It's about time to open up the beach house or second home in the hills. This can be a daunting task or it can be fun, which way you go is up to you. Generally, if you have to do it, you may as well be happy about it. This article will help you add fun to the task of updating your cabin in the woods or your cozy home at the beach. Even though financial times are tough right now, you can still toss some springtime into these places without breaking the bank. These same ideas can be used in your full time home as well.
If you're not sure how to make your home suit your style, stop now and gather your thoughts. Peruse online stores for furnishings and accessories that you like. There are even free quizzes online to help you discover your own style. As you look at things or furnishings for your home, copy and paste pictures of the things you like the most to your word processing program and save them. Create an online booklet for yourself that helps to define your style. To keep your selections within your budget, see how many things you already have that can easily take on a new look with a little effort. You may be surprised at how easy these kinds of transformations can be.
Let's use a country or rustic theme as an example. Maybe now you have an eclectic or mis-matched grouping now, and you want to carry a rustic sort of theme. Using the furniture you already have, can you add country accessories to achieve your look? Maybe you will need to sand down a piece of furniture and re-stain it, or apply a coat of paint to achieve your look. Change the least expensive items first such as the throw pillows, pictures on the walls and area rugs. You could perhaps add a hand-made afghan throw to the back of your sofa.
New curtains can really change the appearance of a room too. Moving from heavy drapery to light airy options will give the entire room a totally different feel. Try to stick with light colors and fabrics that have a print that follows your theme. If you really want to keep heavier drapes at your windows to reflect sun and preserve air conditioned air, simply add tie backs with artificial flowers that compliment your theme. A touch of perfume made from a flowery scent will add to the ambiance you're trying to create.
If you have a lake house or cottage at the beach, you may want to redecorate with a nautical theme. It's easy to go nautical on a tight budget! A quick trip to your local dollar store will produce a bounty of goods to either use as they are or to create specialty items you've made for yourself. As you peruse the shelves, look at things for what they are, then do a double take to look at things for what they could be. This may take some practice, but you'll catch on quickly. For instance, you could make a wreath from a wreath form, some artificial water lilies, a frog from the children's toy section, and perhaps a lighthouse magnet or two. You now have all the pieces and parts to create a beautiful nautical themed wreath to welcome your guests.
The same idea applies well to the little bags of colored sand at the dollar store. Grab two or three bags of assorted colors of sand, one picture frame, and one piece of poster board. You can draw a very simple beach scene. Add glue to one section at a time and sprinkle the sand on top; allow that to dry. Repeat each step, moving from bottom to top or top to bottom as you go. When all sections are completed and dry, hold it up outside to allow the excess sand to fall off. Place your picture in your frame and hang it proudly! You just created your very piece of artwork to display for your guests, even if you have no artistic ability!
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