How to Decorate With No Money

Wildflowers in simple jars on a windowsill is a no-cost decorating idea.

Money can be a significant factor in home decorating, but you might be pleasantly surprised how much color and interest you can add to your indoor environment without spending a single dime. If times are tough, a new look will pick up your spirits and give you a new outlook. Be creative and have fun experimenting, then stand back and take a look. If one idea doesn't turn out the way you like, try another until you're pleased with the new look.

Things You'll Need

• Shawls or scarves
• Quilts
• Pillowcases
• Throw pillows
• Safety pins
• Collections
• Family photos
• Children's artwork
• Houseplants and containers
• Bowls and trays
• Items from nature
• Vase or pitcher

Instructions

1. Decorate with items you already have around your house. Drape a pretty shawl or scarf over a coffee table or the back of a couch. If you have an attractive handmade quilt, hang it on the wall or over the back of a chair. Wrap a colorful pillowcase around a throw pillow and secure the pillowcase with a safety pin.

2. Show off your collections. Display your thimble, spoon or doll collection on a table or shelf. Hang old family photos on the walls, or display them on a shelf or table. Arrange a collection of brightly-colored glass bottles or jars. Display your children's collections, or their bright and whimsical artwork.

3. Rearrange the furniture. Try placing the furniture at an angle or place a bed or sofa in the middle of the room instead of against a wall. Place a coffee table behind the sofa instead of in front. Experiment with new ideas.

4. Add some houseplants. If you already have plants, create new plants by planting a stem in a container filled with potting soil. Place the container in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. You can plant an avocado seed, a carrot top or a chunk of sweet potato. If you don't have plants, ask a friend or family member if you can take a cutting from a plant. Any container can hold a plant, as long as it has a hole in the bottom. Be creative and use an old bowl, a pitcher, an old lunch box or even a boot.

5. Take a nature walk. Fill shallow bowls or trays with seashells, leaves, pine cones or interesting stones or pebbles. If you have a tall vase or pitcher, fill it with an arrangement of dry grass or wildflowers. Drape a sprig of ivy over the edge of a vase, or put an ivy sprig in a jar of water on your windowsill.

References

• Living a Better Life: Budget Decorating
• Stretcher.com: Little or No Money Decorating