Inexpensive re-decorating ideas?

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I want to redecorate my place but I don't want to drop a ton of money. I rent and I have white walls, I also have a 'white oak' pergo floor. So I need color accents.

So far I've painted (already had the paint) two end tables and will paint my coffee table to the same color (all already owned them from IKEA) this weekend.

One of my couches is colorful and I'm going to buy a slipcover for my other one (since it's pretty much blending into the 'whiteness').

I was going to pick up an area rug or several throw rugs for the floor. I don't have anything on my walls, I can but I'm not that great at hanging things.

Any ideas?

 

[DisneyArk]

We recently moved and I bought a lot of things to decorate with at Hobby Lobby. I'm not sure if you have one in your area or not. They run good sales (50% off) if you keep your eyes open! In fact, we bought a lot of "stuff" and took it home to try it out and then returned what didn't work. Sometimes you have to see it in your room to know how it will look.

I'm not sure what your style is. Have you considered adding some flowers, greenery or a large plant/tree?

And to add something to the walls, I like the book shelves that are a little like ladders. They are usually not too expensive. You can alternate putting books, nick knacks, pictures, etc on each shelf. My sister likes hanging those cute wooden shelves (like crown molding) on the wall, but that doesn't work for me because I can't get them lined up to look right.

It sounds like you already have some good ideas on getting color into the room. Those slip covers can be expensive! If you delay buying one, you can add some fun, bright pillows to the sofa. You can also put a small throw blanket over just part of it (over a corner). It's amazing how pillows can change the look.

Good luck!!

 

[crisi]

I made some silk hangings for my bedroom. I took a peice of silk from the remanant table and dyed it with some Rit. Sewed the ends to slip a pole through. Its in three strips and it takes up a space of about 3'x4' - for probably about six bucks. And it looks like I bought it at a gallery.

I have other art as well, but that was a good way to cover a lot of wall cheaply.

 

[txgirl]

Mirrors are great! I bought a really large silver mirror from Michaels (you can get a 40% of coupon in most Sunday papers) and I sprayed it a matte black. I have sprayed many things black and they look great! I have the mirror hung over our desk area which is a black desk (think-Pottery barn). It looks great and I think the total cost was about $30.

 

[Nini]

if you have some photographs that you like and can find a black and white copier to use (try a Staples Copy Center or something like that), take one photo...blow it up to at least 8x10 size then take the copy and either frame it like that or do the following:

Take the "blown up" copy and fold it into 4's then "blow up" each quarter...you now have 4 pictures to frame in a set on your wall.

We did that with a picture of a horse we took in Montana...it really looks cool!

 

[PrincessKitty]

I am loving these creative ideas! I would love to see photos of people's creations if you have the time and energy to post them.

I agree that color is very important--I actually like white walls, but use a lot of color elsewhere. My foyer is mostly neutral tones(terracotta floor, wood walls, wood bookcases, bench, chest-of-drawers, and my grandmother's antique sewing machine) so I've added color with two large framed prints of entryways that my M-I-L and F-I-L brought us from Italy, plus a silky, fringed throw for the bench and a colorful runner over the top of the sewing machine.

I also have a peace lily (easy to care for, likes low light) in a sage green ceramic pot sitting on a ceramic stool that is white and decorated with a handpainted fern design.

I think you can get plenty of color and pizazz from throws, pillows, wall art, plants, pottery, and other accessories. I'm good at decorating small rooms (foyer, bathroom, bedroom) but larger, "public" rooms kind of throw me. I would like to change the decor of my living and dining rooms, so I'm eager to read more ideas/suggestions.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I knew I came to the right place! Those are some great ideas! Thank you!

I am hanging challenged (even with a level). I think I need to ask for a laser level for my birthday.

Hangings are a great idea and I already need to go to a crafts store this weekend.

A slipcover is going to be my big expense.

I think I'll pick up some inexpensive photoframes (from IKEA) and frame some postcards I have. And I'll look into blowing up some of my favorite photos into posters too.

Does anyone know if they make paint to paint unfinished photo frames that doesn't cost a small fortune?

 

[vanyel]

You can buy the paint samples from Benjamin Moore if you just need a small amount or buy craft paint from any of the craft/hobby shops.

Don't forget garage sales and resale shops.

My daughter framed some great fabric as an inexpensive way to add "art" to the walls.

Throws, pillow, rugs, curtains or drapes, plants, lighting all add to a bland room.

Are you allowed to paint? You could paint one wall for an impact.

Watch the decorating shows on tv for ideas.

 

[zumbergc]

Paint: if you stop by Home depot. They have the messed up paint section. A pint of paint is only $1, and the whole gallon is $5.
However, they only have the goofs the people made, or maybe even returns, so if your flexible or stop by often you can find something your looking for. Its especially good after they have a big $ sale on their major paints.

Lazer level. Just got one to hang some stuff i was afraid i would get croked in the master bed. Works really great and i got the one that was only $20. Its the kind that has the sticky 3m tabs on it. You apply it to the level, and then to the wall. The level rotates 360 degress so even if you get it up their not strait, its got the levels, you move it around until your level, and then you have the lazer beam to follow, and then your set. Its not one of thos cross-hair ones, or one that bounces onto several walls, those are like $100 and out of my useful $$ range.
Saw the 3m tag model at both HD and lowes,

I only needed to hang a few things, and didn't want to invest tons of cash on a different model. Some of the models it looked like you had to hang, or mount it on the wall, which i didn't want to put more extra holes in the wall. I figured i would only use it a few times at most a year, so if i had to purchase more 3m sticky things next year it would the best choice for me.

