Take Rhode Island by Design: February 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

Budget Decorating Ideas

Paint a piece of furniture that needs freshening up.
A new color can make a dramatic difference. Head to a home store or local paint shop and ask where they keep cans of paints that customers didn’t end up taking, or ones that have been returned due to incorrect color choices. You can walk away with an entire gallon for a quarter of the price.
Paint one wall.
Use a color you love that you aren't daring enough to use in an entire room.
Scout unexpected places for furniture deals.
If a hotel, restaurant, or even a Laundromat is going out of business, ask if they have anything they'd like to get rid of. Think light fixtures, tables, chairs, and other unique finds.
Ask about coupons.
When visiting home or department stores known for offering regular coupons, ask a cashier if they have any coupons that you can use.
Stock up on basic tools.
If you have tools on hand, you can take on easy decorating projects yourself. Buy a staple gun, staples, hammer, nails in at least three sizes, tape measure, leveling device, a power drill (worth saving up for), screwdriver (flat head and Phillips), sandpaper, paint brushes, rollers, paint stick (those are usually free at the paint store), and a jar of Mod Podge.
Update window treatments.
Slight alterations to curtains can transform an entire room. Add a thick red border to creamy white drapes; paint a wooden curtain rod a bright color.
Add new fixtures and update hardware.
If you can install fixtures yourself—a new pendant light for the dining room, a new faucet in the kitchen, lighting over the sink—you can easily make a positive change on the cheap. Swap out hardware on furniture and cabinetry.
Create your own wall art.
Turn favorite photos into great wall hangings. Enlarge and print out favorite photos; frame leftover fabric, wallpaper, or wrapping paper.

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Organizing the Bedroom Tips

Stock the nightstand drawer.
Stow away more workaday accoutrements, such as an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, and hand and foot creams.
Use under-the-bed space.
Store out-of-season clothes and other items in containers made of plastic, canvas, or wood. Keep cold-weather blankets in large plastic containers for extra protection. If you choose wood boxes, opt for cedar, which helps deter moths, and line the containers with plain unbleached muslin to counter the wood’s acidity. Use canvas for delicate items such as cashmere sweaters, which need circulating air. Make sure all clothing and blankets are cleaned before storing.
Arrange the night table.
Display items that look good and make sense: an alarm clock, reading glasses, a water carafe and/or glass, a vase, a book (or a small stack of books), and small framed photographs. Gauge the space, though: You don’t want it to feel crowded.
Declutter the dresser.
Bureaus typically have smaller drawers at the top and larger ones at the bottom. Underwear belongs in top drawers, while heavier garments go in bottom ones.
Install drawer dividers.
To make the most of drawer space, install plastic dividers, which are especially helpful for organizing small items like underwear, bras, and socks or stockings. (Note: Wood dividers can snag clothing.)