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Tightwad Interior Design....

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When we got married we had less than $200 to have a wedding, reception, and honeymoon. By grace we were able to do this. Now by grace, I have been able to make a home, wherever we have lived, as cozy yet pretty as we can afford. In other words, although we still do not make enough to adorn our home with the air of Victorian romance I so much adore, it is still a nicely decorated home (when it’s clean) filled with things that are beautiful and important to me and, where I enjoy meeting with friends. Here are some things I have done to make this possible, and some things I have heard of, and will try as soon as time permits me to do so.

Floors: Whether it’s really carpet, linoleum or hardwood floors, rugs are a cheap way to personalize and add warmth to your space. You could spend $100 or more on some other country’s idea of carpet, or you can shop at a discount store for a cheaper yet, still pretty rug, or try to piece together your own patchwork creation from carpet samples or other remnants. Please don’t get tricked into buying a “rug stay” material or matting that is going to cost more than what you paid for your rug. Rather scout out a cheap vinyl-tile/linoleum square with adhesive backing, for free or very little, you can peel off the backing and apply to the material. This will anchor your rug down should you not want to “rug surf.” Another option is to buy the material similar (or exactly like) the “rug stay” you can buy in the store, but instead buy it by the yard, and pay a fraction of the cost rather than paying for packaging and the cost of manufactured convenience. A couple years ago I found this same material cut into placemats in different colors, clearanced for a song. If you are able to find this steal as well, you could simply add this to your rug(s) with Velcro, double stick tape, or by sewing. *And if you know someone who is about to throw out their old rugs due to color wear or fading, consider rescuing these from the dumpster. I have found that rugs dye very well, and in the past, have made some beautiful dramatic deep colors from otherwise hopeless worn rugs. Just grab a dye in a darker color than what it is already.