Oh, Laurel,
Please, pretty, please, I’m begging you to do a blog post on the topic of affordable home decor ideas.
I mean, like everyone else, we’re stuck at home. And, our income just went down by 30%. But, now that I’m here all the time, it’s just so sad. I’m feeling down, and I think that a big part of it is the decor.
Plus, I find myself feeling tired all of the time.
But, I’m getting enough sleep. I rarely go outside, but when I do, I wear my home-made mask. I steer clear of everyone and wash my hands the second I get home. But, still every time, I feel exhausted or have a slight headache, I’m thinking the worst; that somehow one little bug got in there and has now taken up residence and is in the process of multiplying billions of times.
I guess the health issue doesn’t have anything to do with the need for some affordable home decor.
Or, maybe it does. After-all, I imagine that other people are feeling this way too. I just want to feel better in my home. I want to make it my sanctuary. Although, some days, it’s all I can do to get up, and just do basic living. But, maybe if things look better, I’ll feel better, too.
I mean, Laurel, aren’t we all anxious? Sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, I’m going to get sick with this dreaded illness.
Â
I’m curious about your take on some of this and also, of course, any ideas you have regarding the affordable home decor.
Sincerely,
Donna
PS: I saw your little ad at the bottom of the Hot Sales page to click on if I’m shopping on Amazon. Gosh, Laurel. Why didn’t you do that sooner? I probably make at least one purchase a week from Amazon for one reason or another. And, if you can make a little money from my purchases and it doesn’t cost me anything extra, hey, why not?
*********
Oh, Donna,
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. And, also the plug for the Amazon link. As always, I love to find great bargains. And, Amazon is a wonderful source for affordable home decor. And, just about everything. But, I have also seen a few rip-offs. (like in this post about a company way over-charging for imported furniture) I’m saying that just to warn folks to research before making a purchase.
So, I love talking about affordable home decor.
Decorating no matter how one slices it, can be expensive. But, there are things that people sometimes do that are not helping the situation. We’re going to be discussing some of those, as well.
But, the very first thing I have to say is HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO LAUREL HOME! EIGHT YEARS!
Next up, I have to say a word about the sluggish feeling you’re experiencing, Donna and others.
* And folks, if you do not want to read anything about the virus, I fully understand. So, if that’s you, I’m going to put a big string of orange asterisks *********** to where you can skip ahead to read the topic of this post.
I do a LOT of reading.
I mean, a LOT. And, I looked up that very topic of fatigue at this time. The reason is because I, too, often feel a kind of lethargy that I have not felt in quite some time.
However, what I read is that if you are feeling unusually tired and out of sorts, it is NORMAL. This is a challenging, stressful time. One cause for the fatigue is the constant changes and decisions are very taxing to our nervous system.
So please try to be kind to yourself, as well as others.
After Tuesday’s post, I was treated to a comment that I had to delete–immediately. This woman, a NURSE, for God’s sake, said that most designers, including myself, are lazy. And, she said I’m lazy for no longer answering comments. Gosh, I’ve only answered 13,750 of them!
Of course, that’s hardly the point. And, I do feel guilty for not answering all of them, like I used to. It is not laziness, in this case. Like everyone else, I’m just trying to get through each day the best that I can. I know that you guys love me and I love you too. And, even if I’m quiet sometimes, it’s just because I’m taking care of myself. There’s no one else to do that. I’m putting on the proverbial oxygen mask first so that I can then be refreshed and come back and help others put on their masks.
Speaking of masks.
I had to go out today, and my Karen Kane masks have not arrived just yet, so I made a home-made mask. (if you’d like to see some cool masks for sale go here)
Yes, that’s a piece of fabric that I ironed into thirds and stapled. It’s the same fabric (L’arbre Chinois by F. Schumacher) I used here for these draperies.
You can get Arbre Chinois here
For the mask, I also inserted a folded paper towel in the center section for added protection. The ties are from the cheap earbuds they give you on an airplane. Haha. That’s all I had, but they worked. I poked a hole through the fabric with a Phillips-head screwdriver and double-knotted the ties.
And voila! I’m ready to greet my public.
But, sad to say, there are too many people out and about and not social distancing. And they are NOT wearing any kind of face mask. Really? It has to be one or the other and preferably both, right now.
