Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

Related Articles: Decorating Organizational Tips | Decorating to Sell Your House | Interior Design on a Budget | More Home & Garden Features Helpful Hints & Tips: 4 Superfast Cleaning Secrets For Around The House | Air Fresheners | Clean A Sour Smelling Sponge | Homemade Shower Cleaner | More Hints & Tips

Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles. Browse Through Decorating Magazines Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.

Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.

Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.

Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.

Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?

Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

About the Author
Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego, California. She received her degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites: Salon de Maria, which showcases her art, and Home Solutions, a resource for real estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.

Related Articles: Decorating Organizational Tips | Decorating to Sell Your House | Interior Design on a Budget | More Home & Garden Features

Helpful Hints & Tips: 4 Superfast Cleaning Secrets For Around The House | Air Fresheners | Clean A Sour Smelling Sponge | Homemade Shower Cleaner | More Hints & Tips

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend!

Recommended: This is an absolutely fabulous book. Getting and staying organized was a talent that I always assumed people were born with...this book outlines step by step systems that enable anyone to eliminate clutter and simplify their life. Reading this book is the next best thing to having a professional organizer working side by side with you. Getting organized feels overwhelming. That's why this book is so perfect. It's user friendly. It's divided by rooms, and problems that the reader may face in each room. You don't have to read the whole book to get started. Just turn to the chapter that corresponds to your life, read the questionnaire and turn right to the page that outlines your problems and solutions.

(Courtesy Amazon)