Article published in Trussville Neighbors Magazine 02/2018

Decorating on a budget can be a fun challenge that keeps things interesting! What I love most about it is the creativity it pulls out of me. It causes me to think out of the box and challenges me to make the most out of things I already have at home. These days, in the decorating world, almost anything goes. Here’s a list of quick tips to remember when decorating.

• Utilize architectural pieces. Old architectural pieces such as windows, screens, fences, doors, spindles and even ceiling tiles are great to add character to any space. You can find these at yard sales, thrift stores and even laying on the side of a road.
• Layering. Don’t be afraid to layer pieces when it comes to decorating. It adds texture and dimension to any space. One of my favorite designs is an old fence (turned sideways) layered with a screen and handmade banner that I use as my headboard. I also have layered windows hanging on a wall in my dining room. Talk about walls that talk! This wall makes a huge statement and can be decorated with every season.
• Don’t be afraid to paint. I cannot over emphasize what painting can do. It will not only transform the piece that you paint, but the space that its in. I am a lover of all things neutral. This works especially well if you are dealing with smaller rooms. Using neutrals will cause your room to look much larger, giving you a nice light and airy feel. Whenever shopping or digging through my old items, I imagine what a piece would look like painted to fit my style. For example, the ANTIQUES sign hanging above my headboard was galvanized. Although I love galvanized pieces, this no longer went with the style of my bedroom. I simply painted it neutral to fit perfectly with my decor. I also white washed the wooden tobacco basket hanging above my dresser. With all my furniture painted neutral, the wood was a bit dark for the space. Keep in mind that most anything and everything can be painted these days. My go to paints are CeCe Caldwell chalk + clay and Farmhouse Paints. No priming needed with either of these and no wax needed with Farmhouse Paints.
• Slipcovers. A few years ago, my style changed from warm colors to light and airy neutrals. While it was easy to paint pieces and change out wall decor, my couch and love seat were not so cheap to replace. The most affordable thing was to buy slip covers to match my style. It gave my furniture the perfect transformation, while adding a cozy cottage feel to the space. Slipcovers are washable, which is an added plus. Being able to wash my furniture is always a win!