It makes me crazy!
And, I’m pretty low on the neurotic scale. But, there is an exceedingly contagious virus out there that has killed to date, over 8,600 people in my state, alone in the last five weeks. And, most of them within 20 miles of me.
Plus, there are still over 155,000 active cases. This is JUST in New York State. How many of them are going to die? In fact, not to scare you guys, but did you know that if you have to go on a ventilator (intubated breathing), only 80% make it back? That’s right. All of this talk and worry about not having enough ventilators. But, if you need one, you only have a 20% chance of surviving.
And then, what about the possible repercussions of having this disease?
Could there be lifelong debilitating syndromes like chronic fatigue, subsequent cancers, dysautonomia? The latter is often caused by a severe virus.
I don’t mean to scare you further than you already are. But, this is reality, and I feel we must face it head-on!
This virus destroys cells. Lung cells. I’m sure y’all know this, already. Can they come back? Probably. I’m not a doctor or scientist. But, I do know this from my own experience. Our bodies are very clever. Now, that they know that there could be some sneaky crippling invaders who manage to get by the normal defense system; our bodies will think that EVERYTHING is an invader. Hello, more auto-immune disorders? You do not want to get one of those. Of course, I hope that when the disease resolves itself, none of that happens.
My soapbox point is that I wish that EVERYONE was taking this evil seriously. It sucks for sure, but it’s going to suck a lot more if we don’t get a handle on it. And, it takes everyone taking it seriously to do that.
Okay, I’ll shut up now. I just had to get that out. Of course, I know that all of you are responsible adults. And, you’re probably sitting there shaking your head in agreement, particularly if you live in one of the urban hotspots as I do.
*************
* Now, that we’ve had our semiweekly coronavirus update, let’s dive in with 18 affordable home decorating ideas.
1) My first recommendation is to CLEAN and PURGE.
(I should follow my own advice. haha)
It’s not all that different from getting your home ready to put on the market for sale. Please check out this post that shares my philosophy on how to do so.
For some ideas about organizing, please read this post where the fabulous mother and daughter organizing team of Done and Done came by and did a much-appreciated number on my place.
Please also follow their blog for some fabulous ideas. That links to their own post about quick fix home decor and other ideas I hadn’t thought of. OR, if you’re in the New York metro area, you can hire them or their associates to help figure out your organizing.
2) Another way we all know adds freshness and is relatively cheap if you can do the work yourself, it is with a new paint job.
However, if that’s just going to be too much, you can wash the grime off of your walls. Here’s a tutorial that looks pretty good that explains the best way to do that.
Please, however, test first in an inconspicuous spot.
OR, wash walls in the main living spaces and paint only the guest room. For some excellent bedroom paint colors, you’re probably not using, click here.
Of course, if you can manage the painting project and, you’re struggling with your paint colors, please consider getting the Laurel Home Paint and Palette Collection
3) The next idea is to take your upholstered furniture and PAINT it.
Yes, you can paint fabric.
I did, which you can read about here. And, I didn’t even use fabric paint. However, I do recommend that you do. And mine was only a color wash. To cover stains, the paint needs to be opaque.
Here is a post giving a terrific tutorial about how to paint an upholstered chair.
And, if you’d like to see many more ideas and tutorials about upholstery painting, click here.
4) LIGHTING
If someone were to ask me the number one decorating issue or mistake that people do, it’s lighting.
One time, I was in a hotel room. There was a flush mount bright white LED ceiling light, and then two BRIGHT WHITE LED sconces between two queen-sized beds.
The absolute worst.
And, there’s no excuse. Hotels all have interior designers, and that one should be shot at dawn. Okay, I’m sorry; that’s a tad harsh. I meant, shot at dawn with a blast of ultra-bright LED lighting!
Seriously, it is one of the most horrible ideas ever. I feel that artificial lighting should be warm and resemble candlelight. So, if doing LED lighting in a residential setting, my preference is for 2700 up to 3500 kelvins and no higher. However, that’s my opinion.
There are two situations that I can think of that require such bright lights.
- An operating room
- An airport runway
So, if doing LED lighting, what should you get?
Great question. LED lighting is measured in kelvins. And, the most yellow sold for residential is probably 2200 and the highest about 6,000. But, there’s higher and lower.
For residential and that would go for a hotel too, I would recommend 2700 – 3500 kelvins at the coolest. More lighting rules here.
I’ve never understood the so-called “daylight” LED bulb. I’ve never seen daylight that’s so incredibly bright white. After all, isn’t the sun yellow?
But, in all of my years of experience, I’ve discovered that most folks don’t get their lighting right either.
Like a lot of things that aren’t that great, but everyone does them anyway, are recessed down lights. AKA: “high hats.” Aside from the kitchen, and maybe a hallway, they are largely awful. You can read a post here where we discuss this.
Of course, 95% of you almost definitely have them. Me too! (but only in my tiny bathroom).
Here is what I recommend.
Generally, even if you have time and are not doing a significant renovation, leave them and put them on a dimmer– very dim.
Then, supplement generously with table lamps, floor lamps, and possibly sconces.
Please check out this post on inexpensive lamps
And, another favorite post about chandeliers that look more expensive than they are
There are also a lot of great looking and affordable flush mount and semi-flush mount fixtures here.
For more helpful posts on getting your lighting right, click here
Premium Flicker Flameless wax candles from Pottery Barn can add a soft glow to your tables or mantel.
This, of course, is more for the fall or winter season.
One of my favorite ways to add accent lighting in any space is the very skinny floor lamp from Wisteria. I’ve specified this lamp that you can tuck in anywhere. And, it is surprisingly sturdy.
Note: October 2020. Tragically, Wisteria became a victim of Covid and is no longer with us. I miss them more than I can say. They filled a niche in the home furnishings marketplace, providing a stylish, well-priced collection, that no one else can match. Amen.
5) Pillows and Throws
One of my favorite posts is this one about throw pillows. Throw pillows are one of my favorite affordable home decor pieces. They are an excellent way to update any room with upholstered furniture.
And, for some terrific sources for pillow covers and other home furnishings, please check out this post on the top Etsy sources. This was updated only about six weeks ago.
6) Accessories
These wonderful accent pieces can wake up a tired, date room. Check out Mark D. Sikes’ portfolio. It’s sooo beautiful!
Another helpful post is this one all about 50 classic and timeless accessories and home furnishings
7) Art
A recent post about how to get FREE art is one of my new favorites.
8) Mirrors
One of my favorite sources for mirrors is Wisteria. And, right now, most of them are on sale. Mirrors also brighten up a space and add a touch of sparkle.
Above is for the gorgeous extra large Venetian Mirror from Wisteria. (sorry, no longer available)
This is a good post about using mirrors in your home.
9) Sea Grass Rugs
From a job, we did a few years ago.
If you have a hardwood or tile floor, you can get a seagrass rug. They are always stylish, exceedingly durable, and cheap! You can find links to some good ones in the hot sales widgets.
Also, this is a great post about using seagrass rugs layered with Oriental rugs.
10) Beautiful bed linens and maybe a new bed or headboard if it’s in the budget.
Serena and Lily still has their entire line on sale. That includes all of their gorgeous linens. I wouldn’t call them budget, but they’re excellent quality. You can see some of my favorites here.
This post shares some of my favorite online sources for bed linens.
For more bedroom ideas, on the blog, click here
11) Luxurious bath items.
Fluffy towels from Pottery Barn
And, really, everything you could want for your bed and bath and at great prices right now.
Elemis, one of my favorite brands, is having a 25% off sale.
I am addicted to this lime and ginger salt scrub. It is divine, and I just ordered a new tub of it and a bunch of other items to try out. I was introduced to the line when I went on this Bahama-drama cruise two years ago. I bought everything they pushed on me. Haha. But, I’m so glad I did!
Another fun thing I found are these awesome shower curtains. There are HUNDREDS OF THEM. And, they’re on sale right now at Society6. That’s a new brand for me. They have a lot of interesting home furnishings with a BoHo bent.
Also, this link will take you to all of the Chinoiserie designs.
I made a small widget with a few of my favorites to give you an idea. But, like I said, there are hundreds of these shower curtains. They’re not for everyone; but, might work for some of you. If you click on any image, it’ll take you to the product page.
11) Plants
House plants are another terrific affordable home decor idea.
I love this post about houseplants that purify the air!
