You can’t flip through the channels of cable television these days, without stumbling across a home decorating show. From kitchens to baths, bedrooms to even closets, there are many ways to organize clutter, save space, and take those dreary areas to dazzling in often no time flat! However, some of us don’t have the extra padding in our pant pockets or bulge in our wallets to make that happen. With a few simple reminders and tips, you too can make a space come alive again and celebrate a home worth bragging about.
First, there are the second hand shops such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. It’s a no-brainer these type of non-profit stores will save you money, but there’s the added benefit of knowing your hard-earned income is going back towards educating, employing, and helping others less fortunate. Goodwill alone invests .90 cents of every dollar made supporting a variety of local, community programs.
Next, you can try the old “bringing the outdoors in” approach. Sticks, twigs, and pinecones, display nicely in a glass vase for the bathroom or as a dining room table center piece, while pressed, hand-picked flowers attached to thin cardboard make for an eye-catching mat within a picture frame to adorn the walls. Painting smooth-finished rocks make for great paperweights near the computer and using leaves attached to string make for a clever garland draped around the bannister. Being outdoors is one way to awaken your senses, so on days where Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, this is the best way to enjoy those elements on the inside.
Finally, recycled materials are key to not only reducing waste and saving energy, but also in minimizing the money spent on decorating later. Items as simple as toilet paper rolls can be cut into thin, circular strips to create a 3-dimensional art piece. Corks from wine bottles can be used as bulletin boards in a child’s bedroom for showcasing returned homework, drawings, and more. Another nifty idea is using magazine cut-outs, wrapping paper, and last year’s calendar to decoupage on a serving platter or tv tray near the living room sofa.
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By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor
