Synopses & Reviews
Creative, Stylish, and INEXPENSIVE Solutions for Creating a HOMEWhy spend every dollar you have on decorating? With a little help and creativity, you can turn your apartment into home sweet home without breaking the bank—and you don't have to give up comfort, individual expression, or warmth.
Regardless of you background, budget, gender, or personal tastes, decorating writer Lourdes Dumke will take you on a style-wise yet budget-sensitive tour of your home-to-be and help create your personal palace. Combined with a sprinkle of imagination and a dose of creativity, this helpful guide to making the perfect living space is exactly what you need. You will discover:
·Decorating and furnishing hints for every room
·Unique yet simple ways to unleash creativity
·Practical ideas for the best places to shop on a budget
·Commonsense suggestions for decorating and furnishing with already-owned items
·And much, much more!
The tips and tricks in this book will save you a bundle and turn your apartment into a decorated delight. You're sure to hear "WOW!" again and again from your impressed visitors—as well as from yourself!
Synopsis
The perfect guide for creating a beautiful apartment on a limited budget, this guide gives readers a step-by-step helping hand to transforming an ordinary apartment into a great living space. Includes a list of the best places to shop. Illustrations.
About the Author
Lourdes Dumke is a lifestyle correspondent and budget-decorating contributing editor for Suite101.com She decorated her home on a budget near Atlanta, where she lives with her husband and two children.
Table of Contents
ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Determining Your Decorating Goals
A New Beginning
What a Difference a Goal Makes
So, What's Important to You?
Stay True to Your Goals
Living Your Style
Working With Your Budget
Completed Budget Samples
Getting Organized
Decorating/Organizing Link
An Organized Read
Creating "Organization Central"
The Dreaded Clothing Closet
Organizing Crafting Supplies
Checklists and Worksheet
Creating a Decorating Notebook
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 2: Places to Shop
Retail Stores
Discount Stores
Department Stores
Home Decorating Stores
Yard and Estate Sales
Changing With the Times
Estate Sales
Flea Markets
Antique Stores
Trading, Borrowing, and Inheriting Furniture
Internet and Catalog Shopping
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 3: Flooring and Floor Coverings
Hard Flooring
Painting Your Floors
Carpeting and Rugs
Using Rugs to Change Your Floorscape
The Many Faces of Area Rugs
Keep Your Carpet Looking Good
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 4: Walls
Paint and Wallpaper
Coloring Your World
Wallpapering Your Walls
Displaying Art
The Art of Selecting Art
Creative Ways to Display Artwork
Just Hanging Out
Where to Find Art
Creative Arrangements
A New Life for Old Windows, Doors, and Shutters
Shelving
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 5: Windows
No-Sew Window Treatments
Materials for No-Sew Treatments
Sewing-Required Window Treatments
Finding Patterns and Ideas
Basic Window Treatments
Blinds and Shades
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 6: Furniture
New Furniture
Something Old, Something New
New Furniture Selection
Furniture Specifics
Reviving Used and Old Furniture
It's Not What You Think
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 7: Accessories
Displaying Collections
Creative Display Techniques
Lighting
Accessories With a Purpose
Purely Decorative Accessories
Accessories You Can Make
Accessories That Say "You"
Great-Smelling Home Accessories
Holiday Decorating
Chapter 8: Get Creative in Every Room
Kitchens and Dining Rooms
Necessities
Beyond Necessities
Simple Rearrangements
Bathrooms
Necessities
Beyond Necessities
Simple Rearrangements
Living Rooms
Necessities
Beyond Necessities
Simple Rearrangements
Bedrooms
Necessities
Beyond Necessities
Simple Rearrangements
Creative Doorways and Window Frames
Chapter 9: Small Spaces
One-Room Living
College Dorm Rooms
Studio Apartments
Basement Apartments
Multipurpose Furnishings
Movable Furnishings
Your Balcony as Living Space
Keeping It Private
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 10: Special-Purpose Spaces
Children's Rooms and Nurseries
Creative Furnishings for Kids
Fun Themes for Kids' Bedrooms
Guest Rooms
Home Offices
What's Your Office Type?
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 11: Storage
Creative Containment
Storage for Everything
Making Closets Smarter
Where to Shop for Storage Solutions
Ideas, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 12: Making Your Apartment Your Home
Your Perfect Apartment Home
Working With Your Decorating Budget
Everyone Can Think Creatively
Does Decorating Ever End?
Include the Right People in Your Decorating
Now, Take a Deep Breath and Begin!
Resources
Hints, Tips, and Worksheets
Hints, Tips, and Worksheets
Helpful Terms
Project Organizer
Decorating Troubleshooting Guide
Painting Tips
Flea Market/Yard Sale Planner
Move Manner
Entertainment Manner
Accessory Inventory
Furniture Inventory
Index
About the Author