Have you ever walked into a friend's home and been in awe of the astonishing atmosphere? Did visual images of your home flash in front of your eyes as you soaked in the simplicity of the Japanese-inspire design? Or perhaps you were in the countryside and were transported, if only in imagination, to Provence, France?
Creating a home that you are comfortable in and that visually stimulates and comforts you is a tremendous project to take on, although it can improve the feeling of comfort in your life in a way that few other things could. If you now have dollar signs flying in front of your eyes, you should know that not all design projects cost the Earth.
You can break down the cost of changing your decor by considering the following aspects:
## Terrific Textiles ##
Textiles, from rugs, curtains, tablecloths, linens and casual throws, can bring depth and texture to a home. They can carry breathtaking beauty in the form of an over-dyed antique rug or in the shimmer of a silk window treatment. If you are new to decorating, do your homework - spend an afternoon in a library browsing through splashy design books. You'll find inspiration and the beginnings of a budget framework.
## Walls, Ceilings, Furniture And....Paint ##
Painting a room a new color can bring it new life; designers tend to go for muted background colors that let your textiles and art pop. If you are artistically inclined, you might create a faux finish, bringing antique-style to your home. Or you could hire someone to do so for you.
## Tables, Chairs, Desks... ##
A funky pink and green trendy design chair can totally pick up a lifeless living space. Or a large shabby chic sofa can bring a certain sophistication to your design theme. After new paint, refurbished furniture is the least expensive way to alter your space.
## Help! Can I Afford An Interior Designer Or Decorator? ##
Hiring an interior designer or a decorator might seem out of the price range of a regular person; however, there are freelance interior designers and decorators who are just starting out and might be inspired by your living space and with whom you might be able to work out a reasonable price. Know that any interior designer or decorator will quote you an estimate after a free consultation. This could be well within your budget and definitely worth the effort.
Carol Newton
