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Easy Decorating Ideas for the Busy Parent


Are you always wishing to "fix up this place", but don't have much time, money, or both?
Here are some easy ways to spruce up your home.

1) The cheapest, most dramatic thing you can do to your home is to paint. Even if you want a "white" wall, consider using a beige color to emphasize your baseboards and crown moulding. If you have beige carpet, the color of the carpet is a great solution for a paint color. Do not be scared of dark colors "making a room feel smaller", when in fact they usually make a room feel more cozy and inviting. When you go to select paint, bring several paint choices (the more, the better) home and attach them to the wall you wish to paint. Over several days remove the color you do not like until you are left with your final selection.

The only painting problem you might have is finding time. If you have already purchased the paint and other necessities, and have taped off the room, you could probably paint an average size room and clean up in 3 hours or less. Keep in mind that a dark color on a light wall, or a light color on a dark wall will take more coats of paint. Perhaps ask a neighbor if she can watch your children for 3 hours one day and you will take her children the next day. Mothers Day Out is another solution. Make sure to keep the area well ventilated, use paint that does not emit noxious vapors, and keep all home improvement items well out of children's reach. You will probably want to do this first thing in the morning so that the home has time to air out and you can spend time away from the home with the children during the afternoon.

2) Everyone knows that curtains can keep the sun and heat out of their homes, but they can also add color, softness, and beauty to a space. Even if you already have blinds, consider adding a curtain or valance on top of the blinds. If you can sew and have time, home made curtains will probably be the least expensive route to take for the most custom look. If you do not sew, you can purchase pre-made curtains from most bed, bath, and hobby retailers, but don't forget your coupons and sale days. Many retailers have coupons from 20%-40% off, and sales at 50% off and sometimes more. You can search the internet for more information on particular sales and signing up for coupons at particular stores. When purchasing curtains, splurge on the decorative curtain rod and accessories. This will make your curtains special and stand out.

3) Whether live or faux, plants add a feeling of life to sterile environments. Do you have an empty corner of your home that needs something to fill the space? How about a tree? Do you have a dining room table that is used only twice a year? Why not put a beautiful floral arrangement there?

When selecting a faux plant or tree for your home, try to purchase the best quality that you can afford so that it does not look like a green lump of plastic. You should keep all plants and trees out of baby's reach. If this is not possible, you would want to select faux plants to avoid chemicals, dirt spills, and eating poisonous leaves.

4) No decorating budget at all? Why not rearrange what you have? Try moving your sofa and chairs to another location within the room - maybe even move them at an angle. Move your knick knacks to different places or different rooms. Consider removing all decorative items from your room and putting back only those that add to the room - don't put them back just because you need a place to put the items. You may need to rotate out your accessories instead of displaying them all at once in order to keep your home from looking cluttered.




For more information on decorative items, visit the designer resources section of this website.