Decorating on a Budget

The season for decorating is upon us, and whether you want to spruce up your house for Independence, Christmas, Thanksgiving or the New Year, it can be an expensive venture if you don't know what you're doing. But have no fear. I'm here to give you some tips to help you decorate on a budget.

Paint

Sometimes a new colour is all you need to make a room pop. But if you can't afford to repaint the whole room try an accent wall to that new spark to your room. Try out Harris Paints, Berger Paints or Sherwin Williams to start out.

Re-organize

You may not even need to redecorate at all. Just moving around the furniture a little can create more space and give you some variety. Try it today.

Shop at Flea Markets

Shopping at flea markets or other discounts chains like iExchange can save you a ton on already used furniture and accessories that only need a little love before becoming a part of your home.

Try new artwork

There's something about a painting or sculpture that just brings the room together and gives some character. But if you can't afford the big names like Tracey Williams and Wayne Branch try buying some small paintings online, at galleries like the Gallery of Caribbean Art in Speightstown or go down to the Barbados Community College's Art department and find students who can produce amazing work on your budget. But for those artists, like me, try making your own. A small canvas or canvas board and few paints are all you need to start.

Change accents

Swapping out old accents like pillows, vases, curtains and napkins among others, for new ones can be a great way to bring some new variety to your rooms without breaking the bank. Try a new pop of colour, new colour combinations or new textures to turn your room into something new. Get some affordable ones at SAS in Bridgetown.

Reuse old decorations

For those with Christmas decorating fever but don't have the budget to match, using old decorations for your tree, walls, dinning table and back yard is the most cost effective way to still enjoy the season. So bust out the old lights, reefs, tinsel, balls, stockings and tree and have a ball for the holidays. And remember to store them safely for use next year.

Make your own

For the super creative ones out there get to any craft store like Laurie Dash or The Art Hub and get your creative juices going. A little paint, glue and some patience goes a long way. But to cut costs focus on using recyclable materials like toilet paper roles, paper, plastic cups, forks and spoons, fabric, bottles and bottle caps or anything that you already have in your home. Don't forget to use lots of glitter. It's a fun way to make your home new again, especially for the holidays.