you, it costs very little. Just save it for another project and keep going.
Visit your local fabric store to pick up fragments of fabric that look incredible when framed. Again, get creative at the thrift store. Pick up a silk blouse or robe for next to nothing and cut it to fit a frame. You will have a vibrant and beautiful wall hanging that looks expensive. Use them on stairwells and in halls or places that are hard to decorate. Frame different patterns and shapes, and mix them.
Glue your frame to a piece of wood to create a tray. Paint the tray, or use a glue gun to attach fabric inside the tray. Decorate the frame with shells, rocks, or trinkets. Larger trays are beautiful on a coffee table. Smaller trays are a pretty way to display soaps, creams, and other toiletries. Use press-on wall mirrors to create a mirrored tray. Mother of Pearl Mosaic tile is another attractive option that gives the piece a rich look.
Keep in mind; the trays are decorative pieces made of photo frames. You do not want to use them as a serving tray. They will not hold much weight.
Your home should be designed to your taste and style. If you are a relaxed, laid-back person, who enjoys sitting by a fire, give your home a cozy look. If you are ultra-modern, invest in a few trendy pieces and use throws and pillows to add the colors of the year. Rich leather furniture can look chic but also comfortable and inviting. It is all in the accessories.
Lighting
Lighting will make or break your room design. Under-lit rooms are dark and depressing, and overlit rooms are stark and show every flaw. The lighting should be soft. Use LED lights to mimic daylight. Place lamps in reading areas. Chandeliers are easy to find at a bargain price if you watch for sales. Install dimmer switches to control the amount of light you use. The one thing you should spend a bit more on is the bulbs in your lights. Cheap bulbs do not illuminate a clear and warm light. They give you more of a flashlight look. A quality bulb will last longer and give a warm glow.
Check out Kimberly Duncan’s sites for great DIY crafts and ideas. It is the small things that make your room feel personal.
Choose high-quality and timeless furniture. Stay with basic or primary colors. Brown, black, tan, and white always work. Use drapes, rugs, and accent pieces to add patterns and color to a room. It is easy to replace throws. You can have the most up-to-date decor while maintaining your furniture.
Customize your home by adding items that you love. Don’t be afraid to mix your patterns. Use your creativity. As long as you allow space and light, there is no “wrong way” to decorate your home. So, have it your way and have fun. You will love your home because it will indeed be yours.
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