How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
in Your Kitchen the Frugal Way

budget decorating

Christmas Decorating on a Budget

by Frugal Simplicity

Christmas Decorating on a Budget

Believe it or not, it is that time of year again where we begin to prepare for our Christmas Holiday. This year does not have to be a stressful event if you plan ahead and utilize all resources. You do not have to spend a lot to create an enjoyable environment. The traditional Christmas complete with tree, wreath, garland, candles, ornaments and lights can become your families tradition, where all members of the family come together to partake in the event.

The tree, probably the most prominent item for the holiday, can be dressed up to suit your style. For the garland, why not try stringing popcorn together. You can use food dye to create your desired color. Or if you have younger children, make chains made out of construction paper.

As for the ornaments, take a trip into your local craft store and purchase some Styrofoam balls, pins, glue and fabric samples (which are usually placed in the front of the store) to create one-of-a-kind delights. If you do not have the time to create your own ornaments, another option would be the second-hand store near you.

For the wreath the possibilities are endless. Again, if time permits you can make your own wreath from fresh evergreens. Or simply purchase a wreath, adding on some of the leftover fabric samples for the bow and then add on simple things that can also be purchased for very little such as dried flowers, fake birds, fake snow, and throw in some pine cones from the yard.

Do not forget the candles. There is something to be said for the ambiance created from candles. They definitely bring atmosphere to the holiday. Making candles with the family can be as rewarding as the finished product. Again there are many shapes and styles of molds for the candles, and you can create your own masterpiece.

If you have a fireplace, you will want that decorated as well. At this point you probably have most of what you need from the other projects, except for some evergreen branches which can be purchased almost anywhere. You can either leave the fireplace mantle exposed or for a warmer feel, try draping a cloth over it.

Now that you and your family have created the perfect Christmas on a budget, throw a few logs on the fire, sit back and enjoy. This is one Christmas the whole family will remember.

Share this:

{ 0 comments }

Decorating Your Home for Fall on a Budget

by Frugal Simplicity

Decorating Your Home for Fall on a Budget

The price of seasonal decor is on the rise. So what’s a stylish decor maven to do when trying to decorate for fall? Take on a DIY project, of course!

Whether you’re working on a shoestring budget, or simply trying to save a dime, with a bit of ingenuity and time, you’ll be well on your way to fall home decor that even Martha Stewart deems worthy.

Try these inexpensive decor ideas to jazz up your home for fall:

1. Pinecone wreath. Greeting your guests at the door with a pinecone wreath ensures a warm and stylish welcome. Rather than paying the standard price of $50 to $100 for a pinecone wreath, make one yourself for under $10!

* Take an afternoon to collect pinecones with your children or grandchildren. Two small shopping bags of pinecones should be enough for a large wreath. Next, purchase a Styrofoam wreath for approximately $1, a glue gun for around $2, and a piece of ribbon for $1.

* Use a glue gun to adhere the flatter side of the pinecones to the wreath. The pinecones should be pointing upwards, rather than laying flat. Continue gluing pinecones until the Styrofoam of the wreath is no longer visible. Then, loosely wrap a long ribbon around the top of the wreath and tie.

* You can display your pinecone wreath by hanging the ribbon on your doorknocker or simply using a wreath hanger that can be purchased at most big box stores for $5.

2. Pressed Leaf showcase. With the help of Mother Nature and some everyday items you already have around the house, you can make photo frames that display your beautiful pressed leaves. This fall staple is the epitome of autumn decor and packs a big punch for a small buck!

* Place a piece of wax paper in the middle of a heavy book, such as an encyclopedia, and lay several leaves on the wax paper without overlapping leaves. Place another sheet of wax paper over the leaves, and then close the book. Let stand for approximately 12 hours.

* Use a piece of scrapbook paper with colors that are reminiscent of fall and fit it to your photo frame. Place a dot of hot glue on the center of the paper and press your leaf onto the glue. Then, carefully slide your pressed leaf and scrapbook paper combo into your photo frame and display!

3. Simple switch. Changing your smallest accessories can provide both the biggest bang for your buck and visual stimulation. Swap out your regular throw pillows, curtains, throws, and vases in favor of ones that are laden with fall friendly hues.

* Orange, red, brown, bronze, and even green are generally colors associated with fall.

* There’s no need to replace your existing decor; just adapt what you already have! Attach a fun orange or brown pompom trimming to your curtains with Velcro. Rather than ditching your existing throw pillow, simply sew a flirty and autumn-friendly cover for the fall.

Whether you’re working with a $100 budget or a $10 budget, you can effectively decorate your home for the fall. When on a tight budget, your most important ally will be your imagination. Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Take inspiration from magazines, decorating shows or even snap photos of pieces you see in department stores and try to recreate them at home. If you’re open to trying something new and taking the time to take on some DIY projects, the sky truly is the limit to what you can do!

