If your room is looking a little boring, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it looking like something that’s been featured in a magazine! There are some great tips that will ensure that your budget room looks like a million dollars.  For more advice, just chat with you local interior decorator.  They’ll be only too happy to help.

Work with Key Pieces

If you’re on a budget, the key is to buy a few key pieces that act as the anchor to your design.  These should be classic pieces that work well with different colours and styles so that you can change your decor cheaply in the future.  Look for well made furniture that will last for years (couches, beds, coffee and side tables etc) in neutral tones or natural timbers.  You may fall in love with a red couch but resist it as it is expensive to replace later on when you want to redecorate!

Don’t Be Afraid to DIY

One of the best ways to get the most out of your budget is by DIY’ing but it really doesn’t have to be a scary process! No one expects you to build a new dining setting or anything like that.  DIY can be as simple as painting a canvas yourself, stretching fabric over a frame to create a wall hanging, painting a wall or indeed the whole room, or undertaking simple craft project to create gorgeous accessories.  With a bit of time and effort, you’ll have something that is uniquely you and that looks like it cost more than it really did.

Look for Bargains

Let’s face it, most of us need no excuse to shop but that doesn’t mean that you have to empty your wallet at the local mall!  The trick is to look for accessories, ornaments, rugs, throws and other knick knacks at the right time and in the right place.  Garage sales, op shops and discount stores often have great finds at a bargain basement price.  Alternatively, you can wait for sales (end of financial year sales or midyear sales are biggies!) to pick up that piece that you love at a fraction of the price.  The key is to wait for the thing that you love to be at the price that you love – don’t get impatient and buy it at full price!

Choose Your Colour and Theme

Something else that you have to remember is to have a colour and theme in mind before you start decorating.  This keeps you focused and ensures that you only buy things that work in with what you are doing! Decide if you want a room that’s shabby chic, country cosy, modern and streamlined, beachy feeling etc.  From that, choose one or two main colours that you want to work with.  If you’re choosing a monochromatic theme, use textures to break things up and add visual interest.  If you’re working with two or more colours, make sure that they complement or contrast.