12) Fresh flowers
Well, fresh flowers and blooming branches are always a terrific and relatively inexpensive decor idea. And, Mom’s Day is only four weeks away. This is a great time to start thinking about what you’d like to order. I mean, if the stores aren’t open, it’s the only way. This is why we’re exhausted. It’s having to think ahead and go out of our comfort zone.
Or maybe beautiful blooming plants. Hands down, my favorite source for stylish cut flowers and blooming plants is Terrain. Above is only a small sampling of what they sell.
13) Style your bookshelves
Via Wisteria
This is an old post, but it has some inspiring images for styling your bookcases.
14) Style your coffee and other tables
William McLure’s wonderful coffee table. You can read more about this vintage table here.
This is another post about styling your coffee table.
15) Spruce up your kitchen appliances
Remember this fun post about kitchen appliance upgrades. That is, without buying a new appliance! So, a most affordable home decor project.
16) Paint a dated kitchen floor
This is one of my favorite affordable home decor ideas. Please see this recent post that includes a cool painted kitchen floor.
17) Update your dining room chairs with paint, and maybe slipcovers.
via @missmustardseed on Instagram – via @countryliving
18) Add some wallpaper
These aren’t cheap, but a lot less than Gracie, which, of course, is gorgeous.
One of my favorite posts is this one about less expensive sources for Chinoiserie wallpaper and panels.
Of course, I adore my Mural Sources wallpaper. It looks and feels hand-painted, but it’s not.
Well, I hope that gave y’all some good ideas for some affordable home decor.
xo,
PS: Below is the banner I made, that Donna mentioned, which if you click, it will take you to Amazon. No worries if you can’t manage it or forget. I know that you can get groceries from Fresh Direct and Whole Foods on Amazon. I haven’t tried it. Has anyone had any luck with that?
PS: Please check out this week’s newly updated hot sales
Related Posts
Here’s What The Classic Homes Of Tomorrow Will Look Like.
My Tiny Living Room Has Perplexed Me For 20 Years!
The Color Orange – Love it, or Hate it?
The Guaranteed Way To A Beautiful Room (It’s Not The Wall Color)
How to Figure Out Room Colors with a Colorful Sofa
Decorating With White Furniture Without Having a Nervous Breakdown {part II}
A 16-Color Spring-Inspired Whole-House Paint Palette
38 Responses
Laurel,
I’m a RN and I very much appreciate your posts. I’m my downtime, while getting away from a stressful career, I find tremendous comfort in reading your weekly posts. I’m a homebody by nature, so creating a space in my home that pleases the eye is rewarding and calming to me. Just know, it doesn’t matter what career or path in live we choose, but if we work at our careers with passion. I know you are passionate and giving in your career and I do appreciate your hard work ♥️
Mary
Hi Laurel!
I love your blog and you! Keep up the awesome work!
Laurel, thank you for this treasure trove of wonderful ideas! I have found some beautiful plants at my local grocery store, something I never paid attention to before. I have often bought cut flowers there, but not plants. Thank you again and stay healthy! P.S., I am very excited to send you and updated picture of our “stables” soon! (I am MJ with the brick home in Georgia)
Congrats on 8 years, Laurel! I am so glad you are healthy. Thanks for this “laundry list” of ways that we can brighten our homes. Great ideas to stay busy!
I have to disagree with the lighting post…I just changed out all my bulbs to “daylight” and I am very happy with the way my house looks now. The colors seem much truer to me. I have dimmers on the kitchen island light and any other chandelier type light so I can turn them down, but I really like the way the light looks so clean. Just a personal preference! I stepped outside last night and turned on the outside porch lights (have not changed those yet) and they looked so dingy! I even changed out all my landscape light bulbs. Love your posts!
Laurel, I am glad you are doing well. I am amazed that you answer any of your emails. Your blogs are so detailed and packed with information. I know it takes you hours to write a blog that educates
us all. Stay well, you are an inspiration. Lorie
Hi Laurel,
Thanks for all the suggestions on how to make our homes happier. Pillows & plants have always been my go-to’s.
This may seem weird but I’ve never noticed how pretty your eyes are until I saw the picture of you wearing your mask. Gorgeous!
I don’t mind wearing mine. It covers my wrinkles. Lol!
