If you saw the Cricket Wireless event last weekend, you got a bit of a sneak peek at this approach to decorating on a shoestring budget.  I’ll be filling it out some more in this post.  If you missed it…well, you won’t even notice you missed anything.  (At least, not as far as this decorating approach goes.)

Most of us have particular decorating preferences.  Even if we aren’t very particular in terms of taste, there are only so many different colors, styles, etc. that can be incorporated into the same room before it’s so hodgepodge that it looks more cluttered than classy.  Unfortunately, this also means that when you need something, there are limited items which will fit the bill.  Limited choices often means higher cost.  So…what if you could expand your options?

You can, if you approach decorating from an entirely new angle.

Consider Materials First

Normally, when we think of decorating, we think in terms of objects — needing a lamp, or a chair, or a rug.  But then you’re forced to find a lamp or chair or rug which also meets your other specifications.  The options expand if we turn that on its head and instead think about what materials we want to use.

By way of example, I prefer natural materials with a lot of texture: burlap, linen, jute, unbleached canvas, stone, etc.  And I prefer them either in their natural colors, or in bright colors that pop (like teal).  When it comes to metals, I like rubbed bronze and wrought iron (or at least what looks like wrought iron).  So I would think through these and create a sort of mental “palette” of materials.

Hinges, Oil-Rubbed BronzeJute TwineBurlapWhite Brick TextureTeal Burlap RibbonNatural Linen Hand TowelsWrought IronStone Brick Texture

Your preferences might be different, and that’s okay.  Just think through what you would use.  Maybe you like shiny pink satin, powdered white metal, and black velvet, for a Parisian look.  Or perhaps your favorite print is damask and you like to use that everywhere.  It doesn’t really matter what the preference is, just think through your favorite materials (and make sure they all go together!) So, to recap:

STEP 1: Create a mental palette of materials.

Figure Out How to Bring Those Materials Into Your Space

Once you have an idea of what materials you can use, now it is time to figure out how you can bring them into the space you’re decorating.  The beauty of this approach is that the object you bring in doesn’t necessarily have to be quite perfect.  If you can cover it, coat it, embellish it, etc. and it will then be right, you can use it.  This opens up a world of possibilities!

This may require some Do-It-Yourself work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated at all.  Almost anyone can spray something with a can of spray paint or glue on a piece of fabric or ribbon.

Rust-Oleum 330505 Universal Enamel Spray Paint, 12 oz, Matte Farmhouse BlackKrylon K18213 Coarse Stone Texture Finish Spray Paint, White Onyx, 12 OunceRust-Oleum 7218830 Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint, 12 Oz, Dark Bronze

If you have the skills and want to, it can be complicated!  I mean, you can reupholster a sofa if you want to!  (Or pay someone else, for an in-between option.)  But even if you’re not crafty, there’s a lot you can do.

Do you need containers for storage?  Find a box, basket, or bowl in the right size and shape that you can spray paint or cover with fabric or pretty paper.  Or maybe you have some containers that are neutral enough that they’re not detracting from the décor, but you don’t feel like they quite tie in, either.

Find a common element you can bring in – glue on a bow, wrap a band of ribbon around them, or add some other embellishment that echoes what you see elsewhere in the room.  So…

STEP 2: Incorporate the materials you’ve chosen into your space.

That’s It – Decorating on a Shoestring Budget Made Simple!

That’s all the steps there are!  It might take a little bit of practice at first, but it’s not hard to do.  In fact, for those of us who weren’t born with an innate decorating sense, it can be a lot easier to develop a sense of decorating style, because we know what we like.  And when everything uses the same materials, the look will be cohesive without a lot of effort.