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You have mastered the arts of organization and meal planning on a budget, to the best of your abilities. Now, you are faced with redecorating, renovating, or simply touching up a specific room on a budget. Instead of choosing pieces based on style and current trends, become a budget decorating expert and put what you save into a savings account. You will soon see the savings add up, and you can use what you save to enjoy a day at the spa, a weekend getaway with friends, family members, or a special someone, or buy that expensive pair of shoes you have been eyeing for weeks.

Becoming a budget decorating expert does not mean that you have to buy the cheapest version of everything you hope to use for decorating your home. Making something stylish and fashionable does not have to cost a fortune, and, in most cases, some simple creativity will improve the look of a room without costing anything at all. The trick is to understand how to use things such as subtlety to your advantage, and make things work for you, instead of trying to adapt the room to fit something you do not really like.

Use things that you already have in unique and creative ways to save money on decorating. If you are unsure of what can be used for other things, it is perfectly acceptable to try something new. For example: Most sheets can easily be converted into attractive window coverings. Make sure that there are no stains or holes in the flat sheet, then use the existing hem at the top portion for hanging. If the sheet is too long, cut to the desired length, and hem the bottom. It is very simple to add a basic hem, or, for an even simpler quick fix, use masking tape on the inside of the sheet to form a workable hem without having to cut the sheet.

Another idea for decorating on a budget is to rearrange things so that the room looks different, but really has the same things. Moving furniture can be hard work, so make sure that you invite over some friends or family members with some muscle to help out, and use the opportunity to have some fun together. You would be surprised how much difference simply moving things around can make.

To add some new touches to your existing décor, utilize budget friendly accessories, such as slipcovers for throw pillows or couches. Candles also are very easy to fit into your decorating budget, and can be bought with many different scents and looks to add something new to the room. Faux candles are very safe, and provide many of the same attractive decorative touches.

There are many budget friendly ideas at places like secondhand stores, thrift shops, and consignment shops. You may have to do some looking to get past the odds and ends, but there are many beautiful and stylish pieces simply waiting for the right person to find them, and they are normally at much less than department store prices. Some stores like this also allow you to negotiate the price, and most will not refuse a reasonable offer. This can be a great way to add wall art, decorative accents, window coverings, place mats, and similar items to your décor without going over budget.

Becoming a budget decorating expert means that you know how to use what you have, or find new things to replace old ones without paying high prices. Finding value in hidden places is essential, and you never know what you can find with just a little bit of work. Whether you choose to remodel or redecorate using existing items, or purchase new or pre-owned accessories, understanding the value of what you purchase makes you a budget decorating expert.

Theresa Hill, writes exclusively for Metal-Wall-Art.com, and specifically about designing with abstract metal art and metal birds artwork.

It seems like more websites and informational sources are turning toward environmentally friendly renovation ideas each year. This is an excellent trend, with more information and updates becoming available every day to help an eco-conscious consumer. Some consumers do not purchase harmful products due to negligence or lack of concern, but simply out of ignorance and lack of information, so it is the job of those who know and understand the issue to inform others.

If you are looking to renovate a home, wholly or just one room at a time, here are some of the top environmentally friendly renovation ideas available at many local retailers or online sources, in no particular order:

A Green Kitchen

The kitchen can be one of the easiest rooms to begin the eco-friendly décor in, since there are so many products and accessories available that fit the green description. Going green is all about choosing products, accessories, and tools that are friendly to the environment, such as those that are sustainable or renewable, or those that will not harm the environment. For this reason, many people choose the kitchen as the starting point for completing this type of renovation.

To renovate your kitchen the green way, choose cabinets, countertops, and flooring that is recycled, or from a sustainable resource, such as bamboo. They can cost a little more initially, but will pay for themselves over time, since they are more durable and longer lasting than conventional building materials. Paints and stains should have low or no volatile organic compounds, VOCs, in order to fit the green mold. Concrete countertops or those made of recycled materials are an excellent choice; as are recycled glass tile backsplashes.

Greening Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is another room that is very easy to make environmentally friendly, and there are literally dozens of options for flooring, walls, paint/stain, countertops/vanities, and plumbing fixtures. As in the kitchen, the fixtures and other options may be slightly more expensive at the outset, but are well worth the cost as they save you hundreds each year on your water bill alone.

