Guest Blogger: How to Stretch your Home Decorating Dollar this Year

Guest Blogger #318, Entry #883, January 6, 2012

If you’re looking to design on a dime like the people on TV, there are plenty of ways that you can spruce up your interior spaces without spending an arm and a leg to do it.  And in many cases, you don’t have to settle for pieces that really aren’t what you want simply because the price is right.  With just a few simple guidelines you can find almost exactly what you’re looking for at less cost.  So here are some tips to help you stick to your budget when searching for decor.

Prioritize what remodeling projects to stretch your dollars further

Image via: Message Note

Prioritize

Very few people can do everything they want within their interior space, which means at some point you’re going to have to pick and choose the items you want to upgrade (or how you go about giving them a facelift).  So while you might want a new bedroom set and a new couch, your budget simply may not accommodate.  However, you can still get both by reupholstering the couch and then visiting a reclaimed furniture outlet to find a bed frame and matching dressers.

Comparison shop

Just because you think you’ve found the perfect item at the first store you visit doesn’t mean you should impulsively purchase it.  If you want to preserve your budget while getting all of the pieces you’ll need to decorate your home, you need to shop smart, not fast.  So take plenty of time to look around; you may be surprised at how many options end up being “perfect” at far less cost than the first item you spied.

Look for alternatives

Sure the look and feel of hardwoods and luxury fabrics are nice, but when you’re decorating on a budget, you may need to look for comparable items that are a little less pricey.  And you can do so in a couple of ways.  For furnishings, reclaimed is the way to go and you can find plenty of shops that specialize in refurbishing high-end items and then selling them for a lot less than retail prices.  Estate sales may also net you some fabulous finds at steal-worthy prices.  For everything else, consider looking for local artists that can supply you with some eclectic pieces or simply seek out choice antiques or thrift-store items that you can restore and upgrade on your own.  This is great for finding lamps, linens, and other decor with retro flair at amazing values.

What rooms will you save money remodeling this year?

Image via: Homedecorating Ideas Pictures

Skip retail

There’s something to be said for going to a showroom where you can see and feel the pieces you’re considering putting in your home.  But if you’re buying in a retail space you may be paying more than you have to for the same (or similar) items.  Because brick-and-mortar businesses have high overhead (a lease, utilities, employees, and so on) they have to charge customers more to cover these costs (or take a loss).  By ordering online you stand to save a huge amount of money, both through discount stores (like Overstock.com) and companies that offer free shipping on large orders.

Check your credit

Most people know that they are supposed to have a good credit score so that they can get approved for loans and credit cards.  But did you know that a stellar credit rating can also net you better interest rates whenever and however you borrow money?  You may not take out a personal loan for home decorating (as opposed to renovations, for example), but you’ll likely purchase most of your items on credit.  And unless you have access to the best credit cards, you could be paying a lot more than you bargained for thanks to sky-high interest rates.  So order a free credit report and see what you can do to get the lowest rates on all future purchases.

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