Staying Frugal and Still Re-decorate

Yes, you can re-decorate and stay frugal.  You really do not have to spend a bunch of money to make changes.  Small changes can make you feel happy.

PAINT
*This is one of the cheapest fixes.  Paint can make you feel happier, make things feel fresh and new, and totally change the look of everything.  Paint can be expensive - so get creative.
*You can mix like types of paint (latex or oil - do not mix these together).  If you have a color and want to lighten it - add white.  Use partial cans and mix together for a custom color.
*Ask friends and family if they have any extra paint.
*Paint just an accent wall - if not enough paint for an entire room.
*Check with the paint dept. for cans of 'mistake' paint.  Paint the was not mixed properly for customer.  These are usually much cheaper.
*Paint or white/color wash non-antique furniture.  This is easy and makes a piece look new and fresh
*Get samples at the store (less than $4) and use to paint trim, doors, any small area.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE
*Put your treasures out to be seen or used.  What are you waiting for?  ENJOY them.  Odds are the next generation won't care about them like you do - so enjoy them!
*Frame family photos, kids art (some are better than classics!), pretty pics from calendars or magazines, card fronts.  Frame pretties like old doilies or memorabilia.
*Think of using unlikely and unconventional items.
*Use an old frame and add a padded back or painted piece  of peg board and display pretty jewelry.

Old advertising matchbook covers that my Dad had collected.  Framed and on display in the kitchen.
*Frame old documents or awards.

RE-ARRANGE
This is by far the cheapest thing you can do.  Re-arrange any furniture that you can.  Take things out of storage and change them out.  Get creative.  It makes you feel good to change things up.

RE-PURPOSE
*Make some pillow covers out of old sweater or shirt
*Use sheets to make pillow covers, window coverings, furniture throws, shower curtain, etc..
*I have an old bench (bought years ago at a yard sale) and I use it as a side table
*Use pictures, boxes, books, pretty boxes, etc. in different locations or in new ways
*Use old table cloths, pretty hankies, old aprons, etc. as window coverings

Above my headboard.  Some may not think these things go together - but I like it.  All that matters!!

Old ammo crate, old books, old pictures, and family pictures - I display what I like

If you don't have enough storage areas - think outside the box.  You can get creative for a little money.  I have no room for cabinets where my stove sits.  It is in a cubby of sorts.  There was no countertop either side - well I used leftover pieces of the counter and installed (with brackets) and Rubbermaid drawer stacks and solved the problem.

As you can see, I now have room for utensils and spices on each side.  The drawer stacks JUST fit in each side and gives me drawers for extra spices, utensils, storage of all kinds of things.  I also keep my homemade recipe books in the green/red box (pretty shoe box).  You could see through the drawers - so I added black poster board inside each drawer and now everything is hidden.
**I also have NO electric outlet on this wall area.  I ran an extension cord with several outlets up behind stove from the basement.  On left in pic see that white object on counter top?  That is the plug in and I can use my mixer or a crockpot there if needed.  (Had to get creative).  I could even add a light if I so desired.

OTHER

*Think about changing out knobs or handles.  I know they can be expensive - but look at rehome stores or at yard sales and thrift stores.   MAKE new pulls or handles - kids room - little toys, cuts of wood, old utensils..... get creative!

*Change out area rugs.  You can many times find them at a thrift store or yard sale.  I have purchased 2 (living  & dining rooms) before at Big Lots.  Discount stores often have lots of pretty designs for little money - Ollies, Big Lots, even places like Menards, Home Depot - just look around for inexpensive items.

There are just no limits as to what you can do to change things up a bit.  It doesn't have to cost much - if anything.  Get creative and think outside the box.
Paint and moving furniture are your 2 most frugal changes - but there is so much that can be done.

Give yourself a boost and change your indoor world up a bit.
No money - no problem.