Monday, November 8, 2010

Decoration Dilemma

Decorating can be an absolute nightmare... Especially on a budget and in a small space. If your are trying to achieve fabulosity, for a good price, and not look like you're cutting corners on your already-tiny space, these simple tips and sites can help you achieve the impossible.

Tip 1: Choose a color scheme that suits your personality.
This can be difficult, especially if you are already a colorful person, and enjoy a wide range rather than something easier to find matching items for, such as neutrals. But, as hard as it is to narrow down your options, it can be made a lot easier! Try to find a focus point for your design. For example, I found these great baby blue and brown pillows which now serve as the color pallet for my living-room and its connecting kitchen. Once you know which colors you are looking for, it is a lot easier to sort through all of the riff-raff.

Tip 2: Start by finding your basics.
Because my apartment came furnished, all I was really left to do was find things to accent my chocolate brown couch, and dark wooden tables. (However, if your apartment is not already furnished, I suggest looking for major furniture pieces first (such as a couch and coffee table). Try googling "discount furniture" and see what comes up.)
Once your major pieces have been selected, find things that compliment them, such as pillows, an area rug, and curtains. Bed Bath & Beyond has a great selection, as well as Target. You can shop online for both of these stores, but I find it helpful to actually visit the store in-person. (I took my pillow with me so I could match colors).

Tip 3: Splurge on must-have's.
There are few things in this world that cannot be substituted for something else. But there are also a few things that you just cannot live without. These tiny splurge items will be what bring your room to life and let your personality shine through it all. For me, my must-have items were two ruffled pillows, deep brown and blue striped curtains, and crystal coasters that I purchased from Z Gallerie, and these silver napkin holders that I found at Bed Bath & Beyond. The thick vertical stripes in my curtains help to elongate the walls, making my ceilings look higher and the coasters are always a conversation piece when we have guests over.

Tip 4: Don't be afraid to craft!
Home-made flower vase
Home-made crown for artwork
There are several things in my apartment that are made by yours truely <3 (not to mention it was a ton of fun doing it) Things like flower vases and pot holders can be a lot of fun to make and definitely help to bring the space together. My roommates and I searched ideas for fun crafting pieces that we could make easy and cheap. We found an oversized champagne glass that we bedazzled to make into a flower pot, and saved wine corks that we glued together to make hot-plate holders. You can also make your own artwork with a large canvas, paint, and a couple brushes. Abstract art is so in right now!

Tip 5: Shop for deals.
Discount stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls have simple, inexpensive things that help to pull a room together. You can find cheap picture frames, art, candles, dishes, and much more! This way, if you find something you love (such as a great picture frame) and it isn't the right color, you won't feel bad to paint over it to make it match your new space! You may even be able to find an extra chair or lamp from a yardsale. One person's trash may be your new room's treasure!

Tip 6: Don't over-do it.
Less is more. Especially working with a small space. It can be fun (and mildly addicting) to shop for little nick-nacks to fill your room, but try not to overcrowd a small space. There's no reason to waste money, especially when you still have to shop for things like pots and pans that easily add up to a big expense.



Tip 7: Bring it all to life. 
There is nothing like pictures of you and your friends, or a bouquet of fresh flowers you picked up at the grocery store that will bring a room to life quicker! You want your space to be trendy and sophisticated, but actually look like people live there! 

Tip 8: Have a house-warming party!
What a better way to break-in a new space than by celebrating the change with friends and family! Pop open a bottle of Prosecco (or sparkling cider for those of you who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage) and pour it into that set of six champagne flutes (that you got on sale). Prepare a nice cheese spread for your guests, and enjoy! Because you're new space is obviously fabulous, it will be fun to share your "how-to's" and "this is where i got it's"




One of my favorite sites for room ideas is ZGallerie.com. They have so many great color-schemes and definitely give ideas on how to pull a room together.

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