Connie

 

[Taja]

I knew I came to the right place! Those are some great ideas! Thank you!

I am hanging challenged (even with a level). I think I need to ask for a laser level for my birthday.

Hangings are a great idea and I already need to go to a crafts store this weekend.

A slipcover is going to be my big expense.

I think I'll pick up some inexpensive photoframes (from IKEA) and frame some postcards I have. And I'll look into blowing up some of my favorite photos into posters too.

Does anyone know if they make paint to paint unfinished photo frames that doesn't cost a small fortune?

If you're painting bare wood, be sure to seal it first. You can use a primer or a clear sealer. Then sand it very lightly--the wood grain will raise during priming or sealing, so you just want to return it to normal. If you don't have sandpaper, use steel wool or other abrasive, such as ScotchBrite pad.

You can purchase craft paint in sizes from 2 oz. to about 16 oz.--great for small projects! The less expensive the paint, the less pigment it contains (usually), so you may need more than one coat.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thank you all! I went to Target and Kohls today. Nothing, nada. Well I did find this one hanging art thing that I liked but it was expensive. I'm going to see about checking out IKEA tomorrow.

I did get my coffee table painted. It looks better. I like the wraught iron and antiqued silver look but I have so much light "wood" that I'm not sure how good it would look in large quantities.

My couch is like a deep red/maroon with hints of deep green and gold.

I do need to pick up a large box of photo wall hooks.

OOO I just discovered I have several hooks in my ceiling. What could be hung besides plants? One is near the wall and one is in the middle of the room.

 

[canwegosoon]

I would get a carpet...and area one or get a remenant bound. for under $75 it will totally change the "white" theme you have going. You might also get an inexpensive rug at IKEA. Easy to roll up and take with you!!!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Ya read my mind canwegosoon (love the name!).

I saw several at Target but they cost a small fortune. I have one throw rug from IKEA, going to see if they have any with the color scheme I'm going with.

My bedroom isn't so bad color wise but I'm getting tired of the scheme. Teal carpet, blue blanket, 'white oak' furniture, white walls. I have a curtain in there that would be great for the living room (color wise) so once I get a replacement I'm moving it and using it as a hanging to cover some wood paneling.

Any inexpensive ideas on how to make a bedroom into a 'sleep haven'?

My bathroom is all mismatched. Ok, now that I think about it just my towels are mismatched. I really liked the celestial patterns but I can't find them anymore. And it's more blue (though the current colors are blues).

 

[barkley]

first reconsider the slipcovers-i don't know a single person who hasnt spent their life restraightening them every time they get up !

on rugs/floor coverings-call a local carpet store and ask if they have a binding machine, and if so how much do they charge (will they give a discount if you buy your remnant there?). you can buy a beutiful remnant of high end carpet and have it bound to make an area rug.

a quick fix to the bedroom is to switch out the wall switch with a dimmer switch (that way you can have the lights low and relaxing). check out garage sales for bed in a bag sets (these are often sold cuz someone else is tired of thier look).

for the bathroom-if you have the room add an inexpensive wicker stand that can hold some fluffy, spa-like towels. a baby bamboo plant is relaxing as are some small tea candles (find a plate or saucer at a yard sale that matches your colors to put them on).

for artwork-we get posters on vacation and then buy poster frames (on the 40% sales at michaels). framed art work that can fill the emptiest space. you can also find a walpaper you adore (like the celestial), buy just one roll and glue it to some unfinished shelves (put a clear coat of seelant on it). also, check out walmart for the frames and misc. stuff (cheaper than ikea).

last but not least. ask everyone you know if they have any old stuff they want to get rid of. most everyone has some item of furniture or decorator item they want to "gift" (nice way to say have someone else haul off).

 

[canwegosoon]

Only thing I can think for a bedroom is one of those Misquoito nets..Christmas Tree Shops have them cheap.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Target has area rugs for $13 I think this week on Clearance, bright colors but could change the whole "whiteness" look of the room.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Plants! They are inexpensive (mostly) and they greatly improve the air quality all year long. Lowe's sells large tropicals this time of year for around $7. With a little care, some of these will grow quite nicely, and can even been divided. Philodendrons are almost impossible to kill - they will tolerate flooding and dry conditions, sun/shade. Several others are quite healthy too, and they really add a lot to any space. Plus, it can be pretty cool when plants start blooming.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thanks for your ideas! I've given up on the slip cover, instead I am going to buy some new pillows. I finished painting my coffee table but it didn't come out quite how I was thinking it would. So I'm going to buy some sheer fabric and make a cover for it and also buy some fabric and cover up some wood paneling that I can't stand. I may not need a rug after I do that.

One of the hooks I found would be perfect for a small hanging lamp. I'm going to look into getting one of those, or some easy to insteall ceiling lighting that I saw on HGTV.

Thanks again!

 

[ncbyrne]

if you have some photographs that you like and can find a black and white copier to use (try a Staples Copy Center or something like that), take one photo...blow it up to at least 8x10 size then take the copy and either frame it like that or do the following:

Take the "blown up" copy and fold it into 4's then "blow up" each quarter...you now have 4 pictures to frame in a set on your wall.

We did that with a picture of a horse we took in Montana...it really looks cool!

I used this same idea with a photo of my granddaughter. I took a close up digital photo. Had it developed @ 8x10. Then I cut it into 9 equal peices (folded in thirds, horizontily and lengthwise). Then I used my scanner to blow up each of the 9 peices. I arranged them in a poster frame, almost touching - about 1/2" apart.

 

[Danemom]

So I'm going to buy some sheer fabric and make a cover for it and also buy some fabric and cover up some wood paneling that I can't stand.

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.