Eight simple changes you can make for under $10

**homesteadmamma** · 10-15-2003, 08:08 PM

This was found in Living Well on a Shoestring by Yankee magazine.

-Switch your switch plates (I'm adding that you can often find these at yard sales for next to nothing rather than purchasing them new)

- Look overhead. A new glass dome for your overhead lighting fixture can throw new light on a room. The same goes for a new lamp shade. (I'm adding you can change a lamp shade very quickly with a bit of material and some glue, for next to nothing. You can often find lamp shades at yard sales as well. I found a really ugly lamp with a wonderful lamp shade. I purchase the whole lamp and I took the lamp shade, dh took the insides of the lamp to use for one he is making. It cost us $2.00)

-Plant a rose. You don't have to go overboard with fresh flowers. A single daisy or rose in an inexpensive bud vase will brighten any corner. (I'm adding that you can pick up rose bowls at yard sales for 50¢ often. Why buy one new. Also a single rose brings as much beauty as does a dozen.)

- Ring in a new look. You be surprised what new rings or finials can do for a curtain rod (and the whole room). Try them on your shower curtain as well.

- Turn over a new...knob. If your metal or glass doorknobs are dingy, shine them up or replace them. (I'm adding a great place to look for these are at goodwill stores or second hand junk stores. Changing a doorknob can make such a difference in a hall. The same with cupboard doors.)

- Trim the trim - You don't need to paint an entire room for a whole new look. Invest in a pint of contrasting paint and use it to liven up just the trim.

- Ask the magic mirror. Hang a decorative mirron on a wall. It will make the room look larger. (I'm adding, watch where you put it if your not happy with your weight. It will make you look bigger as well if you sit on a couch across from it.)

- Give it a clean sweep. Have you replaced your vacuum cleaner bag lately. A new bag will increase the perforumance of your vacuum and make your upholstery and rugs look a lot brighter.

**Heather** · 10-15-2003, 08:18 PM

about the mirrors!!

Great ideas CJ, thanks! Such little things can make a big difference.

**Sara Noel** · 10-15-2003, 10:34 PM

You forgot dim the lights. Everything (even Bilbo) can look more inviting with the lights dimmed a bit.
I better keep my mouth shut if I hope to get a sewing machine anytime soon.

**homesteadmamma** · 10-15-2003, 10:50 PM

Sara, lol!!

**guest2** · 10-16-2003, 12:46 AM

Originally posted by smnoel
You forgot dim the lights. Everything (even Bilbo) can look more inviting with the lights dimmed a bit.
I better keep my mouth shut if I hope to get a sewing machine anytime soon.

Too Funny Sara! Did Bilbo ever find his pants???

Another under $10 tip....
Sara can sew some new bubble wrap pants for Bilbo on her new sewing machine!

**i.m.cheap** · 10-20-2003, 09:05 PM

The Dollar Tree stores sell some cute prepasted wallpaper border for $1 a roll. You could do a whole room for $4 or $5.

Deb

**Katybird** · 03-22-2004, 04:51 PM

Those are great idea! It is almost garage sale season again too. This will give me things to look for this year.

**Guest1** · 03-22-2004, 05:07 PM

Jeepers - I see to be following Kathy around!!

Great ideas CJ......thanks!

I've done this with a few of our lamps (mostly the kiddos)....

~ Take a plain lamp shade (not the fan-fold type) and paint over the entire surface with ModPodge.....take anything of interest to the child or anything that may match your room (ie - for Will's lampshade, I used Cal Ripken stuff - articles, pictures, ticket stubs, etc - he was an O's freak at the time......I also used seashell fabric and cut out some of the shell shapes for a small lamp that sits in the kiddos bathroom) anyway - place these on the lamp shade and paint over them and the lampshade - then paint over the whole thing one more time with the ModPodge....allow to dry & they are set! I just wipe with a damp cloth to clean them.....they turn out so cute!