Guest Post: Jamie's Five Top Tips for Beautiful Design on a Budget

When today's guest poster Jamie from [Kreyv] falls for a decorative accessory for her home that's out of her budget she doesn't let the price tag stop her from getting what she craves, she makes her own DIY version. Today Jamie will be sharing five of her top tips for creating a envy-inducing home on a budget.

The lovely Jamie

Number One: Do. It. Yourself.

My number one tip for beautiful design on a budget is to do it yourself. There is SO much you can do yourself...just know your limitations. Unfortunately, I can't build, and I can't sew, but there's A LOT I can do with some paint and a glue gun! My diy motto is, "How hard can it be?" Sometimes this backfires, trust me, but there are lots of things I've made that I not only love, but that are one of a kind. On the flip side, there are TONS of projects that have already been made, so copy them! You know you like it, you know it works, and you have the instructions. Go for it!

My sunburst mirror. Tutorial from Isabella & Max.

Burlap Message Boards from Ballard Designs---much cheaper to diy!

Tip Number Two: Switch It, Change It, Rearrange It

Change things up in your home. Move rugs, rearrange furniture, trade pillows, switch accessories...you get the point! Changing what you already have will feed your need for change and keep your house new and fresh. Little changes can make a big difference.

Switching rugs, pillows, and throws throughout your home is a great way to change things up

Adding nailhead trim is an inexpensive way to add character to furniture and change the look.

Number Three: Think Outside the Box

Be creative! Use unconventional materials to create art. Almost anything can be hung on a wall! You'd be surprised at how many great things you can find at the hardware store...there is a lot of inspiration in isles of The Home Depot! It's all about mixing high with low.

Using a $30 door instead of a canvas is an inexpensive way to create big impact.

Framing paper, fabric, or even moss (as pictured above) adds color, texture, and interest to a room.

Number Four: Shop Your Home

I used to get bugged when I would hear people say, "Shop your home," as if I had some a secret room of forgotten decor. But, it's true, you can find a lot in your own home that can either be tweaked or redesigned all together. Remember, think outside the box!

Add painted plywood to add change to a print or portrait.

Shop your home for frames and other items that can be added to a gallery wall.

Number Five: Paint It

My final tip for beautiful decor on a budget is to make paint your friend! It's amazing how far a can of white spray paint can go! It can totally transform just about anything.

License Plate Art

Bottle Bud Vases

Thank you, Karen for having me on your blog today! I hope you all got some ideas and/or inspiration. Hope to see you over at [kreyv]!


If you like what you see here be sure to check out Jamie's series "So Cheap, So Easy". Thanks for sharing Jamie!