Design on a Budget

Designing with no money, ok, not no money, but very little because your husband watches every penny, which is good for the long run, but not for short term when all you want is a place that looks nice and feels like home, and can entertain in, but he doesn't see the need for wall hangings, lamps, or furniture. That kind of designing. Well, maybe that's not you, but if you are on a budget and need help designing for small spaces I'm your gal!

I know how hard it is, but I also know how to make it easy. You need to think outside the box, and not be afraid to get a little bit dirty! I love getting dirty! It makes me feel productive. Like when I work in the garden and come home covered in mud (and sometimes urine), you get that feeling of real accomplishment!

Anyway, my first piece of advice is easy: Get Married!
People bring you gifts! And money! Do it! It's the fastest, easiest way. You can even register for whatever you want, and people will bring it! Of course a wedding can cost thousands of dollars, and you have to feed said people, cuz I ain't bringing you a gift if there's no food involved.

Ok.

Don't just go out and marry some dude or dudette off the street, (sorry listening to a lot 80's music), but if you are getting married and registering for gifts this summer make good design decisions. Pick stuff that will last through the years - design wise. I would advise against going with a southwestern theme, or something with little birds on it because by next year you'll want something else, maybe even by the time you get it gift wrapped the fad will be over. When shopping for dishes and the like think classics like wood and stainless steel, and think of colors in multiples.

You may have noticed that stores sell things in sets. They put clothes that you can mix and match together, and do the same with housewares. Mix and match. I got this as a wedding gift and loved the colors. Even if you're not artistic, or can't see how colors "go" together you know that these colors do, because the designer of the piece did it for you. Now all you have to do is mix and match pieces that you like that fit within this color scheme instead of just buying the whole set. My kitchen has gone from blue to green and this piece still works, after 5 years I still love it and am able to keep it on display.

So, even if you're not getting married remember

• think long term, don't impulsively buy it cuz it's hip and now
• pick out a pattern you like and pull basic colors from it
• matchy-matchy is out, eclectic chic is in

By following these simple tips you will get a longer shelf life of your design. 

Oh, and I do recommend getting married, but only for all the right reasons!

Come back tomorrow for "The Secret Life of Wrapping Paper," as we continue the series Design on a Budget.