So thankful you are healthy (and looking great in your beautiful face mask). I love all these ideas! They go beyond my instinctual reaction to cabin fever, which is rearranging the living room furniture. It helps, but it can only do so much! Also, thank you for the LED guidance—it will give me some support for my next debate with my “daylight LED” hubs… I used to hate the unnatural light of CFLs, but now I think some of the LEDs are even more garish!
Thanks, Carol! Wasn’t aware such a thing existed. I’ll check it out. Much appreciated!
Laurel,
You have the most amazing eyes!
As bad as this virus is, look at all the people who don’t have it the odds are in your favor that you will be just fine. Stop listening to the news,it will get you depressed, look at all the wonderful things that are happening out your window, bet the flowers are all starting to bloom.
I so enjoy your sense of humor, please know your loved very much.
Happy 8th anniversary, Laurel. Wow how time flies! Think about what you have accomplished and where life has taken you in the last eight years. Congratulations! Since I,(we), all have more time on our hands at the present moment, I’ve taken the time to read your readers’ comments which I don’t normally do. I usually just read your post and your photos. I have to say that your readers are humorous, witty, informative, and just as enjoyable to read as you are. Happy Easter to you and all of your readers. Stay safe and healthy.
Laurel – Happy Easter greetings & BLESSINGS to you. Please stay Safe & Healthy.
Can you please tell me how to use the “Amazon” button each and every time I purchase? Make sure your explanation is in “BLONDE” terms – as I’m a natural 🙂
@BJ . . . Sounds like you need some remote wireless light switches. I’ve been using them for years. You screw a thingy into your lamp’s socket before you put the light bulb in, then there’s a switch in a box that you can mount on a wall. They’re battery operated. I think Lowes and Home Depot have them.
Oh, yes, please tell us! We have the same problem here: similar layout and no way to get a lamp next to the sofa for reading, or by the dining room table (there’s a chandelier too close by for us to hang a pendant). Miners’ headlamps are the only solution I can come up with!
Those Wisteria skinny lamps are secretly cat toys, btw. Mine would love knocking them over in the middle of the night!
Actually, those lamps are exceedingly sturdy. A client of mine got a couple of them not too long ago and I went over and was surprised at how heavy and sturdy they are. Your kitty might swipe at them, but I very much doubt would be able to knock one over.
Hello Laurel – I look forward to your weekly advice and motivation. I’ve been trying to follow your lighting advice for years now and I love shopping sales, so when I am shopping my local Pottery Barn and I find Flameless Candles in the sale section, I usually buy them. I have many colors for different seasons, so I was confused when you said that flameless candles on the mantel is a fall/winter thing. I currently have many ivory flameless candles on my mantel, in vases or other holders around my house to add a light glow in the evening. I am curious why is it just a fall/winter thing?
Love the mask BTW – stay healthy. How’s the custodian in your building? Hopefully on the mend. – Katie
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for asking. I have not heard any reports about the custodian. And, I rarely leave my apartment, but when I do, I have never seen or smelled the stairwell, just outside my door smelling or looking so pristinely clean. I daresay I could eat off of the floor!
Your eyes look so pretty with your mask on. I seem to vacillate between lethargy and energy and just flow with whatever I’m feeling. Since I can’t do anything about the virus, 5G, mandatory vaccines and whatever else is going on, I have been focused on building my immunity and doing stuff around my little nest. I just replaced all my cheapo super shiny door knobs with some budget ones you recommended from Build and I love this simple change. I also painted the inside of my front door teal, using chalk paint I had on hand and I am kind of loving that, quarunteal?? color. I watched a Youtube video on painting dandelions with….empty toilet paper rolls, seems appropriate, and tried it on an old chest. I am no artist, but like that too. Getting perhaps dangerously brave during this time!
Sounds great, Rosie. The virus isn’t helping my youtube addiction. I’ve been watching a lot of ballet “covideos.” I did think that one up, but I’m not the first one as I googled it and it was already out there. If there are any balletomanes out there, look for Megan Fairchild’s (ballerina NY City Ballet) videos on youtube. She has a new series where she interviews other ballet dancers. So good!!!
I was reading this post earlier, and noticed an ad for darling, long casual dresses, with 3 wide colored strips. It seems to be gone now. Would you send the link, so I can order, please?
