affordable decor

6 Easy, Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Even Cozier This Autumn

Christa Avampato — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:00:06 +0000

Cool mornings and evenings with bright, breezy afternoons are the quintessence of autumn. When this change in our weather happens, my mind turns to cozy thoughts. Hot cider and cocoa, soft sweaters and boots, and pumpkin-flavored everything brings a smile to my face.

The Danish culture refers to this reveling in the joys of cold weather as Hygge (pronounced hue-guh, not hig-ee.) The best part of Hygge is that it's a mindset built on living the cozy life. It doesn't cost much, if anything, to bring this aesthetic into your home. Here's how to do it on a budget in time for the leaves to change.

1. Invite friends over

One of the main tenants of Hygge is spending quality time with friends and family at home. Make a meal together, watch a movie, play board games, light a fire, and spend time catching up. Hygge is a time to slow down and be grateful for what we have, and the best things we can have in our lives are friendship and love.

You don't need to meet at a fancy restaurant or engage in other pricey activities, either. Just being in their company while the wind blows outside accomplishes this, for free.

2. Get baking

Nothing makes a home cozier than the sweet scent of fresh baked goods emanating from the kitchen. And the best part is that they are usually far less expensive than those you buy ready-made. This recipe for no-knead bread is one of the very best ways to make your house a home for pennies on the dollar. And the bread is as good as any you will find in many local bakeries. (See also: How to Make Artisanal Bread on a Budget)

3. Display books around every corner

These cold weather months are the perfect time to make a dent in our never-ending to-read lists. Grab a couple of the books you've been meaning to read and keep them strategically located in spots around your home where you're likely to have some spare time: the night stand in your bedroom, the coffee table or end table by the living room couch, on your kitchen counter, and at your home office desk. Make it a practice to read a few pages every day in those moments between tasks, while you're waiting for the water to boil, or settling in for the evening.

4. Light some candles and meditate

Candles are an easy and inexpensive way to bring comfort into your home. Set up a ritual of candle gazing and meditating for a few moments each day. Light the candle and take some time to be actively grateful for the good parts of your life. Just the act of letting that dim light into your eyes and mind, literally and figuratively, will make all of your moments more joyful. (See also: 6 Ways Autumn Is Good for Your Mind and Body)

5. Brew hot beverages

Soothing, hot drinks cost far less to make at home than to buy by the cup at the local cafe. You can make endless varieties of tea, cider, hot cocoa, and coffee in the cozy comforts of your home.

This recipe for Mexican hot chocolate is a snap to make in a saucepan on your stove. And to make things really easy on yourself, try making this recipe for banana "tea" that requires only a banana and a pot of water. It's rich in potassium and will send you off to dreamland in no time!

6. Create a relaxation nook

Grab a cushy chair, warm blanket, and small table to create a nook where you can cuddle up and spend some relaxing time at home. Use items you already have or check the secondhand vintage stores to create an atmosphere of comfort on a budget. For an even softer feel, hang string lights above your nook and bask in their glow.

Too many people lament the end of summer. With a little Hygge in your life, you can look forward to many warm and cozy days ahead no matter what the weather's like outside.

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 DIY Ideas for Creating Inexpensive Art

Kentin Waits — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:36:30 +0000

People get intimidated by art and I’m not sure why. I’ve always thought that art should be engaging, fun, experimental, and personal — the perfect thing to create for ourselves. Whether you’re on a budget or not, creating art can be an inexpensive and exciting way to decorate and personalize your environment. If your walls are bare and your hands are willing, here are twelve ideas to get your creative juices flowing. (See also: But Is it ART?)

1. Repurpose Wallpaper

Intricate or bold wallpaper designs can become modern art statements when framed and hung. Make sure to use enough paper to clearly show large or repeating patterns. Frame one large piece or use several smaller frames to repeat the same design in a cluster.

2. Press Some Flora

Single large pressed leaves or groupings of flowers make great subject matter for homemade art displays. Press and dry, mount on a white background, and frame simply. Experiment with off-center arrangements and mix plant types for visual interest.

