DIY to stick to your decorating budget

Keep to your Budget

Decorating your apartment doesn't have to be an expensive proposition if you do it yourself. You'll not only save money, you'll have a great sense of accomplishment. You'll find a lot of ideas online or in home decorating books for every room in your apartment. Here are some simple ways to DIY and keep to your decorating budget.

Shop second hand: You'll be amazed at the treasures you can find at flea markets, garage sales and second hand stores. Some of the items might even be almost new. Don't get carried away though. Have list of what you need and stick to it. Friends and relatives might also be a good source of home furnishings.

Maximize wall space: You can make your apartment look bigger by getting things off the floor and onto the wall. Bookshelves are an example that will save floor space and draw the focus up in the process.

Purchase for style and price: Stores like Ikea offer style and value at a price that won't break the bank. Carefully consider what you need in your apartment from furniture to accent pieces to curtains and then compare prices.

Refresh old furniture: Don't throw away your old couch, cover it. There are lovely, stylish slipcovers that will bring an old couchor chair back to life. You also have the advantage of easily changing slipcovers when you are ready for a new look. You also can repaint or re-stain old furniture to make it look brand new.

Art adds value: You can easily enhance your apartment with artwork. Use photographs you've taken and frame them with inexpensive frames. Look for inexpensive artwork at discount stores. Buy patterned fabric and stretch it over a piece stretched canvas, stapling it in place.

Cover windows with style: You don't need to spend lots money on window covers. Curtains that use tension rods are generally inexpensive and easy to assemble.