Do It Yourself

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

08 Apr 2006 06:58 AM

Finding creative and inexpensive ways to decorate your home is a lot of fun. Not only will it help you save money, but it is also a great way to create a unique look and feel in your home. Designer labels are nice, but too many people collect the same trendy items. When you make your own furnishings and accessories, your look is one of a kind.

You also get the personal satisfaction of being able to say, "I made that," when a friend or family member inquires about one of your unique pieces. Handmade items also lend a sense of warmth and charm to any home.

The best way to become a do it yourself homeowner is to start with small decor or repair projects. Try to look at items around your home or at thrift stores and salvage centers with fresh eyes. Simple repairs such as replacing hardware or simple updates like new paint, can make an item seem like new. You can also use interesting items any way you like, instead of using them only for their intended purposes.

Give that old wooden spice rack a fresh coat of paint, and use it in a room other than the kitchen as a small display shelf. Paint, stain, or distress a block of scrap wood and use it as a candleholder.

Even if you don't consider yourself to be mechanically or artistically inclined, there are many simple ways to do it yourself when it comes to decor. Simple techniques like faux painting and no-sew fabric treatments are easy to learn. Some home improvement centers, such as Home Depot, even offer classes on a variety of these types of projects as well as simple repair projects.

Taking one of these classes is also a great way to get some "me time." Take an hour or two on the weekend to get out of the house alone and learn a new skill.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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LadyElizabeth (290) 08 Apr 2006 06:25 PM

I've found the library to be a great resource for decorating ideas. They have many books that teach how to.

Home hardware stores also have instructions and idea classes.

You can make a piece of wood look like marble for a fraction of the cost and yield a very elegant result.

People think I have copper relief plates in my kitchen, but it is just raised, tin ceiling look, wallpapper painted with copper paint.

You can create some beautiful, butmore importantly, unique things, with a little work.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 10 Apr 2006 12:59 PM

Absolutely. A faux finish can be a beautiful thing. Most take a little practice and a little more effort, but the end result is worth it. It sounds like you have done a very nice job in your home. The library is a good idea, as are those how-to classes, and there is just a ton of information online as well. Don't forget the popular decorating shows either, as they can be a great source of inspiration and how-to.