3. Make a Collage

If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at collage. Use photographs, text, scrap wallpaper, and other media to create an original piece of art. Collage is a forgiving medium; just cover up what you don’t like and try again.

4. Snap in Black and White

Use a digital camera and printer to experiment with black and white photography. Snap images of faces, landscapes, architectural details, or close-ups of unique design features of almost anything. Manipulate and refine your photos using photo-editing software. Group together or create a mini-gallery in a long hallway.

5. Channel Warhol

Product labels with bold or classic graphics make excellent subjects for artwork. Labels from canned food, vintage perfume bottles, bars of soap, or fruit crates are particularly good places to start. Carefully remove labels (soak stubborn labels in warm water and then press dry), mount, and frame.

6. Frame Your Frames

Sometimes frames can be the art. Collect interesting frames in graduated sizes and “nest” them together for a bold and unexpected twist on traditional artwork.

7. Get Graphic

Old magazine covers or vintage ads are an inexpensive and easy way to make an elegant artistic statement. Look for subject matter that clearly represents an era — vintage fashion, cars, appliances, or travel destinations are great places to start.

8. Thumb Through a Catalog

It’s getting harder and harder to find old store catalogues, but if you can, consider framing their pages. Vintage catalogue listings that feature camping equipment, clothing, or bicycles can make interesting displays.

9. Frame Postcards or Greeting Cards

Arrange multiple postcards or vintage greeting cards in a single frame or frame cluster. Group cards of similar color, style, or subject matter together for a more curated and striking look.

10. Display Your Collections

Use an inexpensive shadowbox to display collections you would otherwise store in a cabinet or on a shelf. Silverware, political buttons, jewelry, perfume bottles, found objects, or antique keys can be grouped and displayed as artistic collections.

11. Unbind a Book

Vintage book covers or illustrations are ready-made art just waiting to be seen in a new context. I once found an old copy of the children’s book, "The Little Prince," by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Most of the volume was badly damaged, but I managed to pull one pristine illustration from it. I mounted and framed it for a baby shower gift to a dear friend.

12. Wax Poetic

Have a favorite poem, story, or quote? Print and frame it. Experiment with font, text size, and composition to create a piece that’s visually bold.

Here’s one important tip that will help keep your art on a budget: buy your frames first. Creating a piece that you’re really proud of and then not being able to frame it properly is disheartening. Scout thrift stores and yard sales for solid wood frames that can be rehabbed with a bit of stain or paint, then create based upon the sizes of your frames. It’ll help motivate your creative efforts and prevent you from breaking the bank at custom frame shops.

Do you decorate with your own artwork? What ideas, tips, and tricks do you have for beginners?

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Upgrade Your Home Decor for Less

Tisha Tolar — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:48:30 +0000

On our road to a life of frugality, there are many things we tend to ignore and go without in order to keep making ends meet. One area that we often neglect in order to keep the bills paid and food on the table is the interior of our homes. We may like to watch home makeover shows, but are resistant to actually working on our own homes.

Avocado appliances and ugly wallpaper patterns of yesteryear may seem like mainstays, but even if you don’t have a ton of spare cash lying around, there are still economical ways to update your home's look. Here are some tips for creating an updated look for your home without breaking your budget. (See also: 15 Home Decorating Ideas for Under $5)

Change the Wallpaper

A gallon or two of paint may be acceptable to your wallet, but if you want to update your home’s look with high-quality wallpaper, it can be harder to justify the cost. The way to still add style without overspending is to find a fabric mill that makes the wallpaper. These mills will typically offer wallpaper of all kinds for 40-50% off the wholesale price. Discontinued patterns from retailers may also be an option if you are willing to be more open-minded about the kind of paper or style you want.

You can also save yourself a lot of time if you can learn how to hang the paper yourself. Check with your local home improvement store to see if they offer DIY classes to get you started.

