Window treatment wonders

You need to be very creative to decorate on a tight budget, but it certainly can be done. Just think of it as an adventure. You will need time, planning, creativity and most of all, patience to achieve the look you want. It would certainly be simpler if we could just wave a wand and transform our room into something out of our dreams. But, of course, we can’t, so just put your mind and creativity to work to accomplish something you will enjoy for years to come.

Following are some tips to help you with your decorating project:

Look through decorating magazines. There are certainly many different magazines out there, as well as many different colors and styles from which to choose in those magazines. Clip articles and pictures from magazines and create a scrapbook of ideas. You can easily refer to the scrapbook (or magazines) as you are shopping for paint, furniture, window treatments and accessories for your home.

Browse furniture stores and showrooms. You can get ideas on what types of furniture are the latest style and decide what styles you prefer. While browsing, make mental notes of certain styles that appeal to you. (Once you leave the store, you may want to jot down your ideas.) Also make notes of the types of fabrics and colors that appeal to you and that would be a good fit in your particular room.

Go to second hand stores. As the old saying goes: “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” This old adage can certainly be true. Great bargains in furniture can be found at your local thrift store, yard sales and auctions. You can also peruse the classified ads in your newspaper. Old worn looking furniture can often be salvaged with just a coat of paint and some new slipcovers on a chair or sofa.

Other fun and inexpensive places to shop are at discount stores. These stores, in particular, have interesting and reasonably priced accessories for your home. You can find pillows, bathroom and kitchen accessories, candles and candle holders, potpourri and various other items.

Another important aspect when it comes to decorating your home is color. Paint the walls a striking color or a soft tranquil color to create a new look. Buying new curtains is another way to add a new look to your home. Choose colors that will enhance your mood and add a particular look, whether it be dramatic, relaxing or striking.