You want a nicely decorated space, but you do not know where to begin. You have a limited budget and think a well decorated space out of reach. Here is what I believe; everyone deserves a space that is beautiful to them: a space that is special, a space that is decorated.
Not everyone has the budget for a consuming luxury experience, but everyone can have touches of elegance and luxury; comfortable and beautiful spaces. But where do you start?
Begin with you! If you have limited resources every cent spent must be well spent. To do so you must know what you absolutely adore. Not necessarily what things, but what look. How do you want to feel in the space? Take some time to write 3 to 5 words that describes your ideal space. Find your inspiration: take photos, read magazines, use the internet. This is not what all the design gurus or your friends say. This is your say.
Embrace colour Colour is the most impactful way of injecting d�cor style. If you have a limited budget, look to colour for making a difference. What colours appeal to you? Everyone loves colour. But many are afraid to use it. While you may know what colour you like, you may not know how to combine it with others. Look for your colour in patterned fabric and note what other colours are on the fabric. Most paint manufacturers do publish and recommend colour combinations and palettes. Find one that appeals to you. Translate their combinations into the palette of the whole room and all its elements. Be guided by the 60-30-10 rule: a 3-colour palette proportional distribution. Use your main colour in 60% of the room (wall colour) and 10% is your accent colour. Use on accessories. With the clever use of colour your space will look decorated.
Don't forget patterns Geometrics and animal print are hot now. A little goes a long way in updating a tired d�cor. Layer the pattern � patterned accent chairs on a patterned rug with a patterned pillow, for instance. Consider a stencilled accent wall or fabrics. As evidenced in many design magazines, wall paper has made a comeback. You may not be able to afford it or wallpaper may not be suitable for your walls. Done well, a stencilled wall can look exactly like wall paper. For success with patterns ensure that it colours are part of your selected colour story.
Buy with purpose Strive for every element to work together. Do not purchase something only because you like it. It should fit into the big picture. A collection of items that you just love in isolation will give you many beautiful things to look at. But it will all be chaotic and the space will not look decorated or cohesive. If you have money to buy window treatments, an accent chair, painting, vase or rug, don't just purchase it because it is nice. It should fit with the colour, mood, and style of the space. But, you can look for that one of a kind piece that pushes your decorative effort up the scale. Can't afford new? Re-upholster to refresh and renew and to make that old sofa fit your new d�cor, for instance. Or decorate forgotten spaces, like the corners or your ceiling. Paint your ceiling or for instant architectural appeal use a ceiling medallion around your light fixture. Floors look bare without a rug.
Be true to function Ensure that the space functions as it is intended to. Form should follow function. Your bedroom should be relaxing, your living room suitable for entertaining and your family room a perfect hangout for all. Traffic flow should not be impeded by furniture placement.
I remember one of my decorating tutors saying, "Decorating on a budget is only successful when it does not look like a budget job". The key is to use the best quality, best fitting products you can afford and use them in a manner that is uniquely you.