Cheap decorating fixes

[canadian gardener]

In keeping with the get it ready for future resale so you don't do the headless chicken dance when you find out you are moving,

is this thread. Only this time, you don't have a lot of cash reserves, but you want to make your house look and feel comfy, homey and welcoming in an elegant way.

What do you do?

For me, decluttering is job # 1 always. Decluttered spaces look better.

Paint is another cheap fix. Not that cheap, paint being a costly item, but costs less to repaint that living room, than buy a new couch for example.

Paint spiffs up a tired bit of cheap pressboard furniture and gives it new life. I'm considering it to cover the visibly fake oak woodgrain on the TV cabinet.

Slipcovering using sheets and duct tape was another idea I saw on a recent Sell this House episode on A+E. Cheaper than those bought slipcovers, however when I tried it, the navy of my couch showed thru.

I think I'd need a length of fake suede which the fabric stores have on sale regularly, and some pins but it could be done.

[waterlover]

When I recently bought paint, it was at a major paint supply company. The clerk asked me if I had an account with them, I said "no, would I get a discount if I had an account?" Well it turns out that painters with accounts get discounts, I asked if I could open an account and the clerk gave me the discount without me having to go through the process of opening an account. Because I asked.

Another way to save money on paint which I've heard though I haven't tried it myself is to purchase paint the commercial painters have brought back, because their clients didn't like the color.

[canadian gardener]

super suggestion. I used to get a discount because we had a home based business. But it sounds like you could get it without that.

The off tints are another good suggestion especially for smaller areas.

I was able to negotiate a really good deal on the big plastic 5 gallon pail of paint the last time I was dealing with our rentals, and as soon as I settle on a colour, I think I'll get a good big pail of it and just work my way thru the house.

[alabamagirl]

I need to search through my attic and see what kind of goodies I have. I think I might have an old quilt and some crocheted items from my grandparents/parents. THe old "shop at home" principle.

Other ideas: cut flowers from garden, fire in the fireplace in the winter, potpourri.