Inexpensive re-decorating ideas?

[Nini]

I was just going to post that about framing fabric. Someone gave me some fabric from their trip to China many years ago, so I framed a large piece of it. It really adds color and is a great conversation piece!

 

[Cruz Family]

I'm an Interior Designer, if you would like to post or email me some pictures I would be happy to take a look at them and give you some ideas. Melissa

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I saw a show once where they used liquid starch to do this. You just soak the fabric in the starch and then put it on the wall like wallpaper. After it dries, it will stay up until you want to remove it - then it will just peel off easily. It was perfect for a renter since you didn't have to make any holes. I think I'd try it with a small piece first though.

This also works with spray starch. Just get the fabric damp then spray the wall with starch, put the fabric up and spray it again. I've done this alot because I always either rent or live in military housing. The only problem I've had is in rooms with high humidity like the bathroom or a room using a vaporizer they fall down, but they leave absolutely no marks on the walls.

 

[frannn]

I didn't want to spend a ton, since I have pets and 3 DDs ranging from todder to teenager. It is a medium sized rentangular room, with a door that leads to a small sunroom. I hired a painter to pant my living room, hall, kitchen, and part of the dining room. This was not cheap (1100), but you could do it yourself. The walls went from white (icky, gray-white), to a rose based light brown (the color is Benjamin Moore, called Cappuchino). The furniture is a medium brown "ultrasuede" type, so it's pretty plain. I bought a tan chenile throw and pillow set from Disney Direct (15.-small inconspicuous Dwarfs picture on the corner of the throw & small birds/flowers on the pillow). I had gotten off white sheer curtains from ebay months ago, with pretty gold waterfall valances. I think it cost me 60-80. I purchased a medium sized throw rug from my local flea market for about 25. It sits at the foot of the largest window in the room, and is light green with flowers. Today I bought a fancy light green pillow with tassels and a few embroidered light brown flowers for 10. at National Wholesale Liquidators, and creme colored twin sheets at Walmart for about 3. each. MIL will make curtains for the doors in the living room to hide the "stuff" cluttering up the sunroom, and for the front entry inside door. I had already purchased forest green velvety pillows, a light green chenile pillow, and a brown/flowers tapestry pillows on clearance at local stores. I switched out the cushion on our glider chair for a new, green (used) one I bought on ebay. I only have a few pictures hanging- two bought on clearance at Michaels, and one gorgeous framed personalized marriage certificate (from GalleryofLove.net -you get to pick the event, style, design, frame). The room is really shaping up! Even my dog matches, cause he's dark brown!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thank you! I love the spray starch idea. I'll have to give that a try. It sure beats pinning/nailing fabric to the boards.

 

[crisi]

T.J. Maxx and Marshalls often have great selections of knick knacks and pictures. Cheaper than even Target. Though I wouldn't worry about doing it all at once.

 

[Taja]

Hmmmm....

In the bedroom, you could hang draperies from the ceiling at the head of your bed--extend them to the side and about 12 inches or so toward the foor of the bed. Sort of a "U" shape, with the bottom of the U at the head of the bed and possibly encompass your nightstands or end tables, if you have any. Creates a cozy feeling without being completely closed off!

A lot of things depend on your lease. Are you allowed to paint without jeopardizing your deposit? Can you hang things on the walls/ceilings?

If you have a lot of light colors in a room, try a touch of black, navy, burgundy, or deep purple, green or chocolate brown to ground the room. You'll need a bit in two or three places to make it work. Wrought iron can be effective, as can electronics, throw pillows, a throw, etc.

 

[Taja]

I have a friend who swear by Ross. I, on the other hand, never seem to find anything worthwhile there!