The trend these days is to discover extremely innovative ways to decorate interiors on a budget. The tips provided below are just a few of the many ways one can inexpensively achieve a truly original look for a room.
Borders on a wall are an elegant way to change the look of a room. The easiest way to do this is to paint two parallel lines either at eye level or about a foot above the floor. Deciding on what motifs or designs to paint or stencil between these two lines will depend entirely on who the occupants of the room are. For example, if it is a child's room then you could dip the child's hands in paint and make hand prints between the lines at regular intervals. I am yet to find a kid who doesn't enjoy this activity thoroughly! Also, kids love to display their school art projects on their bedroom walls. Try hanging up these projects on their room walls and watch their eyes light up!
Another option for border design is block printing using vegetables or fruits. Capsicum, okra and apples when cut in half horizontally, dipped in paint and stamped onto the surface produce readymade floral designs. String beans can be used to print tiny leaf designs. Use your imagination to cut up a design on potatoes or carrots. Then use this as a homemade stencil to reproduce the design.
Here is another great way to add design to your walls. Choose any old toy car or truck in your child's toy basket, dip the wheels into the paint and roll it along the surface to create parallel lines; or you could zigzag them for a cute effect!
Step outside for a walk. Pick up a few leaves that appeal to you. Now dip the leaf surface into the paint and press it onto the wall to create a naturally stenciled leaf design.
For a genuine work of art, try this. Dip an old toothbrush into paint. Hold the brush close to the surface you would like to produce this effect on. Now pull back the bristles and release them gently so that a fine spray effect is produced on the desired surface. Test out the spray action on a piece of paper before trying it on a wall. Sponge painting is another surface painting method to create special effects inexpensively. Sponged-on designs actually let you personalize your space with minimum effort, cost and time. All you need is a plain wall, some cheap acrylic paint, a sponge and lots of enthusiasm! If you can't afford the expensive sea sponges, then don't fret yet, there is help. Just get any old/new sponge, randomly pinch out pieces so you get an uneven plucked out effect. Now hold this piece of 'personal art' comfortably in your hand and dip it into the paint. Then dab the paint-soaked portion onto a scrap of paper, just to get the excess paint out. Proceed to applying the sponge onto the wall at regular intervals. Stand back and view your artwork before touching up the design. Have fun!
To go in for a really coordinated design scheme, you can use the same effects you used on the walls of the room on the furniture or other accessories in the room. For example, if your kitchen walls have the leaf design, then you can use the same design on the cupboards, tabletops, and refrigerator door and bread box too!
I hope that was a fun set of frugal ideas to spruce up your walls this summer. But before you rush off to start, make a note of the following tips too:
Now that just reminds me, there are a whole lot of people staying in rented homes who aren't allowed to paint their walls! Guess what? You can still decorate with any design you want! Here's what you do:
Using any of the tips given above, paint, stencil or block-print the designs you want on cheap sheets or old bed sheets. Make sure you use good quality fabric paint.
Let it dry thoroughly. Then cut out these designs and soak them in a solution of liquid starch and water [2 tsp starch to one cup water]. Now place them on the walls wherever you want. They can be peeled off easily when you get tired of them or when it's time to move!
About The Author
© Rachel Paul, 2004.
Rachel Paul is a busy at-home mom and an avid interior decorator who loves to find genuinely innovative ways to perk up her home in the few free moments she finds between caring for her family and pursuing home study writing courses as well. She can be contacted at: rpaul197@yahoo.com.
Permission is granted to reprint for free with resource box intact.
Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used... Read More
Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less... Read More
A comfortable recliner is the prime parking spot for many-a-man.... Read More
Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and... Read More
One of the most crucial elements to consider in building... Read More
Framed art is an ideal compliment to any room of... Read More
The story of the line begins in 1730 with the... Read More
I love burning candles and have them all around the... Read More
In these days of deadlines and time limits, shower enclosures... Read More
The Many Types Of Light Available TodayWhat's in a light... Read More
Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because... Read More
Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and... Read More
When shopping for a bathroom vanity sink, let both function... Read More
Candlestick, lamp and fixtures for electricity must accord with the... Read More
I love to surround myself with things from the past.... Read More
Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot... Read More
? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More
You see it all the time in retail discount stores:... Read More
Perhaps the best air purifiers are those from the IQAir... Read More
If you would have your rooms interesting as well as... Read More
Bunk bed mattresses are perhaps the most important kind of... Read More
Massage therapists are in high demand. Consumers recognize the physical... Read More
Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet,... Read More
Decorating a Guest BedroomThe guest bedroom is the one room... Read More
Along with losing weight and quitting smoking, getting organized is... Read More
Perhaps you are a vendor who would like to begin... Read More
Window shutters can serve many purposes. In areas of the... Read More
Is your kitchen or dining area missing that little bit... Read More
Since conservatories have so many windows, choosing conservatory blinds is... Read More
If you've ever seen Frank's decorations on TLC's Trading Spaces,... Read More
Deciding what colors to use when decorating your house can... Read More
Tabriz rugs are made in the north western part of... Read More
Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep... Read More
Creating intimacy in a room is about finding a mixture... Read More
Decorating with old, used fishing gear is fun, creative and... Read More
Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and... Read More
There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room... Read More
When colonial families settled on the Eastern seaboard, they set... Read More
It is a cliché that wines get better with age.... Read More
Woven wood shades, also known as bamboo shades, are a... Read More
Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep... Read More
The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the... Read More
Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months... Read More
Human resource officers have, over the past decade or so,... Read More
Interior decorating is that medium which can make your closed... Read More
In the past, collectors have been fascinated with sculptures of... Read More
If you have book shelves in your home, and lots... Read More
At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy.... Read More
There are hundreds of choices carpet choices out there! How... Read More
There's good news about hardwood floors. Because of advanced construction... Read More
In some places, one might be able to find old... Read More
When potential buyers are looking at a home, many upgrades... Read More
The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet... Read More
Every part of the world has its share of natural... Read More
We expect a lot from our clocks. We expect them... Read More
What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory... Read More
Psychology of colors ? the bedroomColor can have an astounding... Read More
If you would have your rooms interesting as well as... Read More
Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home... Read More
If you're like most people home décor is a puzzling... Read More
With the array of choices we have for softening hard... Read More
Fitting new couch slipcovers is a great way to instantly... Read More
Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding... Read More
Pendant lighting has gained a great deal of popularity for... Read More
Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't... Read More
With so many types and brands of water softeners to... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |