Home Decorated on a Budget

Whether your buying or renting your home, when it comes to decorating, you want to make it your home without spending a lot on window treatments and furniture.  This Princeton rental gives you a few examples on ways to save and achieve a finished look.

Living Room Before/ After

The  no-sew window valance are made from cotton floormats purchased at West Elm ,$20 each.  I attached them to a simple wood cornice.  The color, Strawberry, adds a punch of color and texture to the small living room.  The round side table is an outdoor folding table.  I draped it with a white tablecloth, then covered it with 1 1/2 yards of blue fabric by Waverly and finished it with a great lamp, found at Jane’s in Princeton.  The fireplace mantel books were purchased from the library from the “used book” section.  It’s a great way to support the library.  Finally, the ginger jars and mirror are from One Kings Lane.  Can you believe the camel back sofa was once covered in pink damask.  I purchased the sofa at a thrift store and had it reupholstered in beige velvet.  For a detailed finish,  I added brass nailheads to the arms.  The feather-down cushions are comfortable and durable.

Dining Room Before/After

The dining room curtains are tablecloths, $10/each at Target.  I hung them from a small rod with clips for no-sew curtains.  They wash easily.  A chandelier found for $20 dollars at a garage sale  is paired with black shades, $2 each.  I had the lamp re-wired, $50.  The rosewood dresser is great for storing table linens, napkins and accessories.  I covered the inside of the secretary desk with fabric from Calico Corners.  The antique sugar bowl looks at home next to the blood-orange coral.

 Family Room Corner

The small chair is from Ikea.  It has a black and white check slipcover, which is easy to remove and wash.  I added a blanket, from One Kings Lane.  The silhoutte is kid’s art, made in school.  I added a simple glass, black frame.  The  fabric window shade is from Target.  It’s a great corner to read a book.

I hope I inspire you.  Let me know what you think.