Budget Decorating: How to Decorate Smart and Slow

Home decorating shows and design magazines go for the quick thrill of instantly transformed spaces, which can certainly be exciting to watch; but for many of us, designing a home is not something that happens overnight. Case in point: It's been four years since we moved into our home, and we still are a long way from having any room really "finished."

But guess what? That is OK with me. Even though our 90-year-old floors need refinishing, and I still don't own the perfect set of throw pillows, I feel happy at home. And I feel really good knowing that we have been growing at a pace that stays well within our budget.

Read on for some of my best tips on planning and decorating your space with versatility, longevity and quality in mind. And, of course, the budget!

Tap into what you love. Pinpointing your personal sense of style and keeping a running list of things you love can cut down on decorating mishaps and buyer's remorse. If you know exactly what you love (and have the endless wish lists and ideabooks to prove it), you are already a step ahead. If not, put yourself on a spending freeze and devote your energy to exploring what you love.


Think two steps ahead. It pays to have a strategy: Can't afford the coffee table you really want? Use a pair of less pricey side tables instead — when you do buy that coffee table, the side tables can be used as they were intended, or as bedside tables.

Choose furniture in easy colors that all go together, so you can swap things from room to room as needed. Buy furnishings for kids' rooms that could also work for grownups. You get the idea.


Get in the habit of thinking vintage and free first. Getting savvy with Craigslist, eBay, and your local vintage and antiques shops is a great way to furnish your home on a budget. There is no need to mope over that crazy-expensive table you have your eye on when you may be able to locate a similar piece at a price you can afford. It's always worth a shot.


Stop the cycle of buying disposable furniture. What those home improvement shows don't show you is what happens to the "instant" designed spaces after six months, a year or more. The fact is, cheaply made stuff will fall apart, sometimes even within a year. And then what happens? You must dispose of it, it takes up space in a landfill, and you end up spending more money on a replacement.

If you need something in a pinch, try sourcing it for free, borrowing from a friend or relative, or purchasing a stand-in piece used until you can afford what you have your heart set on.


Learn new skills and get creative. If you have any interest in making things by hand, why not give it a shot? With basic sewing skills, you can easily and cheaply make new cushions for your chairs and sofa, hem curtains and whip up new napkins, tablecloths and more. If sewing is not your thing, try painting — painting a piece of furniture can be a successful project even for a DIY newbie.

Bonus: By choosing your own fabrics, trimmings and paint colors, your space will look and feel like you, not a replica of a retail showroom or page from a catalog.

Get ideas from the Houzz DIY section


Don't be afraid to splurge, just do it intelligently. Having a few high-quality pieces you love and that suit your style can uplift your entire space, and because well-made furniture will last and holds resale value better than the cheap stuff.

But just because you are splurging doesn't mean abandoning your best bargain-hunting skills! Consider seeking out a designer floor model, or finding out when the current year's pieces go on sale. Also be sure that you have the money to spend. Going into debt over a sofa is not worth it.


Keep busy when funds are low. Clean up, make mood boards, add to your inspiration ideabook, get plants and fresh flowers — there are many things you can do to stay inspired and enjoy your home, even when you can't shop.

Tell us: Are you a slow decorator, or do you tend to get everything done at once? What do you do when you can't afford the things you really want? Share your tips and stories in the Comments!

More:
How to Shop Your Home for a New Look

How to Appreciate Your House Just as It Is

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