Decorate Your Space: Big on Impact, Small on Cash

Darshana, our Design Correspondent

by Pooja Patel with Darshana Magan

Have you been thinking about decorating your room, but keep putting it off because of the slumping economy? With these great tips from Darshana Magan, our Design Correspondent, you can decorate with little impact on your wallet!

Darshana dropped in to give us great advice on decorating small spaces, like your dormroom or apartment, on a budget. Her advice is simple yet effective.

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Style Tips:

1)      Don’t be afraid to use color.

2)      Add personality, not clutter.

3)      Make it personal and homey.

4)      Simplicity equals success.

Using Color:

Darshana's re-decorated room.

• A fun way to add color to your room is to create it yourself. Grab a couple of canvases and some cheap brushes and release your inner Michelangelo! Anyone can do it!

• If painting isn’t your game, you can always add color by using art pieces and framing them. Some examples are: postcards, scrapbook paper, handmade paper, posters, or some of your own photography. Try TJ Maxx, Marshall’s or Target for some cute, inexpensive frames.

• Wall art isn’t the only way to add color. Use your bedding to give your room that extra zing. However, if you choose to go bold with bedding, keep accessories down to a minimum. Too much color is overwhelming to the eye. I prefer neutral bedding and bringing in color through throw pillows and accessories. Check out these websites to get great deals on pillows, rugs, bedding, and more:

Urban Outfitters

Target

Add Personality, Not Clutter:

Working with a color palette that fits your personality, is very important.  The Target link above has this nifty tool that lets you choose your bedding color palette.

If you are going neutral (brown, creams, and greys) then you will more than likely bring in color through one toss pillow, a throw at the end of your bed, curtains, knick knacks, vases, picture frames and maybe even a rug. Remember that lively patterns are great for small spaces, because you only need a modest amount to make a big impact!

This color palette flows well. This would be a jewel tone palette.

Because this is a small space you may want to get a maximum of three frames, and maybe an actual corkboard where you can use some pieces of scrap book paper, or cut out alphabet letters to personalize it.

3) Make it personal and homey:

- This is simply done by adding photographs of loved ones, family members, and friends! Add your personal touch by adding humor, personal quotes, and life to the room. Stack your favorite books on the night stand next to your bed. Bring the outside in by adding a small plant and putting it in nice pottery.

Simple, yet elegant frames can easily add color to your room.

Simplicity equals Success:

1) Check out an Ikea store if you have one around you. It is an ideal one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. It’s even great for finding storage containers on the cheap!

2) I find myself browsing Target.com all the time. This place has it all! You can get simple and unique items for clearance prices.

3) Bedding and accessories can always be found on sale at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, Overstock.com and Pier 1 Imports. For more quirky items check out Urban Outfitters, your local thrift store, West Elm or EBAY!

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