Decorating on the Cheap

SBLI of Massachusetts

December 15, 2010

Buying a home is an exciting event. If it’s your first home, you’re probably in love with the thought of having your own backyard and thick walls that keep out neighbor noise. If it’s your second or third home, then chances are you are getting closer and closer to your dream house. No matter what your situation is, one of the most exciting aspects of your new home is decorating it.

Decorating your home comes with a price tag that you may have trouble affording. If you learn how to decorate your home on the cheap, you can save money on certain expenses and spend more money paying off that mortgage.

Paint
Painting your walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to help your new home reflect your personality but paint can be expensive. Here are a couple of tips for buying high-quality paint at low-quality prices.

• Pre-mixed: Your local hardware store often mixes paint for customers that isn’t purchased, or is purchased then later returned usually because the color isn’t what they expected. This premixed paint is generally available at a low price to you.
• Chemical collection centers: Paint is considered a hazardous material and must be disposed of through your city or county’s designated chemical waste center. In larger counties, these centers allow residents take paint and other goods that have been disposed of by previous owners. So while there may only be a half gallon of paint left in that gallon container, it could help you paint a small room or hallway for free.

Flooring
Flooring not only adds a design element to your home, but it also makes you feel more comfortable and cozy. The expense of flooring can be heart stopping, so try these tricks for inexpensive flooring options.

• Craigslist: Really, Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.com) can be mentioned in any of these categories. Both the Free and For Sale sections contain great deals on all decorating needs. However, when it comes to an expense like flooring, Craigslist is almost unbeatable. From area rugs to left over laminate flooring to odd lots of tile, Craigslist is home to many barely used or unused flooring deals.
• Estate sales: Estate sales are great places to find area rugs, runners and left over, uninstalled flooring that has been sitting in a garage. Your local paper can point you to your local estate sales every weekend.

Accessories
Window treatments, cabinet hardware, new faucets and crown molding—there is no limit to the decorating options these simple touch-ups can offer. Unfortunately, paying retail for any of them can take the fun right out of accessorizing. Instead, visit these sites and stores to get your accessories at an affordable price.

• Habitat ReStores: Habitat for Humanity is often given too many donated goods. These additional household goods like crown molding, faucets, sinks and more are resold in their ReStores. You can find one in your area by checking the website (http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx).
• Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/) : is an online group dedicated to connecting individuals around the country who want to reuse what their neighbors no longer want. You can find cabinet hardware, knick-knacks, curtain rods, faucets—anything you can imagine for free through freecycle. The best part is you can pick it up within days since it’s all located in your area.