Share this:

{ 0 comments }

Budget Decorating – Tips for Decorating on a Budget

by Frugal Simplicity

Budget Decorating – Tips for Decorating on a Budget

You look around your home, and you are bored. The furniture has been the same for years, and you haven’t changed a thing since your current senior in college was roaming the house in diapers. Perhaps it’s time to consider redecorating! However, will money as tight as it usually is these days, decorating on a budget may seem like a pipe dream. Never fear- here are several money saving options that will make your house seem brand new!

Consider a paint job. Decorating on a budget does not need to be a complete overhaul of your house. Changing one thing, drastically, can give a room a completely different feel. Are the white walls of your living room a little bland? Pick a color in the fabric of your curtains, couch, or even picture frames, and paint your walls. The color will add new life to your room, and you can usually manage to paint a room, including all of the supplies, for around $75. That won’t break the bank, and it will blow your mind. Another interesting color change? Paint your ceiling. A dark blue ceiling can make any room pop!

Cruise your local consignment and resale stores. When decorating on a budget, don’t be afraid to buy used. A lot of times, consignment stores have strict standards about the level of wear and tear they will accept on their consigned pieces, so the furniture you’re looking at will be in really good condition. You will end up saving hundreds of dollars on pieces that will make your house look brand new. You also don’t need to buy a whole new house full of furniture. A (like) new armchair, china hutch or dresser can add a new dimension to the room, and can sometimes be found for as little as $50. Now, that’s decorating on a budget!

If you have the time and the will, refurbish some of the pieces you already have. That sofa that you’ve had for thirty years and is nearly worn white? Recover it yourself! There are a variety of books, how to guides, and YouTube videos available that can show you how to do the process, and the materials are not all that expensive. Some people will find the experience relaxing, and it becomes a hobby for them. It doesn’t have to be super expensive material, either. Browse the clearance aisles at stores like Hobby Lobby to find upholstery material for cheap! If it becomes something you’re good at, you can even do it on a regular basis and make money off of it.

Share this:

{ 0 comments }

Frugal Interior Decorating

by Frugal Simplicity

Frugal Interior Decorating

Let’s face it, it can cost an arm and a leg to get a professional interior designer to come to your home and make it look great. When you’re on a budget, you want frugal interior decorating ideas. The following are ideas you can use to change the look of your home and stick to a budget.

Start by deciding which room is most in need of an interior decorating facelift. What things about that room can remain and what would you like to change? Can you keep certain elements or do you want an overall new look?

Next, come up with a budget. Decide how much you can spend and then begin researching to see what you can do yourself and what will require a professional. Two areas you definitely want an expert involved in are plumbing and electricity unless you’re a licensed professional. And once you have your budget squared away, stick to it!

Painting is one way to change the look of a room dramatically without having to get all new furniture and accessories. Don’t be afraid to create a bold, new look by using darker colors. Find a darker shade than the curtains or furniture and create a focal wall. Add a new mirror or wall art to give your room a new look.

Rearrange your current furniture. Pull items from other rooms of the house to be repurposed elsewhere. This is a great way to bring new life to a room without spending any money at all.

Find wallpaper borders to match any style or décor. With a new coat of paint and a new border, you can totally change the look of any room. Bring in a few accessories to complete the room.

Borders can also be used down in the center of the wall to create a chair rail. Paint a darker shade below the border, possibly using glaze and texturing to give the appearance of leather, faux wood, or even marble. Luckily, many of the faux painting techniques can be done as do-it-yourself projects.

If your bathroom is in need of an update, why not refinish your bathtub and sink rather than replacing them? This project may seem difficult, but the fact is anyone who has ever painted with a paint roller can do a bang-up job and make a huge difference in their bathroom. Add new curtains, corresponding towels, and your bathroom will look great without breaking the bank!

Do you have a friend that is gifted with interior decorating? Barter with them by offering to help them in an area where you excel. This could be cooking lessons, babysitting, or whatever you can do that will be comparable in value. Bartering is an age-old way of getting what you want; it can be a win-win proposition for both parties.

Set up a decorating swap meet. Ask friends and family to pull together items they’d like to change and have everyone meet at a central location. Trade those items with one another rather than tossing them or selling them at a yard sale. If the items are still in good shape, this could be a great way to give them new life in a new location.

These ideas aren’t the only ones available, but they can get you started toward creating a new look for your home without breaking your budget. Decide how much you can spend, find frugal ways to make the changes you want, and soon your home will have a new appearance you’ll be proud of.

Share this:

{ 0 comments }

budget decorating

Christmas Decorating on a Budget

Decorating Your Home for Fall on a Budget

Budget Decorating – Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Frugal Interior Decorating

Frugal Living

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

Subscribe to Frugal Simplicity Updates

Mega Couponing

budget decorating

Christmas Decorating on a Budget

Decorating Your Home for Fall on a Budget

Budget Decorating – Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Frugal Interior Decorating

Frugal Living

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

Subscribe to Frugal Simplicity Updates

Mega Couponing

Tags

Popular Posts