Decorating On A Budget? Use These Money Saving Ideas

By Michelle Ortiz

As a designer of high end homes, one would think I don’t know much about a tight budget. But it might interest you to know that my last master bathroom remodel cost my clients just $9,000.00. When the average master bathroom remodel can cost upwards of $20K, how is it that this one could cost so little? In these days stretching your dollar has become a necessity, but this bathroom remodel was so inexpensive, because it just was! Smart selections in fixtures that were well priced helped to keep the costs down. I believe in high end design for a fair price. Even if you are not ready to do a full on remodel, there are small, budget conscious steps you can take to add updates to your home. Here are just a few.

• In your bathroom, one of the largest statements that you can make is to swap out that plate glass mirror or medicine cabinet for a new framed or even frameless mirror in a fun shape. For traditional, transitional and old world inspired bathrooms, a chunky, decorative framed square or rectangle above each sink enhances your vanity. For a more modern touch, use a beveled edge, frameless mirror in a rectangle with tapered edges or an oval.  This change can run you as little as $60- $200.
  
  • Want to spend even less? Update your space with newer towel and toilet paper holders. Homeowners often forget these little details that can go far in changing your look.
  • Have a kitchen island with recessed lighting above? Hang a pendant or mini chandelier in the center of your island for a wow factor. The big box stores sell retro-fit kits that can convert the electricity from can light to a hanging for as little as $30.00. For an even larger statement, do two or three pendants in a row, just don’t do more than that, as it can become overbearing.
  • Add pizzazz to your wall photos. Pictures of family and trips are treasured pieces but often become old looking and uninteresting. Add appeal to old family photos by enhancing them with a bold colored mat and group several of the same colored matted photos together in a row of three or five. You can even create a larger grouping by spacing three separate horizontal lines of photos, three across. This gives you nine photos displayed in a more contemporary manner. Play around with the photo style by copying the picture in sepia tones or black and white and use a photo marker to highlight an individual item within the photo. Use a photo marker that matches a color within your room, tying the photos to your space with this highlighted item.
  
  • One of my favorite budget conscious ideas for transforming your space is to add bold colored throw pillows to your sofa. There are discount stores that often sell overstocked name brand or designer pillows that you can get for a song! These stores also carry some fantastic leatherette (faux leather) ottomans. Ottomans are a great way to add the benefit of coffee table space while doubling as additional seating. In addition to seating and table space, many boast a storage area. I have to admit that I have an empty wall that I filled with three ottomans that I purchased at Target. (Yes, even the high end designers shop at Target!) They were stylish, fit my need and at $75.00 a piece, were a budget find! I lined them up against a wall with a metal piece above. It introduces a new color to my room (black, which is once again the new black), it provides storage for our blankets, which we use to cuddle on movie nights, and when needed, can be brought into the living room for additional seating.

  While total room makeovers can involve spending thousands, there are many ways to change or update your look for small figures. Try and use some of these ideas within your own home.

Have you got any inexpensive decorating ideas that you have used? Share them with us in the comments below!

Michelle Ortiz is an Interior Designer in Mesa, AZ who caters to the high end lifestyle presented at a fair price point. Her company offers custom cabinetry and furniture in addition to unique and stylish interiors. You can reach her at 480.227.1832, fashionhouseinteriors@gmail.com or her website www.fashionhouseinteriors.net

You Might Also Enjoy: