Wild Flowers Of Italy

Decorating on a budget is easier than you think. You can have the home of your dreams on your budget by using some creativity and following these 7 easy steps.

1. De-clutter

The first thing to do when you're decorating on any budget, is to get rid of the clutter. There are basically three things you have to figure out:

&bull- what you really want to keep

&bull- what you can re-purpose

&bull- what should be given away

Unless you're keeping very little, the things that you really want to keep, if they are large pieces like a sofa or a bed, are going to be the basis for your decorating and it will define your style.

2. Paint

Having that in mind, paint your walls and ceilings in colors that help define the style you're going for. If used correctly, it can create an optical illusion and make your room look larger or cozier, modern or traditional and your ceilings look higher or lower, just by using paint. It's the most dramatic and cost-effective way to revamp any room.

In case you're painting a bathroom or kitchen make sure you get durable paints мейд specifically for these rooms which are mold and mildew-resistant. Before painting the whole room, view your swatches under the light in the room you intend to paint, during the day and at night. Colors can change drastically when seen under different types of light.

3. Lighting

There are two basic sources of light in a room besides the natural light that come in through the windows:

&bull- overall ceiling light like recessed lights and globes

&bull- spot lights like chandeliers, lamps and sconces

It should be both functional and create mood so experiment with the lighting in your rooms until you achieve the effect you desire.

4. Build around the focal point

The focal point in a room is usually the biggest feature like a fireplace or a picture window and your furniture arrangement should be built around that focal point. If your room has no such features create a focal point by painting one wall in a different color, putting up some shelving, a wall-picture gallery or a big eye-catching flower arrangement. It should be the first thing you see in the room, something interesting to look at, something visually appealing.

5. Re-finish

If you have furniture that you like and it is in good structural conditions, it's a good idea to revamp them. Re-upholstering an armchair, slip covering a sofa or striping the old paint on that console, chest of drawers or table, and either repainting or staining them, will save you a bundle!

6. Re-purpose

That dress that you bought for a special occasion and is sitting in your closet collecting dust, could be easily transformed into a decorative pillow. Your photos, posters, cut-out silhouettes or silk scarfs can be framed and displayed on your walls. Broken dishes can become colorful table top mosaics and different color frames can be painted the same color and grouped together to create a focal wall.

7. Accessorize

Once you get your main pieces in place -- furniture and area rugs, it's time to accessorize. To do that you can use, pillows, lamps, flower arrangements, greenery, wall art and decorative objects. Look around the house and maybe you'll find a forgotten lamp that with a little TLC would be just perfect on the side table.

All those beautiful boxes you've been collecting over the years that are scattered around the house can become an eye-catching group displayed on a shelf or a side table.

Look at the items you have around the house with a fresh and creative eye and create eye pleasing compositions.

If you follow these 7 easy steps you'll have a fabulous decor that it's easy on your wallet. So start decorating and have fun with it!