To find environmentally-friendly renovation ideas for the bathroom, look for water-saving fixtures and plumbing, low VOC paints/stains, and recycled materials whenever possible. You do not have to sacrifice style or beauty for safety and affordability, and many brand names offer products that are safe and friendly for the environment as well. If you need help finding them, simply use your online resources or talk to a professional at any home improvement retailer.

Green Bedroom Ideas

Finally, do not overlook your bedroom as a great place to start a green renovation, as sleeping each night in a bedroom that is safe and friendly to the environment without overlooking relaxation and tranquility is a great perk. You can relax and sleep more peacefully knowing that you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and make things better for the next generation. Eco-friendly renovations in the bedroom include bedding made from organic linen or bamboo, low VOC paints, recycled materials, and similar sustainable building products.

This article was written by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com – your best online source for tropical wall hangings and hanging wall vase.

Although many people use feng shui principles inside their home, it can sometimes be easy to forget that feng shui can be beneficial outdoors as well. It can be especially useful in areas of your home where your family gathers to spend quality time together. Because you spend so much time in these locations, it’s important to enhance the level of positive energy as much as possible, while reducing any situations that may cause negative energy to accumulate. By using feng shui to mimic the beauty and peace of nature on your patio or deck, you’ll be able to add to the quality of your family life.

Adding Natural Touches to Your Patio

By including some natural touches, you’ll be adding positive energy as well as a serene and beautiful environment. Adding green plants will encourage a strong sense of togetherness between family members, and can help keep the financial aspects of your family in good order. Healthy plants, especially on the left side of the patio, can help strengthen family relationships. Tall plants in the far left corner can encourage an increase in income. Of course, never allow any dead branches or wilted leaves and flowers to remain on your plants, as any dead plant matter can drain positive energy from your home. If your patio is large enough, try to add a water feature, such as a small fountain or reflecting pool. If you don’t have room for water on the patio itself, a small fish pond in the yard that is visible from the patio can be a good choice. However, whenever you include water in your home or yard, always make sure that it is fresh and preferably flowing, since stagnant water can encourage negative energy.

Patio Furniture Arrangement for Good Feng Shui

It’s also important to arrange your furniture on the patio to encourage positive energy and good family interaction. If you plan to cook on your patio, place the grill on the far side of the patio, positioned directly in the middle of this area. In this power spot, the grill will help generate energy and warmth. If you’re looking to attract more love into your life, placing this fire element in the far right corner would be beneficial. If you wish to encourage more serenity and peace in your family life, the near left corner would be a good location for the grill. Patio chairs arranged in a curve will encourage positive energy flow and good family interaction. Chairs should be cushioned for comfort, and some shade should be provided. The shape of your patio table can also be an important decision. Round tables encourage a sense of family, while square tables promote stability. Rectangular tables encourage plenty of family interaction and conversation. Overall, you should encourage more curved and flowing lines, and minimize sharp angles and corners on your patio or deck. You can create visual curves with your furniture arrangements, as well as by adding rounded planters, round decorative stones, or a round gazing ball. Add a lovely wind chime as a finishing touch, and you’ll be enjoying your feng shui patio all summer long.

Artist, Jessica Ackerman, is a consultant with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and describes how to decorate with tree wall hangings and grapes wall hangings.

Creating a house that looks modern vs. out-of-style is every designer’s goal.   No one, whether it be a first time homeowner or an experienced interior designer, wants to create a home that looks like it needs to be updated immediately after it is decorated.   There are a few things that should be kept in mind when designing a home’s decor that will prevent this out-of-style travesty from happening.

Color
The use of color is the number one way that a home can feel either modern or out-of-style.   When decorating a room, choose colors that are either neutral or on-trend.   To find out what colors are considered hip and contemporary, take the time to look through home decor and decorating magazines.   It is not only the color of the walls that should be taken into consideration, it is also the color of the furniture and accent pieces.   While it is okay to have a colorful room, the colors should be those that are found in modern decor.   Occasionally, it may be difficult to find just the right shades for a room even after looking at interior decorating magazines.   In times like those, take a trip to the nearest department store or linen shop and look at the colors being used in the home products that are available for sale.   Bath towels, bed comforters and even the color of pots and pans will provide inspiration for decorating with color in a modern house.

