Decorating Your Home on a Budget: Big Impact for Little Money~

Hello Lovelies!

For the next few months, I'm partnering with Apartment Guide as an official Apartment Guide Decor Blogger.  Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers how-to tips for making the most of a space on a budget.  And as an official Apartment  Guide Decor blogger, that's just what I'm going to do as well.  I hope that you all will join me on this bloggy journey as I share tips and ideas for living on a budget.  And continuing with this month's theme of Decorating on a Budget (my favorite subject), today I'm sharing ways to make a BIG impact in a room with a small budget!

I have already shared my boys' bedroom with you, but today we're going to break it down to see how some of the least expensive elements in the room actually create the biggest impact.

First up, my favorite part of the room...the striped wall.

It might seem obvious to some, but the easiest way to create a big impact in a room without spending a lot of money is....drumroll please....paint! 

This fabulous wall which is the true focal point of the room was created with two gallons of paint and some painters tape.  Not a huge investment...but a HUGE impact.  That said... I rent.  And I am lucky because I can paint.  I realize not everyone who rents is that lucky.  And I'm sure when those of you who rent  - and can't paint - read suggestions like this you roll your eyes.  I don't blame you.  But consider bringing in large scale artwork that you create yourself.  You could even achieve a similar look to this wall, by painting a large piece of plywood (not very expensive) with stripes and then attaching it to - or propping it against - the wall.

The other thing about this wall which gives it a lot of impact didn't cost a thing.  You heard me right. It was free.  See that great wood on the wall?  We found a free pallet on the side of the road.  Then we dismantled it and reassembled it to create a backdrop.   Then I just placed a cardboard deerhead on it, but you could put anything on a backdrop like this and it will make a statement!  The key is to think outside of the box.  Look at things with a "how can I make this work?" attitude, and you might just be surprised at what you will find.

Similarly, this green dresser was a freebie.  A cast off from one of the Hubby's clients.  It was out of date, but in really great shape. So we took it knowing that we could do something with it.  With a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware, this 1970's piece is perfect for the 2010's!

Finally, you can create a real impact with things you already own.  I'm talking collections, people.  If you collect something (in this case, I've pictured some globes) let your collection become a focal point. I've done the same thing with the "B's" above the green dresser.  Like things displayed together always have impact!

This is a formula that I follow in many of my rooms, because I am always working on a budget. 
1. Paint - it's a decorators best friend. 
2. Think outside the box -  what new and unique ways can you use objects to make them more interesting?
3. Group like objects together for impact.

Try using these tips and see if you can't turn a so-so room from blah to beautiful!

•       In the market for budget-friendly furniture for a small apartment? Learn where to find inexpensive pieces for small spaces: http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=2581
•      Whether you are looking for decorating tips or design inspiration, Apartment Guide provides ideas for any size home on http://www.movingtoday.comand http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/
•   “Like” Apartment Guide on Facebook at Facebook.com/apartmentguideor follow them on Twitter @AptGuidefor real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space.  Apartment Guide will be sharing even more ideas for living on a budget.

Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.