RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...

With the current state of the economy, I will be spending a lot more time at home with my family. I want to redecorate, but on a very small budget. Any suggestions?
    By Cat Hackman of Room 4 Refinement

There are many things to do to improve your home on a small budget. It’s a question of thinking outside the box and trying new things out. Here are some ideas:

De-clutter - Start with one room at a time. Identify things you don’t like and get rid of them; even the things you hide in drawers or were given but still keep out of guilt. De-cluttering clears up space to let in new energy. If there are items you don’t like but have to keep, can you fix them up? Re-stain or paint them? Or move to a different room?

Window Treatments - Do you need them for privacy or light control? If not, perhaps you can remove them all together. If unsure, take them down and live with the change for a week. You might be surprised at how clean it looks. Or simply remove some of the sheers you added in the 80’s or the valance and swag that looks outdated.

Walls - Take a good look at what is hanging on your walls. For art or photos, ensure they are large enough for your wall. If you clutter a large wall with small pictures, they get lost. If you have many small pictures, hang them in a grouping in a stairwell or a hallway. Be creative. You can create wall art using fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper. For example, stretch fabric over a large artist frame.

Color - Paint is inexpensive and will give you an instant update. If you choose a bold colour, start with one accent wall. Pick up this colour in your accessories such as pillows, throws, vases, books, bowls, etc. Hang a piece of art on the wall that also contains some of this new colour.

Lighting - Poor lighting is common and if you can’t add better light from the ceiling, invest in similar floor and table lamps. Stay away from “up” lights; they simply highlight the ceiling. For most lights, you can add a dimmer switch.

Floors - Keep clutter away from floors. You don’t have to fill every corner with something. Anchor your sitting area with an area rug that is large enough where the front legs of your furniture sits on top of carpet.

Furniture - Arrange your living room in a u-shape. Pull furniture out from walls and create cozy conversation areas. Time is also money. If you don’t have time (as it may take you days or weeks), hire a professional to help you. A two-hour consult may be the best money ever spent.

For decorating advice, contact Cat Hackman, Certified Interior Decorator at 403.681.4473 or visit her website at www.room4refinement.com