Furniture Style
After color, the next biggest consideration for a house is the style of the furniture.   Big, chunky wooden furniture will look aged and heavy compared to lighter, sleeker styles of sofas or chairs.   Oftentimes, the pieces found at thrift stores are a good example of out-of-style furniture.   If the primary concern is the budget and affordability, thrift store bargains can be a great option.   However, if the desired look in the house is one that is modern and up-to-date, forgo the trips to the thrift store and instead shop at inexpensive furniture stores to find the perfect pieces.   Although it is possible to update the look of a sofa or chair by using a slipcover, usually the piece of furniture will not have the modern lines that are desired.

Flooring
Homes with bright orange, shag carpets will do little to create a modern feel in a house.   The trick to creating a modern home is to use materials, textures and styles that reflect the current trends.   When evaluating flooring choices, consider function, durability and style.   Choose colors that are neutral enough to last through different trends to make the most of the floor covering investment.

Making a house look modern versus out-of-style can be achieved by making use of on-trend and neutral colors, furniture styles and floor coverings.   Personal style and color preferences can be included in the home’s decor, but the main look should reflect a current style.   With diligent research and an eye for style, creating a modern look, even in an older home, is easily doable.

Staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, Jessica Ackerman has extensive design experience, using restaurant metal art decor and metal wall hangings.

When people walk into a home, the state of the foyer is their first impression of the house.   If it is neatly decorated, their impression will be vastly different than if it is cluttered and messy.   No matter what the homeowner’s style is, creating a foyer that makes a statement can be done relatively easily with a little bit of creativity.   The ideas below can spark design ideas and help create foyers that make a style statement.

Perfect Pinstripes
Think conservative when selecting a pinstripe motif for the home’s foyer.   Although pinstripes can come in a variety of colors, the perfect pinstripe entryway is a combination of warm gray, black and cream.   Begin by painting the wainscoting a glossy black and the wall above it a warm cream.   Use gray to accent the walls with thin, vertical pinstripes.   On the foyer floor, a grey and black runner will help tie the theme together.   An upholstered side chair done in a coordinating pinstripe fabric is the perfect furniture accent.   On the walls, glossy black picture frames of gray tone sepia family photos will create a personal feel to this sophisticated and conservative foyer space.   Pinstripes are perfect for the modern executive couple, or for the eternal bachelor.

Flirty and Feminine
Sometimes a woman just wants flowers, and the foyer is the perfect place to display her love for all things flowery.   A floral wallpaper can run from floor to ceiling or from the top of the wainscoting up.   Framed floral prints, a vase of live flowers on the side table and a floral runner on the floor all help to make a style statement and create a beautiful space.   Cream, pinks and peach are all common colors for this style of decor, so be sure that those colors translate into adjoining rooms of the house for a cohesive feel.

Casual Family
In a home with small children, the only style statement a homeowner may feel capable of creating is one that includes a limited number of toys.   Thankfully, there is a way to make a casual family foyer into a welcoming and fun entryway.   Choose a common color in the home and begin by painting the walls that color.   Use framed, color photographs to create a collage of special family moments, or casual candid shots.   A colorful runner on the floor will speak of whimsy and comfortable casualness that will make guests feel right at home.   Have baskets under the foyer table to control the clutter of children™s book bags and sports equipment.   To complete the casual family look, include a fragrant pillar candle on the side table and a handmade dish to hold keys and loose change.

No matter what the homeowner’s style is, the foyer can be decorated to reflect his or her unique interests and hobbies.   The foyer’s style does not have to be formal to make a statement.   In fact, the best decorated foyers are less about what society thinks entryways should look like, and more about what suits the unique personalities of the home’s occupants.

Jessica Ackerman writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, an online wall art store, where she provides detailed instructions for decorating with large restaurant wall art.

There are many different ways to accessorize in a room, and one of the most important, and most taken for granted, is how you cover the windows. Curtains can be added for a variety of personal reasons. The most common include privacy, insulation, and light blocking. Adding curtains for privacy, insulation, and light blocking can be based on several factors. This includes personal taste, energy efficiency, budget, and décor.

Privacy is one of the biggest factors in choosing curtains, especially in bedrooms that face a street. Sometimes, even blinds do not block the outside world™s vision of the occupants within, and curtains lend an extra helping hand toward hiding silhouettes from view effectively. Thick or dark curtains can virtually eliminate the view from outside.

