One of the main points that I try to make here at All Things Thrifty is that you do not need to spend a lot of money to decorate! But maybe an even more important point is that if you cannot find what you are looking for at a price that is reasonable, most the time you can create it with a little bit of creativity.
All this takes is a change in your mind set. Try not to buy things on impulse. I hear this a lot, “I don’t LOVE this, but it was the only thing I could find” or “I wish it was THIS color instead”…etc. I hardly ever buy things with the intention of keeping it “as is.” I want my home to be unique. I want my decor to look different than everyone else’s.
Here is a good example of what I’m talking about. My friend Bri had been searching for something to go in her little girl’s bedroom. She picked up these decorative shields at a yard sale for less than $5.00.
The shields weren’t exactly what she was looking for, but she had a vision for them. They are made of metal, and she liked the detail. She stopped by to borrow a tiny bit of paint and glaze.
A little Krylon Ocean Breeze changes them instantly!
Then a little glaze to make the details “pop”. We painted the glaze on with a bristle brush, just like I always do. It makes it easier to get the glaze into every nook and cranny.
Then we wiped off the excess glaze with a damp cloth.
Voila! It looks great, and it matches her decor.
Yard sales are the best!
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find something that is perfect for your space immediately. Sometimes it takes extra time to find something that fits within your budget. Try not to get overwhelmed. The decisions of decorating can be hard for some. You are not alone. When you simply cannot decide what to do in your room, take a break on that room and move on to another room. I get a lot of inspiration from reading magazines, watching television shows, and looking at decorating websites.
Most the time the inspiration for the “perfect” decoration for a certain space will come when I am not expecting it.
Those are awesome, not something I would have thought to decorate with but like you said, everything has potential (well, sorta said =)). I have been wanting to try out glaze and I have read some other posts on what to get. I thought I wanted to be able to tint it whatever color I want but not sure I want to pay $15 for that one and not like it. So I was wondering what you suggest?
These are really cool. I love the new color! I have several things sitting in my cabinet I've bought at garage sales and thrift stores just waiting for a redo!