Budget Decorating...Flea Markets.. ~~Let's Talk~~

Hey Everybody!!  Hope this cold February Day finds Everyone Well.  Hope you enjoyed the Snow .  I am looking forward to SPRING!!

Today I want to chat about everything.  Let's start with Budget Decorating, how about a Kitchen for $500.  You have to be smart with your shopping, do what you can and know when to hire a professional.

Today's market has so many great materials to offer.  And, let's face it everyone wants a high end look at a fraction of the cost.

Floors....Big project, expensive.  It does not have to be.  Set a budget, stick to it.  If you have hardwood or Brick you are Blessed!!! If you have Hardwood floors and they are in bad shape, refinish them.  If that is not in the budget, Paint them.  Paint them a solid color.  Paint a pattern, stencil.  Do what makes you happy.  If you have Brick Floors, clean and put a poly coat to give them an updated look.  Ok, so you don't have either.  That's ok too!  If you have the champagne taste and beer budget there are options. Want the look of stone, tile almost anything.  Shop your home Improvement store.  Pick something you love.....then shop close outs, flea markets, your area thrift stores, garage sales.  There is always an option.  The tile that has the peel off the back can be beautiful.  Remember a clean floor that is sturdy, making sure there are no loose pieces...it can be covered.  Always start in the center of the floor. I like to draw chalk lines, something to keep from getting out of sync.  Try different patterns with the tile before laying it.  A small space is made to appear larger when the tile is laid on a diagonal. these peel and stick are $4 to $5 a square foot.  Great start to a $500 kitchen makeover.

Counter Tops

Everybody seems to want the Solid Surface.  They are great, but expensive.  Again, shop your Home Improvement Store, pick what you Love and then begin thinking...I can do this on a budget.  One of the great things offered today is an Overlay.  Get the look  of a Solid Surface at a fraction of the cost. 

This is an overlay.  You need to have a sturdy counter top.  If you have a laminate top, this can be put right over it.  Much the same way as the laminate is done.  The scraps from the solid surface are ground into dust, then put together with a solution that turns solid in a thin piece.  It is attached to a backing and you have the look!  You have to be careful of chipping with ALL solid surfaces and this is no different.  But....the cost is a quarter of what the Solid Surface cost and I promise it looks the same.  The fold over or rounded edges makes it appear thick.

Paint your walls, make them flow with the rest of your house.  I normally say start with the walls but, when you are working on a tight budget, find the elements of your room first. Paint can always be mixed to match.  Check out those oops paints from your Home Improvement Center.  Even Walmart makes mistakes.  Most of these paints can be picked up for $5.00 a gallon.  

Lets talk Cabinets

Paint is your friend!  Don't be afraid to do several coats, color or even a glaze for texture. You would be amazed at what you can do. New hardware and a accessorize......you have a budget kitchen,  According to the size of your kitchen...$500 is very doable!!

We have talked about Budget Decorating and a little about Flea Markets.

Have I told you I Love Flea Markets! !Flea Markets are normally weekend things.  Early bird gets the worm.  Make a list, have your measurements.  OPEN YOUR MIND TO POSSIBILITIES !!  Look with an eye for "What Could I Do With This". Don't forget the local Thrift Store and Antique Malls.  Many dealers have items that you can use and let's face it in this slumping economy ...they want to sell.  Never be afraid to Make An Offer!!!!! some of the most wonderful things I have placed in clients homes have been a find at one of these places.  You just have to be patient when working on a tight budget.

I hope I have provided a few options or ideas.  Remember you can call me or shoot me an email and I will be happy to help.

In closing I just wanted to remind everyone that my sweet husband makes custom Farm Tables.  These Tables are always made with Repurposed Materials(keeping our land clean and saving materials from the landfills) and  A Lot of  Love!  According to size, materials, and legs we have tables in every budget starting at $100 and going up to $1000 for a really big table!!

Thanks to all of you that have purchased!!

 I wanted to share just a few of my favorite things before I go!!  MIRRORS!!  Every Shape and Size!! They add visual space.  They provide light....they are Wonderful!! I love, Love, Love Them!!

Thanks for Stopping in, Leave me a comment...tell me what you'd like to talk about.

Stay Warm and Stay in Touch!!

Kay