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Decorate for Less with Tips from The Nest

By MICHELLE NELLETT/THE NEST
Filed Under: Decorating, New in Home

Here are ten tips for stylish, low-cost decorating. (You owe us!)

10 Ways to Decorate for Less

    HUNT FOR ANTIQUES (OR ALMOST ANTIQUES)
    You can find great stuff at flea markets, antique shops, and thrift stores if you keep your eyes open. Flea markets can be treasure troves for large pieces of furniture, while some thrift shops have kitchen sections. You can even find collectibles if you look hard. A shelf of bright Fiestaware will make your kitchen sparkle, even if you got it on the cheap.

    Tip: Shop late in the day at flea markets -- it's when vendors are willing to make deals so they won't have to cart stuff home. Don't be shy about bargaining; everyone does it.

    Courtesy of Fiestaware

    HEAD TO BARNES & NOBLE
    Those cozy armchairs are beckoning, so grab an armful of decorating books and take a load off. Flip through for inspiration -- you don't need to buy the expensive stuff, but you may get some ideas about color and placement.

    The Nest

    CAST AN EYE ON CASTOFFS
    Mom and Dad probably have a boatload of stuff they'd love to give you. Some of it may be horrid (like those orange '70s plastic stools) but some items may have retro cool (like those orange '70s plastic stools). Don't be shy -- ask to raid the 'rents' castoffs.

    Tip: Once you decide what to keep, offer to organize a yard sale for Mom and Dad. They'll probably be so grateful to dump their junk that they'll let you keep the proceeds. Use the money to buy a dining room table or other big-ticket item.

    The Nest

    TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO IKEA
    Swedish modern at affordable prices. Need we say more?

    Courtesy of IKEA

    BUY TRANSITIONAL PIECES
    Use a patio set in your dining room and move it outside after you've bought the real thing. A modern daybed from West Elm can easily step in for a living room sofa; later, move it to a guest room or office.

    Courtesy of West Elm

    LABOR FOR GOODS
    If you're renting a house or apartment, offer to trade labor for a break on your rent. If you want to refinish the floors or require additional electrical outlets for your technology needs, try to make a deal with your landlord.

    The Nest

    PAINT IT PRETTY
    Paint is the cheapest decorating tool, and you can even do it yourself. Nothing brightens a room like a fresh coat of enamel -- choosing a shade other than white is a definite plus.

    The Nest

    BUY ART ON THE CHEAP
    Want to display great works of art but don't have enough dough for an original? Old cartography and botanical books are great sources of wall art. Some stores specialize in old art prints; you can also find 'em prints in antique stores or even junk stores. Once they're framed, they look mighty pricey -- you'll be the only one who knows they cost five bucks.

    The Nest

    COVER IT UP
    If you have a functioning couch but hate the upholstery, cover it up. Slipcovers are cheap alternatives to reupholstering, which can cost several hundred dollars. Check out some modern styles at RoomandBoard.com. If you can sew, do it yourself; otherwise, ask Mom, Grandma, or another skilled tailor to help you make classy covers for your declasse furniture.

    Courtesy of Room & Board

    PUT YOUR GIFTS TO WORK
    Remember that stuff you registered for? If you've got it, flaunt it! Break out those handblown candleholders from Crate and Barrel -- even if it's just dinner for two.

    Courtesy of Crate and Barrel



Recent Comments

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5 comments

FrenchBlue367 03:03:43 PM Sep 03 2009

Another thing the internet ruined: Anything 'cheap!' Fiestaware is very cool, but nowadays at a flea market, for example, you do pay top dollar for it because the sellers know what they have. Chances are, if you find it cheap at a flea mkt, either the seller is just willing to let it go for cheap or they don't want to pack it up to bring home again, but still, they won't let it go for a real bargain price. They'd rather pack it up and take a chance with someone who's desperate for that replacement piece or the piece they'd been looking for forever and willing to pay through the nose for it.

Duinea02 11:57:16 PM Aug 09 2009

Oh come on, Fiesta is never cheap. thoses 70s chairs in the rec room were thrown out years ago, these I am sure were bought at some high priced design store. How many "Moms'' or "Grandmas" who know how to reupholster a sofa, except professional reupholsterers?

Unclejohnsfriend 11:41:50 PM Aug 09 2009

Our dinnerware is all Fiestaware!! I love picking over pieces in antique malls!! Very cheap! We do all colors not just one!

ELSIE ES RN 10:10:10 PM Aug 09 2009

it would be nice if you could even see the pictures, not even centered enough to look through the pics.

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