Fabric can be a beautiful method of ensuring privacy, and setting the mood as well. Use fabric to send a message to someone special, and add an air of elegance and romance to the bedroom simply by closing the curtains. To enhance this romantic ambience, light real or faux candles and turn off overhead lights.

For older homes, insulation is a bigger reason to hang, and close, curtains in a room. A thicker or heavier curtain will help insulate a drafty window, and save money on energy bills since less hot or cold air will escape from the window. Blinds are often not enough to keep the air in/out sufficiently. In this way, curtains can be both an accessory and a useful and practical tool for saving money and resources.

Adding curtains for insulation should be done carefully, since they are not a true replacement for proper home maintenance. If the problem is very minor, curtains can be a great short-term fix, but for major problems, consider new or replacement windows. This will add value to your home, and you can still add curtains for an aesthetically pleasing touch later.

Finally, light blocking curtains are important to a variety of people for different and unique reasons. Some rooms get much more natural light than others, and this increases the energy bill significantly. Other people choose to block light for other reasons, such as daytime sleeping hours. This is particularly helpful for those who work awkward shift hours or for nurseries.

Curtains that block light effectively do not have to be black, or even dark-colored, but can instead be thick drapes that act as a barrier between the window and the room. Even a white brocade drape can be used to block light adequately, since the fabric is thick enough to keep light out.

No matter whether you choose to add curtains for privacy, insulation, light blocking, or simple decorative value, they can be a great accessory that saves money without giving up style and elegance. Choose the right curtains for the room itself, and harmonize with the décor of the room for a great touch. Set the mood, seal in hot/cold air, and even block the light altogether with a beautiful and practical curtain.

Staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, Jessica Ackerman has extensive design experience, using home wall art and southwestern metal art decor.

In these financially challenging times, everyone wants to get the most for every dollar they spend. It is no different when it comes to buying furniture. Whether you are shopping for the basic essentials or looking for items to create a different look for your space, it is important to know how you can stretch your dollar. The following are some places to shop and things to consider while picking out your furniture.
Retail warehouse stores and outlets: A good place to get inexpensive new furniture is at a large retail warehouse where basic furniture items are sold. You can expect to get what you pay for, in that the quality of materials and workmanship will not be as good, although the pieces may look satisfactory. If you are planning to move in a couple of years or are saving up for better furniture, this may be a suitable option for you.
Clearance rooms in furniture stores: Some furniture stores have a clearance section in the back where items that are scratched or damaged are sold for discount prices. If you are keen on repairing or refinishing furniture, this will be a good place to look. You may be able to negotiate on the prices, too.
Showrooms and model homes: Design center showrooms sometimes advertise sales for sample furniture items that have reached the end of their run and are no longer in production. Model homes that are decorated to sell usually have nice furniture that is no longer needed after the display period. You can find these items at discount prices at furniture consignment stores.
Thrift stores and garage sales: Secondhand furniture sold at thrift stores and garage sales can be a great find. Often, people sell their furniture when relocating or redecorating, and you may find pieces in excellent condition if you are willing to do the legwork. When shopping, think about how you may repurpose an item, or use it for something other than its original function.
Individual sellers: The classifieds in your local newspaper or online marketplaces like Craigslist have a regular stream of items for sale by individuals. Like you would do at a store, check out the condition of a furniture item before you commit to a purchase. Find out whether any repairs are necessary and if the item comes from a pet-free and smoke-free environment.
Auctions and estate sales: If you are looking for unique or antique furniture, an auction may be worth attending. You can usually preview the items that will be up for sale and determine if any of them are worth bidding on. An estate sale can offer you the option of purchasing a whole room of furniture for an excellent deal if you find that you have similar tastes to the owner™s.
Discarded items: It always helps to keep an eye out for the stuff that people throw out, at the dumpster or a curb. You never know when a treasure might show up, that would fit right into your home when given some tender loving care.

Article by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com – your top place to buy Italian iron wall grille and southwestern wall decor.

