Designing the Taj Mahal on a Motel 6 Budget

I believe that anyone can design. I know that puts my job security somewhere around, well nothing, but fortunately this is my first post so hopely most people who follow this blog won't every read post number one. In which i claim, everyone is creative and can design. All anyone needs is money, will an unlimitied supply of funds, anyone can design.
The key to being a good designer is designing on a budget. Hardest thing I have to do is figure out how to do what I want with no money. This past weekend my parents and I redid a room in their basement for less than 100.00 dollors. It's adorable. It was a lot of work. It kind of sucked, but the room is so cute, I think it would have been difficult to find someone to pay to do the work that we did ourselves. It brings me to todays list of things to consider.

1. When money's tight, do it yourself, it may take some extra time to get it right, but you'll save a lot of money doing it yourself.

2. Consider what you have and how it can be reused, refurbushed and/or repurposed. If you don't have to buy something new, than don't.

3. Paint, it is any easy and inexpensive way to change the entire nature of a room. It's a big difference to the room without making a huge difference in your pocket book. If the paint is your largest expense your doing well.

4. While we are speaking about paint. Choose wisely, make sure to use the light boxes at the store. If you're still not sure about the color get a small paint sample at the store, better to paint over s little bit of paint on one wall than paint the entire room over again.

5. Make sure to save money for accessories and hold on to those accessories that you love. Work them into your new room. Accessories personalize a room, but don't overdo it.

6. More is not always better, learn how to say no and that's enough.

7. You're not honoring the memory of your great great uncle by keeping that old shoe horn in the closet. You know what to do, either display it or get rid of it. Some of those old family hierlooms are tragically locked away when they could be displayed.

8. If you want custom, build it yourself.

No I don't have 10. Just remember, reuse, repurpose and be creative. Decorating is about making a space functional and pleasant to be in. If you achieve those two aims than you have been successful. Happy designing.