My New Blog

We are all watching our budget these days and cutting back on unnecessary spending.  But that doesn't mean we can't get a home up-to-date by being creative or using new and simple ideas.  By making minor, inexpensive improvements or changes to a home, a brand new refreshing look can be the result, and perhaps a better chance for a sale.  The following are some ideas for that "shoestring" budget:

Simply rearranging the furniture can re-energize a room.  Adding a few new accessories, such as lamps, rugs, or a mirror (to make a room look larger) can create a whole new look.  Sometimes using what you have, but taking from other rooms and changing things around will give the same effect. 

Houseplants can add texture, warmth and color to any room.  For those who don't exactly have a "green thumb" there are many inexpensive silk plants that look unbelievably real!  Decorative planters also can coordinate to bring out a specific design or color in a room.  Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own.  Be sure to group plants of differing heights, fullness or color for the most dramatic effect.   It's also easy to grow additional plants from cutting off  branches of another and putting in water until it grows roots.  It doesn't take long to grow them and gives various sizes to work with.

Clutter seems to happen to all of us, but there is a wide variety of organizing tools out there to make any space feel neat and clean.  From natural baskets, storage benches, and canvas bins to hooks and shelves, you can get any closet, garage, or room neatly organized and looking polished.

Scan each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replace it.  For just a few dollars or minimal expense, a new look can be created by replacing cabinet handles, switch plates, toilet seats, bathroom towels, or lighting fixtures.  Even some dimmer switches can create new lighting effects in a bathroom, dining or kitchen.

We touched on paint and color in a room last week, but it is also worth mentioning the art of stenciling.  Wallpaper or borders can be costly, but to purchase a stencil with some paint and brushes, you can create a beautiful design that looks professional for a fraction of the cost.  You don't have to be an expert, as most stencils are not a "perfect" design, but a warm, flowing pattern repeating its way around the room.  It's easy and fun to do!

Flooring is an area that needs to be in good condition.  Carpeting needs to be cleaned regularly and stains removed professionally.  For ceramic tile, the grout should be scrubbed and clean.  Even wood flooring should have the scratches and nicks on wood rubbed out with scratch cover.  Vinyl flooring is harder to spruce up but can usually be replaced easily and with little expense.

It doesn't take a lot of money to get a house in tip top shape.  Just remember to move it, plant it, paint it, organize it, hide it, replace it, light it, or clean it!