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Victorian Decor Even When On A Budget

February 24th, 2010 Christine Carrier No comments

Think about Victorian decor, one of the mainstays of the \”new vintage\” trend, and what comes to mind? Rich-looking, ornate styles, with big price tags attached, right? It doesn\’t to be expensive if you know how to make the most of what you already have, along with fabulous finds from other sources.

As always with decorating on a budget, start by thinking about paint, one of the most economical yet striking changes you can make in a room. Vintage decor of the Victorian era is lush with deep, jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire or ruby. It isn\’t necessary to paint all the walls in these colors; in fact, it\’s not a good idea to do so if it\’s a smaller room you\’re decorating in vivid vintage. If that\’s the case, pick one wall as an accent, then paint the other walls in a light, but complementary tone. You\’ll be surprised at how much an accent wall like this can convey.

An Oriental area rug is a remarkable mark of Victorian design. Choose an area rug with a complementing shade with the rest of the room, or an eye-catching pattern. This can be an instant focal point in the room.

Old furniture can still be useful with such an elegant theme as Victorian. With some accessories like floral sheets, ribbons and perhaps an addition of carvings, the furniture will look fitting to the design. Cushion a furniture piece or even a whole set with an area rug and the room will look put-together.

For the bigger furnishings, instead of the typical Victorian walnut furniture, you can opt for the wicker type.

There are three different kinds of wicker. First, is paper wicker, which is made by twisting paper into several strips and then finished off by weaving them together. Second, is reed, which is derived from natural fibers. This wicker type is soaked until pliable or flexible and then finished off by weaving them together in a crisscross pattern. Lastly, resin, which is molded from plastic. Maintenance for wicker furniture is done by washing with a damp cloth. Just be extra careful with paper wicker as it is prone to rotting, especially when it has soaked up too much water.

How can you soften the appearance of wicker furniture? All you need are cushions and throw pillows, and you\’ll have a more relaxing fixture. Linens make nice fabrics, especially the floral and embroidered ones. In keeping up with the Victorian look, white with lace or ribbons are perfect!

Victorian design is also notable for its velvet and brocade fabrics. Because these textures are quite heavy particularly for warm weather and also quite expensive, you can just use them as accent pieces. Throw pillow covers or a simple drape will do, without hurting your budget.

For your decors like photographs and artworks, go for ornate frames in sepia tones or dark browns. China items and other floral pieces will also look apt to the theme.

Your home will be a set straight out of a period romantic movie.

If you found this information about budget home decorating beneficial, then you are bound to find these bedroom decorating ideas inspiring.

Five Decor Tips For A Budget Makeover

January 26th, 2010 Christine Carrier No comments

It\’s time to give your home a new look but who has the money to pay for a complete makeover? If you don\’t do something soon your home will start looking old. But there is some time-honored principles to follow that will help you decorate you\’re a beautiful, welcoming place that is stress free, well almost.

There are five guidelines used by designers to help you create the right decor for your home and will help you stay within your budget. If you have heard these before this will refresh your memory.

1. Paint.

Nothing looks any newer in a room then freshly painted walls. This is a simple and inexpensive way to create a new look. This is also an easy fix to a color that you no longer care for. You can change the look of your room instantly and without costing a lot of money. Invite family and friends over for a painting party.

2. Adding Light

Something basic but very much needed; light can say a lot about a room. Natural light is the best light in a room so you need to ask yourself, \”How much and what kind of natural light gets in your room?\”. Window treatments can be the deciding factor on the amount of natural light that comes into your room. If the room is dark you can be creative and decorate using the right curtains and material. When you need more light added to a room or a part of a room that is dark then you want to paint the walls a light shade. Install a floor lamp or table lamp that can use the new energy efficient bulbs that can imitate natural light. If your room has no windows or very small windows you will be able to add soft textures to increase the warm and cozy feel to the room.

3. Pillows.

One of the easiest, most simple ways to liven up a room that\’s getting stale is to change the pillows. Check out sewing and craft stores, along with thrift shops and secondhand stores, for fabric remnants and learn to make your own pillow covers. The simplest pillow covers are little more than envelopes that wrap around the pillow form and tie with a ribbon or button. Turn your imagination loose.

4. Area rugs.

Every room needs area rugs. An area rug can provide multiple advantages. You can use an area rug to add color to a room or to define a certain part of the room. You can also use an area rug to hide those ugly areas in your wall to wall carpet that you can\’t afford to replace yet. An older rug can be used to hang on the wall.

5. Using your Imagination

Believe it or not, the best tool for home decor is your imagination. You can create anything on your own budget without any help. Decorate your room with furniture, lighting, drapery, and accessorize with your taste. Experiment with new looks, color, and styles and invent some on your own. It\’s your home; be creative.

If you found this information about budget home decorating helpful, then you are going to love these budget bedroom decorating ideas.