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Apartment Decorating
In todays economy everybody is spending less, but wanting more. So how can you get your apartment to have that "Designer look" for less? First, DIY or Do it yourself. You can save tons of money if you can do it yourself. Visit your local book stores or library and youll see hundreds of books on home decorating ideas and do-it-yourself projects.
Start collecting design magazines and clip out the pictures of rooms you like. Study your pictures, observe the different architectural features like windows, fireplaces, recessed ceilings and decorative crown mouldings in the space.
Also note the different furniture styles used within the space, window treatments, upholstery fabrics and floor selections. Study the lighting that was selected, rugs and home dcor accessories. Ask yourself, what did you like most or least about these?
Keep a decorating file on hand to inspire and delight your creative senses. Take the pictures with you when you go shopping to keep you on track with the style you are searching for. Take a trip to your local Lowes and Home Depot stores to see all the DIY books and magazines they carry to help you get started. They also have special classes to teach you how. DIY doesnt sound so scary now, right?
Second, start with one room and third, stick to your budget. Sounds easy? Well, in fact its easier than you think. I think what really hangs people up is that they are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the project. Thats why I say start with one room. Itll be much easier on the budget.
Did I say "budget". Dont fret. Its not such a dirty word. And in this tough economy, even the rich have a budget. You can decorate these days on a very tight budget. Its just learning how to be smart and creative.
(I would like to inject at this point that if you are considering on hiring the help of an expert instead of doing it yourself, make sure to ask the expert for referrals of customers they have helped in the past. Hire only reliable, reputable contractors and ones that guarantee their work. Get a contract in writing. I am not responsible for who you hire. Do your homework!)
However, if you are going to do this yourself, and YES YOU CAN, you will need to evaluate your budget, which will be determined by if you are doing the whole apartment, or room by room. Other factors to consider to stay within your budget are the size of the room, the design theme or style you want to achieve, what needs to be replaced or repaired, and furniture, fixtures or accessories you will need to purchase.
Apartment decorating is fun and exciting. You can make any home spectacular, inviting and comfortable, no matter what the size. So lets get started. First, analyze the room you will decorate and determine what it is that you like and dont like about the space.
Now think about your personal style you would like to achieve in the space. If youre not sure what your personal decorating style is, shop a few furniture stores and designer showcases in your area. They group comfortable settings together called "vignettes", pronounced "vin-yets" in different styles.