Many homes come with a less than spectacular deck overlooking the backyard.   Lack of attention, haphazard design and poor construction all add to the challenges of inheriting or trying to reclaim a neglected deck.   With a little tender loving care, some elbow grease and an imagination, you can turn a rickety old deck into a lovely outdoor living space, perfect for entertaining and intimate family dinners alike.
Make it Safe, Clean it Up
Start by doing a thorough inspection of all the planks in your deck, looking for rotten or damaged areas.   If it seems okay structurally, or if you can replace damaged areas simply and safely yourself, give the deck a vigorous scrub with a wire brush and a high pressure sprayer.   Let dry completely, and then apply the first of at least two coats of a sealant created for deck wood.     Let the deck dry completely in between each coat.   Run a broom over the deck to remove any debris before adding a fresh coat.
If your deck has extensive or structural damage, call in an expert to help you decide what to do.   Safety always comes first in any home improvement project; consulting with someone with more experience is smart, practical and will save money by preventing mistakes.   Your local home improvement super store probably has a pro on hand, and may even offer a class or workshop in deck repair.
Make it Pretty
Go for Color!
Nature is filled with bright, showy colors.   Don™t be afraid to bring bright colors outside.   A weathered, well-loved deck is the perfect neutral backdrop for your brightest outdoor furniture and décor.   Colors borrowed from the local farmers market and florist will help create a festive atmosphere.
Create an International Paradise
If your décor style is influenced by places you™ve traveled or long to visit, the deck can be a great way to create an exotic destination a few steps from the back door.     Think of outdoor spaces that take your breath away “ pristine Mediterranean arches, intricate Spanish tile and red clay, cool Japanese gardens and meticulously nurtured English flower beds.   Find elements of these special places you can bring home, whether it™s the addition of a soothing koi pond or adding a gorgeous tiled fountain.
Embrace Mother Nature
If you use your yard to grow things, bring your green thumb to the patio with potted plants, hanging baskets and centerpieces created from the items you™ve grown.   Add flowers and bird feeders to attract feathered entertainment, and create cozy seating areas perfect for curling up with a great book, surrounded by the comforting scents of rich earth, fresh flowers and warm breezes.
The backyard deck can be a great way to extend your living space, and creates a wonderful atmosphere for parties and gatherings if your interior spaces are cramped.   Making the most of a deck can be a rewarding project, especially while lounging in your beautiful new space after the hard work is done.

Article written by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com – a wall art store which has a huge selection of unique wall art and iron door toppers.

Christmas ornaments, modern or traditional, are very versatile decorations, and can be used in a wide variety of spaces and capacities throughout your home, office, and outdoor living space. There are many creative ways to utilize these great decorations for the holidays, without having to feel obligated to restrict them to the tree or even to the indoors or home. Using Christmas ornaments to decorate more than the tree is a creative and interesting use of the ornaments, and can help you design a holiday space that is beautiful and unique.

Throughout The Home

You can hang ornaments in a variety of places, or simply remove the hook and lay them down with other items to create interesting centerpieces in different rooms. For instance, you can use the hook to attach the ornament to a wreath, adding some wow to the wreath and glamour to your décor. If the hook was lost, you can use a strand of fishing line or dab of hot glue to hold in place effectively.

Another example is to hang the ornaments from the ceiling using clear fishing line or festive ribbons to hang. In most cases, a strip of tape will adhere the line or ribbon to the ceiling, but you can use tacks or household staples to hang with a little more support. Hanging at different lengths throughout the room will give the room a lot of style and depth, and create a feeling of a holiday world instead of simple holiday décor.

At The Office

Christmas ornaments are easy to box up and take to the office, and it is very simple to incorporate them into office décor. Using the hooks to link them together, three or four make a cute decoration, and you can use a simple bow or ribbon centerpiece to hide the hooks and create a simple, attractive Christmas decoration at your desk or in your cubicle. They cost far less than most other decorations, and you will not have to worry about music, safety, or clean up hassle.

You can also create an interesting holiday banner with a strand of fishing line, a few staples, and Christmas ornaments in your cubicle. Use the stapler to hang the fishing line in clothesline style, across a portion of your cubicle. Hang the ornaments from the fishing line, organized by size with the larger ornaments on the outside and the smaller ones in the middle.

Outdoor Décor

Finally, you can easily use Christmas ornaments to decorate more than the trees outside, and it can be a lot of fun to create holiday magic on the outside of the house. Decorate your shrubs like miniature Christmas trees, with ornaments, garlands, and outdoor lights. Hang ornaments from your nativity scenes, especially around the edges of the barn and Jesus™ manger. You can even use a stapler to affix them to your porch railings, and when paired with festive or white lights, it creates a beautiful and colorful decoration that everyone is sure to love.

Professional designer Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, and specializes in decorating with southwestern wall decor and wall art for home.