Hi Mary Ellen,
If I could, I would. The ads are not anything I can control and everyone sees different ads! There are millions of them and I have no way of knowing what you saw. Pretty wild, huh? That’s what the whole “privacy” thing is about. Please see my privacy policy. Google tracks your browsing history through “cookies.” In addition, they know your age, where you live, even how much money you make, etc. This helps the advertisers target their ads to the people who will most likely be interested in what they are selling. When you click on a page, there is a 2 second bid with 100s of advertisers who are vying for a spot on my page. The highest bidder gets the spot. Of course, this is all via an elaborate computer program.
Thanks, Laurel, and virtual hugs to you. Congratulations on 8 years – yay! I love your blog and appreciate your humor, honesty, and wonderful design insights and inspiration. And I don’t mind a bit that you don’t answer every comment – just seems tedious and unnecessary for such a large forum now. Prayers for continued well being through this shared challenge. Love your Schumacher mask…makes your beautiful green eyes pop!
Thanks so much, Robin. I was pretty wiped out yesterday, but have more energy today. The weather is pretty intense today in New York! Not April showers. More like April Monsoon!
First,I have to say I am appalled at that nurse who called you lazy, or anyone lazy for that matter.Everyone has their own journey and until they walk in your shoes they have no right to judge.2} Re your mask pic, you are a dead ringer for Gillian Anderson!(Huge compliment 🙂
Lastly,some people hoarded tp, I hoarded paint!I just knew early March we would have to stay at home.Thank you for this timely blog as I will refer to it to keep busy after I use up my 8 gallons of paint. :}Stay well.
Wow, thank you for the compliment!
Argh, thought the post would show under Pam’s question.
Laurel, great post as usual. Thank you for sharing your virus research with us and reassuring us that feeling lethargic is normal. It is a struggle to drag myself around and resist the urge to veg on the couch. Walking the dog every day is great, though. The birdsong sounds so loud now! Take care and stay safe. Love your mask!
Hi Pam. Check with the paint stores in your area and see if they are offering curbside pickup. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore dealers in my area are letting you order by phone, and then they will put the cans right into your trunk!
Don’t forget to browse AFFORDABLE antique stores and even thrift stores. You never know what you might find and the prices are ridiculously cheap. Most of my condo is done up with cheap finds and stuff from previous generations of my family. And vintage stuff from certain websites is also a super way to go. Stay safe everyone and Happy Easter!!
How do you recommend lighting a large, open living room with no floor outlets? Sofa, love seat & chairs are grouped in the middle of the room and there’s no way to plug in table lamps without running an extension cord across the room!
I want to paint so badly right now, but I can’t justify the trip to the store. Your colors are so beautiful. Pretty sure that’s how I found you. I’ve been debating a green for my dining room for months. Hopefully by the time we can get paint, I’ll have figured it out. 🙂
I’m itching to paint! The problem is, where do I get the paint? 🙂
Oh, I hear you. Even here, in Westchester, our local paint stores are open because they sell other essentials. But, if you don’t wish to venture out in a public place, I know that brands such as Behr, Glidden and I believe Sherwin-Williams do deliver. However, you can order Benjamin Moore online and then pick it up at the store. I suppose if you wanted someone to bring it to you outside, they’d oblige that request if you let them know in advance.
Of course, if you don’t know which color you want, it makes it a little bit more of a challenge. You’ll definitely need to get the fan decks. You can get most of the fan decks here as well as some of the other products.
Dear Laurel,
I have so enjoyed your blog for several years now and have to say that you are my all time favorite blogger. I rarely comment, but thoroughly enjoy your humor, wonderful information, and beautiful pictures. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort. It brings so much to those of us who need a bit of distraction, especially during this uncertain time. Stay well!
Sincerely,
Linda Sharp
I appreciate that more than I can say, Linda!
This post is just what I needed today! I’ve been trying to focus on some simple and inexpensive decorating to distract myself and be happier during this stressful time. Stay well Laurel! Thank you for your wonderful blog! You’ve helped me so much in decorating my home!
It always makes my day to hear that, Karen. Good health to you as well!
I love this post! I’m going to work my way through your well organized and practical points during this time at home. Stay healthy and well, and thanks Laurel!
You’re welcome, Randa. Same to you!