How to Improve Your Home On a Budget
by Susan Josh
Giving your home a much-needed facelift isn't something that has to be a strain on your budget. On the contrary, there are numerous inexpensive ways you can spruce up your home to get that lush, luxurious look, whether you're looking to sell, rent or just give your residence some extra flair.
Minimize the Furniture
When it comes to furniture and accessories, less is definitely more. Take the minimalist approach, since a cluttered space can feel small and overwhelming. Take some time to consider which items you actually need, and which ones you just want in the room. The best way to do this is to go through each room and ask yourself which purpose does each object and piece of furniture serve? If you have extra chairs which nobody ever uses, now would be a good time to get rid of them. Once you declutter, you'll be surprised how much more space you have available, and you'll be looking at a completely transformed room.
Enhance with Mirrors
Add Some Accessories
While it is true that fewer things give space a more luxurious, expensive look, you shouldn't leave your rooms bare. A few key pieces can complement the general comfort and flow of your home's design. Curtains, for instance, have much to contribute besides their practical features. Hanging them closer to the ceiling will create an upscale look in your home, while long ones will give an illusion of larger space. Several carefully chosen throw pillows in your seating area add to the comfortable and stylish tone. A minimal design doesn't need to take all of the interest out of a room - instead, it allows you to pare down to just your favorite accent pieces. Have fun searching for just the right accessories for each room.
Fresh Paint
Walls are not the only surfaces you can decorate with a fresh coat of paint (in fact, they're one of the pricier and more time-consuming projects). Don't like your existing cabinet color? Grab a brush and make the colors of your kitchen pop. Do the same with other pieces you feel are outdated. Older furniture - or even doors - can give the room a completely new look just by changing color.
Add a Bit of Green
There's no better way to add a level of hospitality and comfort to your space than introducing some lush greenery. Flowers are an inexpensive way to add some color and texture. Find a decorative vase (you can buy a new one, restore one, get one at a yard sale, or even make one) and fill it with store-bought or local garden flowers and watch your room bloom. If you'd rather have potted plants around, there are many to choose from. If you don't have a green thumb, there are many low-maintenance plants that give much in return. Do a little research and choose the one to best complement the area. Keep in mind the sunlight and watering requirements, as well as if they are safe for any pets you might have around.
These are just some of the ideas you can go by when you embark on your decorating adventure. You'll go far with a bit of style and a dash of research, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how little you've actually spent compared to how much fun you had doing it. The end result will boost your spirits - as well as the overall value of your home.About the Author
Susan Josh is a writer currently based in Australia. You can reach her at joshsusan85@gmail.com
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