Ada Gonzalez is the creative director of Ada's Interior Design, Inc. in New York. She designs solutions that provide comfort & function with a BIG SPLASH of style without having to spend hi-end prices on furniture & furnishings. Her designs have appeared in the Life & Style section of The Journal News and the Lohub Blog of Westchester County. In April 2007 she won a design competition called "Interior Motives". She was an Interior Decorating subject specialist for DETC (Distant Education Training Council) spring 2007. Her weekly newsletter called “Smart Decorating! E-News” is her way of reaching out and sharing decorating tips to people across the United States. To get more information go to www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com
Lately, people find it difficult even thinking about spending on their home when the economy is so bad. I full heartedly believe that America’s current situation is a wake up call to the way people have been living – many (not everyone) living beyond their means, in out of control unnecessary spending, and simply unattached to consequences until reality sinks in. But rest assured that no matter what your situation is – it is here to make you stronger and happier at home and within your‘self’.
It is a time (now more than ever) to think more creatively to save money, to connect with your soul and find out what makes you happy, to nourish your home so it can feed you emotionally and prepare you for a magnificent future!
Below are 4 Creative Resources for Decorating in this Economy to inspire and empower you to surround yourself within a home that you LOVE to walk into …
Swap-o-rama:
Have you ever eyed an item your neighbor had and wished you could have it? Well, maybe NOW you can!! No, I do not mean that you should go get a mask and sneak into your neighbors home while humming the Mission Impossible theme song. I mean, perhaps you can swap an item that you do not want with an item you’re your neighbors has and they do not want. Your table lamp may be old to you, but new to a home that didn’t have it. So a fun and ‘no spending’ way to get new items is by swapping them with neighbors, family, friends, and even co-workers.
$0.99 stores rock!!
I believe dollar stores rock!! They never cease to amaze me with the variety of unexpected items that they carry – like: glassware that make great vases, candles that are at least $5 less than in department stores, mesh baskets for fruits, pictures frames what you can paint any color your your heart desires without feeling that you will ruin it because of the cost. And hey, it is nobodies’ beeeeswax how much you spent on an item. So, go adventure into a $0.99 store near you this week and see what items they carry that surprise you!
Tantalizing thrift stores:
Thrifts stores are making a combat in style! – it is nowadays considered hip to shop in a thrift store full of economical items that have a history to it. A snazzy name for thrift store is … vintage store! Another great reason to shop at a thrift shop is that most are associated with a charity so while you are helping yourself decorate in style, you are also helping a charity. Hmm, I wonder what great finds you will spot in a vintage store near you?! Perhaps a pair of lovely chairs that you can simply sand, and repaint (or stain) a color you love to match your home décor!
Move and reuse:
Do you want to shop for items without spending mula or even traveling far? You can by .. shopping within your own home! Yes, YOUR own home! Look around and see what furniture pieces you can use from their conventional location to decorate your home to ‘feel and look’ different while using your own items! Here are some ideas, perhaps you can:
- move your kitchen cupboard to become your bedroom armoire
- move your bedroom armoire to become your living room’s TV stand
- move your TV stand to the perfect spot in your home office to become a bookshelf
Now is the time to reflect on what you like and do not like within your home and yourself, take responsibility to heal your self and nurture your self by being surrounded by items that you love! Now, keep in mind that I wrote – items that you love, not memories that you love. Are you keeping an item/décor/gift that a friend gave you for sentimental reasons, but which you truly have outgrown? If so, then the item may be clutter – when it doesn’t leave space for things that make your heart smile!
If you want a guide on how to decorate to nurture yourself, then read ‘Delicious Decorating for the Star in You’.
© 2007 Ada’s Interior Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Website: www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com
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