Upgrade Your Floors

There are many user-friendly options when it comes to flooring choices. Check first with flooring wholesalers by calling them directly to inquire about deals. Many wholesale companies also have websites that offer limited-time deals, especially when the amount of flooring you need is greater than 1,000 square feet.

If you are looking for carpeting, check with local carpet and home improvement stores for discounted or unwanted carpeting that is already cut. Several discount stores also offer great deals on carpeting. It may be difficult to get carpeting from such locations if you have an odd-sized room, but it can pay off to look or call around for the dimensions you need. If you are looking for throw rugs, keep in mind that those you find in retail stores are typically marked up as much as 600%, so consider shopping at second-hand or discount stores to score some more affordable ones.

Replace the Old Appliances

The first place you should look when considering new appliances is the clearance aisles at home improvement stores. You might not have a large number of options, but you can certainly find a deal on unused-but-returned items. If you keep coming back, you are likely to find at least one appliance you’ve been looking for, and you may be able to update all of your appliances for well below regular cost.

Another good idea is find a contractor you know and ask where they get their appliances. If they can recommend a good wholesale location, you may be able to get exactly what you are looking for at a reasonable price. Don’t discount second-hand shops either. There are many reasons why people get rid of items, and you might be able to find a diamond in the rough — or at least something more updated and more energy-efficient than what you currently have in your home.

Update Your Curtains

A few simple curtain and drapery changes can make a whole room look updated. Check online at sites like eBay for draperies and curtains. There are plenty of people who have buyer's remorse when it comes to these items, and they are apt to resell plenty that are still in the packages. In other scenarios, consumers make mistakes in sizing or colors and don’t feel like returning them to the store. You may find exactly what you are looking for, or even new ideas.

When it comes to updating a home, remember that the little changes can often make a big change too, so keep your eyes out for picture frames and other wall hangings that go on clearance throughout the year. But the most important advice of all is to, sit down and establish a budget for yourself so you’ll know exactly how much you can spend before you even make your first purchase. Once you get into the process of updating, it can be easy to get carried away. Establish your budget early on so you can be sure you can afford the upgrades and not have to rely on extended credit to cover your project costs. Work towards paying in cash for your purchases, and you’ll likely enjoy the completed makeover way more than if you get inundated with bills each month.

This article is from Tisha Tolar of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Cheap Decorating: Three Simple Hacks for Style on a Dime

Staff — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:33:05 +0000

Going for an affordable little spruce up? Not wanting to spend an entire weekend sanding down Grandma's old bureau? Here are three easy and cheap decorating ideas to add unexpected sass and style.

Hide a multitude of sins with the tablecloth of your choice.

Whatever you decorating style, there's a tablecloth to match. Damask for formal, sarongs for a more Bohemian twist, vintage embroidered pieces for the shabby chic approach and many other styles can be accomplished affordably. Even if you dish out full price, it'll still be less than paying big bucks for an expensive table. And you don't need a floor length cloth. Just one that goes half to three quarters of the way down the table legs will be enough to take the eye away from chewed up or chipped wood completely.

Our kitchen table is of a wood color and design that on its own looks quite dated. The formica covered top has kept that part of the table darker than the more weathered legs. But it's sturdy, has two removable inserts for larger sit down events and best of all, it was free. My parents bought this when I was in primary school and it's the main table I grew up with. My emotional attachment to this table ended some time ago and it's nearly been given away more than once. But you know what? I'm hard pressed to find a new one this sturdy.

My answer to the dated looking doldrums? A tablecloth. When I feel like formal holiday damask, that's what comes out of the linen closet. Rustic? I have a woodsy plaid one that occasionally makes an appearance. Most of the time though, I have a selection of hand stamped Persian style cloths I picked up at various souks in the Middle East over the years. I love them. They have tons of color and strike a reasonable balance between casual and dressy. What can I say? That tribal look just works for me.

