Recession blues: How to save money on home decorating

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It seems that the much feared recession woes are hitting every industry and the best advice that most finance experts are giving today is to save what you have. But if you have just started thinking about decorating your home or office, does it mean that you put the plans away for several months now? Obviously not, as there are plenty of ways to redo your home without spending loads of cash on it. Here’s how …

save money Recession blues: How to save money on home decorating

#1 Pick a theme for your home and stick to it strictly

Planning is the most important part of saving money when decorating and the entire process starts in the mind. Pick a theme for your home and this will streamline the stuff that you need to purchase and will give you a clear idea about what exactly you need. Some themes are obviously better than others when it comes to saving cash. A minimalist theme is the most preferred when it comes to saving costs while a grand Victorian style is not really advisable.

#2 Love your décor and buy only the necessary stuff

If you are bringing home a piece of furniture and accessory, make sure that you really love it and will not be tempted to change it within no time. Make sure you stay away from the temptations that salesmen throw at you. It happens so many times that we go shopping and plan to buy one thing but we bring home another.

#3 Research extensively and shop online if needed

Before you buy something, make an extensive research  where it’s available at the lowest cost. Don’t forget to inquire about the shipping charges. The web is a good way to get started as most sites offer some real cool deals and ship stuff for free to your doorstep. Of course, make sure the dealer is reputable and you’re not being cheating with a cheap fake.

#4 Use DIY solutions to save money on decoration

Look up all around and you will find various solutions to your needs. All you need is a bit of creativity, time and patience to transform something useless into something unique that you could use. It might take time, but it will save you loads of cash, give you great satisfaction and reduces the trash that you need to get rid off. You can craft doormats out of old garments or make your own shelves out of plastic waste. Just let your imagination fly!

#5 Sell the old décor to generate money for the new

If you have old stuff lying around and it’s unlikely you will ever use them again, then sell it and buy new décor with that cash. Sure, it may not cover much, but whatever you earn with the sale will reduce your decorating costs.

The most important thing to do is to have a perfect proper plan before you get started so that you do not get confused in the middle of it all and end up wasting money and time. Saving costs with home decorating requires patience and an eye for the smart deals…

So keep those eyes open!

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Contemporary Luxury Residence in Mosman

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15a burran avenue 1 Contemporary Luxury Residence in Mosman

Designed by Burley Katon Halliday in Mosman – a suburb of Sydney, at 15a Burran Avenue, the stylish house is a work of art that adds functionality in the most exquisite way. Covering some 877 sqm with contemporary furniture and elegant furnishings, the near-waterfront residence has a grass tennis court, a heated pool and spa, five bedrooms, an office, a grand formal living and a sophisticated stone kitchen. Nothing short of breathtaking, we’ll definitely have to break the bank to afford such an amazing home. Don’t you just hate being poor? – via

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Carpet Clues: How to bring home the right carpet

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Your home is much more than the four walls that surround you and most often people tend to ignore the fact that the ceiling above them and the floor under their feet need to compliment for the perfect look. But getting that flawless carpet for your home is not just about the looks but also to ensure that you keep the flooring secure as you pamper your senses. So here are a few tips that will guide you through the process of picking out and bringing home what you need.

black wool carpet Carpet Clues: How to bring home the right carpet

#1 Consider the space available and the usage

Like in the case of the furniture you pick, the single most important factor that you need to keep in mind is the space on offer and the traffic the carpet has to bear. For your living room, go for wool because it’s generally the highest quality material. You can choose cheaper for the walkway or patio. Just make sure you have the exact measurements of the room that you are buying the carpet for.

#2 Check for the twist in the yarn and the quality of the fabric

There are so many varieties of carpet fabric available today that you better do a good deal of homework and background check before you go out to pick one. It is a general accepted norm that the number of twists in the yarn gives you a fair indication of carpet quality. Buy quality …

white wool carpet Carpet Clues: How to bring home the right carpet

#3 Ensure that the color and design match your interiors

The color and the design of the carpet should match that of your existing interiors. If you have a minimalist style going then pick the neutral shades along with blacks and whites. Dark reds can go well with a romantic theme while light green is obviously the way to go if you love nature. If you wish to remain neutral and yet trendy, then try cool blues along with whites. Bright shades accentuate the lighting of the room and make it more intense.

#4 Check for stain, static and soil protection

Modern day carpets are nothing like the ones that were once sold. They used to need a great deal of maintenance and care. These days there are ‘magic’ carpets that have soil, static and stain protection. You might have to pay a lot initially, but once you do bring them home, you can say they’ll last longer with far less attention and time devoted. So spend your cash wisely for long term benefits.

fluffy wool carpet Carpet Clues: How to bring home the right carpet

#5 Get the right padding and go to a reliable dealer

The level of padding under the carpet is determined by the surface it is laid on and the amount of traffic that it needs to withstand. Get a professional to lay it down for you and ensure that you get extra padding. Get your carpet from the right dealer and check for warranty before you bring it home. This will save you hassles later on.

Remember that buying a carpet is a long term investment and you need to decide exactly how much money you are willing to spend on it and how long you will use one before you opt to change. Keep the above tips in mind and look out for some good deals and you will not be disappointed!

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Contemporary Residence in Brighton, Australia

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brighton contemporary residence 1 Contemporary Residence in Brighton, Australia

South-east of Melbourne, in Brighton on 11 Sussex Street, renowned architect Nic Bochsler designed this cutting edge contemporary estate. An amazing mix of luxury, comfort and high tech, the 90 sqm house has been designed for modern day family living. With large glass walls that offer stunning views to the bay and the city, quality fittings, recreational and entertainment facilities , it’s obvious that the accent is being put on function and utility. Lots of white, a tennis court, a gorgeous pool or the contemporary furniture are definitely the things that got us dreaming. [via Kayburton]

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brighton contemporary residence 7 Contemporary Residence in Brighton, Australia

brighton contemporary residence 8 Contemporary Residence in Brighton, Australia

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Luxurious YTL Residence in Kuala Lumpur

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ytl residence 1 Luxurious YTL Residence in Kuala Lumpur

A breathtaking study of contrasts between the inside and outside,the YTL Residence in Kuala Lumpur blends the traditional with the ultra-modern and the natural scenery in the most stylish way. Designed together by the creative folks from Agence Jouin Manku from Paris and YTL Design Group from Kuala Lumpur, the lavish house was commissioned for a uber-wealthy Malaysian family. With state of the art technology, contemporary furniture and exquisite furnishings, the residence is the ultimate expression of influence and power. Definitely in love with the outside pool, the green surroundings or the minimalist living room.  Looks amazing, isn’t it? – via

ytl residence 2 Luxurious YTL Residence in Kuala Lumpur

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