So how do we get a designer look for less? There are cheap chic tips and ideas that you can do to save money and still make your home look like a picture out of a magazine. Women naturally identify with their home and want it to be beautiful. It’s probably safe to say that most women would love to hire a designer and pay to have each room in their home completely redecorated. However, that’s not possible for most of us. (Almost all of us!)

That's perfectly acceptable because we can look to the professional designers and implement some inexpensive decorating ideas in our cottage homes simply with a bit of creativity. Let's talk about what we can do to start this cheap chic style of decorating.

Create The Custom Built Look

When we hear the term custom built, we automatically think of a high price tag. However, you can create custom shelves and furniture for a fraction of the cost if you’re willing to wield a hammer, some nails, and use a little paint or stain.

Create shelving, bench seating, or custom storage areas by building these pieces to fit the space you have available. When done correctly, your home will have that custom built look without the hefty price tag.

Take Your Cue From Magazines And Books

Look to the professionals for ideas by looking through interior decorating magazines and books from the library and then finding ways to create the expensive look for less in your home. Copying and imitating is the name of the game here! For most of us, redecorating our home is an ongoing and sometimes slow process, so keep a notebook or binder with clippings (from your own magazines, please) and color copies of ideas for the decor you want in your home.

Keep It Simple

A good rule to remember is that clean, simple lines will make any space and the furnishings within that space appear more expensive. You don't want too much clutter. Notice how the designer rooms don't have too much stuff but just enough. Don’t skip the small details when decorating your home. They really do make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm and inviting home.

Add Color With Paint

Designer homes always seem to feature a rich color palette in each room of the home. Decide what colors you like best and paint the walls of each room as the base for the décor. An accent wall painted a darker color can sometimes give a real punch to a space. Keep in mind that paint is one of the best cheap chic decor ideas. Paint gives you the most bang for your buck, and can be used to inexpensively spruce up everything from furniture, photo frames, and mirrors.

Add Lighting

Recessed and track lighting looks classy and provides much more light than simply one overhead light or a few lamps in a room and can be easily installed.

Fabric Looks Rich

Create a custom look in any room by sewing your own window treatments, throw pillows, bed skirt, duvet, chair covers, slipcovers, lampshades, and bench seat cushions. Richly colored fabrics bring elegance and class to every room and cost a fraction of what it would cost to purchase everything from the store. Plus, you can personalize your space with fabrics you love.

Make It Personal

Add personal touches that are unique to you and your family. Use unusual items as wall art. Who says that only photos can grace the walls of your home? When guests visit you in your home, they should be able to look around and see who you are through your décor and personal touches.

Once you have your cheap chic decorating ideas organized and in hand, it’s time to shop. There are many stores that cater to budget-conscious consumers by offering designer-style items at a price that fits your budget. Target, TJ Maxx, Amazon.com, Ross, and Overstocks.com are all great resources.

Your home is your refuge, so take the time to gather pieces and ideas before making any fast, hard decisions. That way, you’ll know it’s done right when you finally complete each room in your home.

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