Decorating on a Dime

Building your first home can be so exciting. You dreamfavorite summertime read.
up the blue prints, go on a scavenger hunt for the bestWhimsical Dime Store Dressers
piece of land on the block and before you know it, littleOne of the most expensive items in any bedroom is
by little you watch as your dream home rises up fromthe dresser and let's face it; the ones that are
thin air.affordably packaged are often not made very well
Then, once the key is in your hand . . . somethingand resemble bad condo furniture from the 80's.
happens. You unpack your things one by one realizingLucky for us budgeting designers, today's modern
that while you have the home you always dreamed ofworld is taking a shine to retro vintage pieces with
you have little more than your college lava lamp andwhimsical accents. In fact, the popular brand
an old futon to fill it.Anthropologie prides itself on the quirkiness of vintage.
If the house is up and the piggy bank's bare, don'tHere's how you can steal the retro look for less . . .
worry. Just read on to find our favorite, super simpleMake it a Saturday morning outing with your sweetie
ideas for creating big summer home impact on a smalland go treasure hunting at your local thrift stores. Don't
starter home budget.worry about the color or pulls on the dresser. Just pay
The Through the Looking Glass Mirrorclose attention to the shape.
Here is a great economical way to create an intriguingOnce you find the dresser you want to take home,
mirror for the entryway. All you need is a largehead over to your local home improvement store and
unframed mirror, an old window frame, a small can ofpick out a few interesting pulls and your favorite shade
your favorite paint and an antique finishing tarnish.of paint or stain. If you like all things artsy and whimsical
If you aren't the demolition type, head over to youropt for a solid white dresser with different colored
local salvage yard where old window frames pop updrawers. It will give a nice modern look to your piece.
by the dozens. Many of these already have the glassOnce home, simply give your dresser a fresh coat of
removed. Simply take home, clean well and give thepaint, allow to dry and add the pulls. It's an instantly
frame a good coating with your favorite hue. Onceadorable storage space for fewer than one hundred
dry, apply the antiquing varnish. It will crackle the paint,bucks!
making for a perfect shabby look to compliment anyInstant Va-voom for Ten Bucks or Less
girly girl's quilts and handcrafted tables.When all else fails and there is little money for wall
Last but not least, use a mirror kit to attach the mirrordecor in your tight budget, stretch your dollar and your
to the frame. Hang and enjoy!design with a paint pen and a steady hand. If you are
The Open Door Coffee Tablea romantic at heart, scribble your favorite
Need a coffee table to grace the living room of yourShakespeare quote above the bed in your room. More
new place? Here's a cool twist on this essential accentof a modern mama? Border white walls with your
piece.favorite life changing mantras. We especially like
Start out with a simple door found at your localquotes pulled from Dr. King's "I've Seen the
salvage yard and four table legs found at your localMountaintops" speech.
home improvement store. After giving the door a goodAll in all, when it comes to design on a dime, all you
wash, paint or stain both the door and legs to matchneed is a little creativity and a bold sense of adventure.
your already existing pieces. Once dry, simply use theWhen you combine the two you are sure to come out
proper tools, screws and wood glue to attach the legswith a look that will remodel your design blues and
to the table.paint your new neighbor's green with envy.
Viola! An instant place to rest your feet or your