Decorating our home

10/25/2007 at 4:44:54 PM

Hi Wanda if your referring to painting in a sense I can help you,just call me and perhaps we can work something out.403 872-0833

10/27/2007 at 4:02:17 PM

Hi Wanda,

You may benefit from hiring an Interior Decorator. There are many affordable options starting with a 2 hour consultation which may give you most of the answers you're looking for.

Cheers

Mary

12/5/2007 at 11:48:05 PM

One word: IKEA

Even if you're not in to the whole "ultra-modern-Swedish-Furniture" thing, they have TONS of super cute little decorative stuff--lamps, artwork, rugs, etc.

They also sell unique fabrics by the yard and really reasonable prices if you know how to sew even just a little--you can make curtains or duvet covers.

Other ideas: Go to places like TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshalls (do you have them in Canada?), which have really inexpensive housewares. The downside to those places is that they are usually really disorganized and all the different styles of stuff are thrown together--but if you're patient you can pick through and find some good stuff for unbelievable deals.

If you have any kind of craftiness in you, try Goodwill or Salvation Army or other thrift stores for used stuff that you can buy and paint or decorate.

12/8/2007 at 4:19:07 PM

Wanda,

Amanda had some great ideas. I too love IKEA! On an even stricter budget, or just a flair for something different, there's always the option of autions, flea markets and yard sales.

Auctions are a great place to find quality furniture and household items. I like the idea of having something older, noone having seen it at IKEA lately. Also, with just a little elbow grease, you'll not only have a great looking item, but a sense of accomplishment in your renovation. To find auctions in your area, just do a local google search. Many auction companies have web pages containing pictures of the items up for sale.

Flea markets and yard sales are also great venues. As with auctions, you can often find rare gems in need of just a little pollish. Even items you don't like can inspire ideas you do like. Best of luck and happy hunting!

12/8/2007 at 7:49:57 PM

Bobbie, you're right about having a sense of satisfaction about things you do on your own--and it is great to have something unique.

I'll give you an example:

I found these amazing old photographs of the Middle East on the internet--from the 30's and 40's. I printed eight of them on a laser printer and then dipped them in tea water to make them look aged. I found some simple frames on sale 3 for $10 at the grocery store--and voila!

Everyone who comes in to my house thinks they are really old photos, and I've had so many compliments on them--and the whole thing was less than $30.

12/9/2007 at 10:17:13 PM

Great idea Amanda! I love decorating with pictures. Personally, I like picture of people and places we know. They're great conversation peices. I'm far from being a professional photographer but I think a little off center or a little out of focus can lend character. Finding different and unique frames is a part of the process. I've even had my kids make some, out of wood, plastic, grapevines, etc. All back to that sense of pride thing!

1/15/2008 at 1:25:42 AM

wow these are fabulous ideas... since I will be in the same scenario as Wanda in a few months. I have asked my travelling friends to bring back unique items from their travels. I just got an Egyptian mask from one of them!!

1/20/2008 at 12:04:31 PM

Hi Wanda Dias , my name is John , i can help you with interior trimming work , i do crown mouldings , wall accents like wainscoting systems , door and window facings , custom wood columns, all kinds of wood interior decor. I do work with a few known interior designers. I do a free-in-home estimate , have all the products available on the market . Customers save a lot of money with my work , no need to pay salesperson, or subcontractors .If you can afford an interior designer is allways a good investment, do it right at the first time. Thanks Wanda , and i hope you find what you looking for @ a reasonable rate that fits your budget, and good luck ,and by the way, i think Ikea is a good place to furnish your home at a good price,with many diferent options.

John de Sa

4/13/2008 at 10:31:51 AM

Hi Wanda! One of the problems that people encounter when moving into a larger house is how to fill up the spaces. I would suggest that you buy good quality furnitures. Those that come from IKEA are really great! You can also invest in good artworks. Better yet, get the services of a dependable interior decorator who could help you out.

4/21/2008 at 2:46:09 PM

IKEA is good although I would never just buy one of their 'room sets'. It depends on how comfortable you feel decorating yourself but what I'm doing right now is hunting around antique shops and second hand stores for cool vintage accessories (lamps, tables, etc.) and basing them around some new, solid furniture from IKEA.