I love me some decorating. Finding goodies for my house is probably one of my all-time favorite hobbies. The people in Homegoods know me by name. Since moving in a little over 2 years ago, I find myself constantly look around the rooms, trying to figure out what else can be done. It was great when I was working and had some extra income flowin’ in. But now that we are a one income family, I must watch my spending. No more clothes shopping when ever I want, and no more trips to Homegoods when ever I want! Wah!!
So now that my home furnishing addiction is being censored, I must now reach deep down, channel the gods and grab every thrifty bone in my body to figure something out. How am I going to get things finished with the smallest budget in the world? Design on a dime bitches!
Design on a Dime Tip #1: DIY! Baby A’s room has been ghettofied for about 10 months now. Every style I remotely like would cost me almost $200 or more for the amount we need to cover her windows. Since the sun blazes through her blinds, I needed them to be block out as much sun light as possible. BLEH! So my crafty mom suggested we just make them. We finally found fabric that fits perfectly in her little lavender wonderland, bought a liner to help keep the sun out and that cut the price in more than half from just buying pre-made ones. So if you know how to sew or know someone who can help you, try making your own window treatments. It will save you a shit ton of money.
Design on a Dime Tip #2: Re-purpose! Use what ever you may have. I have a lot of left over paint from Baby A’s room. I was planning on keeping the same color scheme in the bathroom as well, so I will be using the rest of the paint in there! Annnnnnnd with the left over fabric from the curtains we will be making a shower curtain. Boom.
Design on a Dime Tip #3: Restore! If you have an old mirror or piece of furniture that you have no idea what to do with, try sprucing it up. By adding a little paint or a new finish to something it can change the look from old to new and fit your style.
Design on a Dime Tip #4: Be Resourceful! My front room is in dire need of a focal piece of art. It has been dubbed our lounge and is even equip with a bar. My husband is really into music so we have our heart set on a classic Beatles painting that would fill up our huge ass wall. For the size we need, it would cost over $300 for a picture. My uncle is quite the artist and has painted gorgeous pieces for pretty much everyone in the family. All we do is buy supplies! If your uncle isn’t as artsy as mine, finding a private artist could get pricey. Try checking out local art classes or schools around your area to see if you can recruit someone to paint an original for you for a few extra bucks, supplies included! Or if you got the touch, DIY.
Design on a Dime Tip #5: Shop Smart. For all the other things you can make or repurpose, check out T.J.Maxx, Homegoods, Marshalls or any other local discounted retail store. You have to really look through the shelves to find some steals, but they are there. They even sell furniture, rugs and wall art for great prices. And don’t be afraid to ask for more of a discount if the item is scratched a bit-they will give it to you!
– Amanda
