Jul 19 2010
How to Perk Up Your Home on a Budget
Are you one of those people who are so tight that you squeak when you walk? Frugal is a good thing, but you may still find yourself yearning for a more beautiful home. Your budget may force you to be frugal, or you may simply choose to live well within your means. Either way, you can really spruce up your home without spending an exorbitant amount of money.
This article offers some easy ideas that you can use right now to transform those dull, bland rooms into spaces that offer atmosphere and appeal!
Start with the Floors
It may sound simple, but often carpets that are soiled and floors that are badly stained take away from the beauty of your home. If your carpets are dirty, the colors don’t shine through. Clean them yourself, or have a professional do it for you. Frequently, you will find that there are beautiful wooden floors underneath the carpet, especially in older homes, so pulling the carpet up may be something you want to consider.
Tile or linoleum floors in the kitchen or bathroom can accumulate grime, grease and wax. This is easily solved, and your floors will shine like new again. Products that contain trisodium phosphate, such as automatic dishwasher detergent, are perfect for stripping the old wax and grime. Just mix two tablespoons with two gallons of warm water, and put some elbow grease into it! This mixture won’t bubble, but you will need to rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Painting Makes Everything Better
A coat of fresh paint makes any room shine. The amazing thing about paint is that you can use it almost anywhere – on walls, furniture, floors or glass. If you have a room that needs a little extra ‘pop’, consider painting those bland walls a dramatic color. You can paint a single wall for a unique look. Simply use a color from your upholstery. You will be amazed how adding a large area of one of the primary colors to your décor will help accentuate these colors when found in small patterns scattered around the room!
If your furniture is worn out and you don’t have the money to purchase new, paint it! Give the surfaces a light sanding, and paint the furniture any color you like. If you like an antique or shabby chic look, sand the corners and edges lightly after painting.
Accessorize!
Accessories have the ability to pull the entire look together, or add a burst of style and color without costing a great deal of money. To dress up your living room, consider boldly patterned throw pillows for the couch and colorful prints for the walls. Throws not only keep you warm, they’re also great for tossing over worn spots on a sofa, or as a large focal point when hung alone on a wall.
Add a few colorful candles and some fresh flowers, and your home will feel like new again – even though you didn’t bust your budget. Some simple cleaning, paint and a few new accessories will have you feeling good about your home’s appearance!
