I want to share with you 5 ways I decorate for less and bring the most impact for the least amount of money when decorating. With a large family and living on one income, there have been plenty of times I have had to decorate on a very limited budget. With 11 people to feed, clothe, educate and care for, paint and decor can feel like unnecessary expenditures. However, when my home feels cozy and cohesive it lends itself to creating an atmosphere of calm and warmth I want for my family. I am no expert and our current home still has a long way to go, but I’ve been creating this atmosphere for our family with limited cash for years now and I want to share a few tips with you today! I hope it helps you feel confident to jump in there and start where you are and with what you have, too.

Utilize the power of inexpensive paint

A little paint can go a long way to yield a high impact. You can paint half a wall, just one wall or even some furniture to acheive a cohesive look with a little paint.

If you are a DIY-er or have painted a room, you likely have some leftover paint or paint sample quarts laying around. A little secret is you can use those paints pretty much anywhere as long as you invest in some prep and primer! I’ve even used the sample paint pots mixed with some acrylic craft paint to get a color I like!

Also, did you know you can get inexpensive discount paints at your local paint or hardware store, as well as your local Habitat for Humanity? With paint currently upwards of $50-$70 it can get expensive quick, but these discounted paints will often be less than 50% off. I’ve scored gallons for $5 before! Look for white or light colored paints that you can then have tinted darker for free. But, don’t shy away from a bold color! It might be just the thing to add a fun element to a space by painting a piece of furniture or half wall somewhere!

Once again, paint can be your friend when you are looking to achieve a cohesive look for less. I have painted everything from lamps to shelve decor all the same color to get the look I want for almost next to nothing. You can paint ceramic outdated decor pieces all white or black or another neutral color and have a coordinating display for very little time and cost. Think out side the box when you are shopping at second hand stores or even looking through old decor pieces you already have.

Use the rule of 3

When decorating a space, I prefer to keep a neutral base and add color with the rule of 3. When you have 3 things in the room that are similar colors that is all you need. Remember that greenery and woods have their own “color” so try to create a harmonious look with fewer “colors”. If you have a dark couch and furniture that you can’t change, then add a lighter feel with textiles and maybe painting some larger pieces a lighter neutral tone. If you have light couches, rugs and walls, you can bring in some color by adding 3 elements. For example, pillows, shelf decor, and a lamp. Of course, you can add as much or as little color to your own preference, but this little “rule” finally helped me achieved the balanced feel I was after.

Update old hardware

Old hardware doesn’t need to be tossed out. You can spray paint it and it will last until you’re ready to either repaint or update when you have more in your budget. It is very easy to get a great look by spray painting all of your hardware the same finish. Even some outdated pieces can look modern with a black matte paint. Painting everything to match gives a high impact look with minimal effort or money.

You can also age your brass hardware to achieve a cool vintage aged gold look with brass ager. Rustoleum makes a great warm gold spray paint and matte black that include primer and bond very well. I used both in our current home updates to match the existing hardware in a new space.

Look for alternative textile options

I buy large amounts of fabric inexpensively and have used them to make pillows, curtains, slipcovers, bedskirts, and even throws. Sheets and tablecloths are a great way to do this! You get more for your money, even quality, this way. Check your thrift stores or local decor discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx and Homegoods. You can make a lot of pillows from 1 flat sheet! Vintage tablecloths, and even placemats can make great pillows. Try a no sew method if you don’t know how to sew a pillow. Also you can use hem tape and a sheet and VOILA! quick curtains for little of nothing!

Drop cloths are another favorite way to get a linen type look for much less. You can bleach your dropcloths to soften them and even dye them! I’ve used drop cloths in lots of ways and even as a room divider in our previous home!

Create your own art

I don’t mean paint your own art here, so don’t shy away from reading this if you’re not an artist! Although, you can certainly use your own art on the walls by all means! I am talking about using picture frames you already have and repainting or staining them to match a look you’re trying to achieve. You can frame anything form black and white photos, magazine pictures and coffee table book prints! Think outside the box and get creative. You can find free images online as well as some beautiful vintage paintings and prints. Etsy sellers are selling digital downloads, as well. Create a fun text print in a document software like google docs even. The sky is the limit really, not your wallet!

Well, I hope these few tips have inspired you and not overwhelmed you! I hope you are feeling ready to tackle a fun diy and jump into creating a space YOU love and that blesses your family! The beauty of decorating for less is that it becomes much less daunting to take on a project that costs little- so jump in there and try something new!

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Take care and have fun,

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