The point however, is that you can really cheap it out with a tightwad spray paint makeover on nearly any dining or accent table you manage to pick up off the street corner on trash day. To come completely clean, I've even used up-ended cardboard and metal footlockers this way to put a statue or other accent piece on. Just snag an affordable covering or make one from a unique fabric remnant. Even if you don't sew, you can fringe the ends a half inch or so all the way around with a simple seam ripper from the notions department at your local chain department store.

When it comes to mouthwash, think outside the bottle.

This one sort of came to me by complete accident. A short while ago, we decided one night to move the wireless online TV watching upstairs. We were tired, but not ready to fall asleep and the dog was getting antsy. Since she calms down if we allow her a few minutes on the bed with us, it seemed like a win-win all the way around. The wine bottle, stopper and our goblets made their way up with us as well. Before we fell asleep, I moved the glasses and wine bottle to the nearest safe zone – the counter top in the master bathroom.

To make a short story long, I was wishing for some sort of classier looking reusable bathroom cup the next morning when I spied my empty wine glass. Thinking I'd won the same free ticket on the easy train as when I made my bar soap discovery, I poured in some mouthwash and gave it the old toss and slosh. On my way down to the sink bowl, I spied the bottle of wine with the glass topped stopper in it. Hmmnn . . . . you know, it looked kind of neat. Would this be another opportunity to turn garbage into gold and find myself a new use for old wine bottles?

In the end, I decided to go with my port wine decanter. It came with a three piece set we picked up for cheap in Europe. While I use the brandy ones for various things, I have to usually dig deep for a use for the tall thin one normally considered appropriate for port. (or so I've been told) So, once I've emptied the pomegranate liquor out on our next alternative martini night, it'll be making its way to our bathroom counter along with an extra wine glass or two. If this doesn't fit your taste, you could always go with the wine bottle idea or any other type of alternative container and cup combo that fits your particular style. Canning jar and enamel cup for the rustic look, colored bottle normally used for vinegar or bulk oil storage, paired with an interesting high ball glass . . . you get the idea. The idea here is to use what you have on hand to provide an element of the unexpected.

Create your own edible still life display with a classic bowl of fruit.

Actually, it could be vegetables too. Anything organic that you'll eventually eat is game. On our kitchen table I usually keep a huge round cobalt blue glass bowl I got years ago at Ikea. When the table is smaller, or I have extra fruit I want to put out on the counter, I have a smaller pedestal one in the same shade I've been known to use as well. Crystal, cut glass, wood, woven grass baskets, thrift store pottery finds and many other things can be used. Just make sure it looks reasonably nice and load it up. My personal favorite frugal combo is green apples, oranges or clementines and a bunch or two of bananas. Other seasonal items can be used as well. Peaches, grapes, avocados, acorn squash and cherries have all made the cut at one time or another at our house.

I think there are several reasons this works. First, who doesn't remember the still life assignments from art class? Natural light and organic elements always make for a winning combo. Also, a full fruit bowl just screams “abundance”. You feel it, you kids feel it and your guests feel it. So if you're looking to downsize and live with less, this is a great way to have the feel of “lots” without having lots of stuff. Last but not least, people feel at home when they can grab a little something to snack on that's clearly out for communal consumption, but isn't a fussy party food. It sort of sends a statement that hospitality is built into your lifestyle in a seamless and relaxed way. When an old friend stops by out of the blue, make your way to the fruit bowl with some bread, cheese and a bottle of wine. You'll have a relaxing lunch that's low on prep and high on quality catch up time.

Need a few other cheap decorating ideas? We have several resource articles right here on Wise Bread. Check out Sarah's posts on living room decorating and stocking the perfect love nest, Andrea's article on frugal painting or Joann's interesting post on decorating with industrial samples. A few others you might find of note?

Affordable kitchen, bath and loft decorating ideas, including how to make a cheap DIY pot rack.
Cheap decorating ideas for small spaces, sprucing up old crap or decorating on a dime.
Using unexpected elements such as industrial shelving, extra coffee mugs and bandanas.
How to have Campari art on the cheap.

Got another great decorating idea for figuring out frugal? Share the love in the comment section below.

This article is from Staff of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: