Walls: I have heard that the cheapest and easiest way to change/beautify your living space is paint. However, if you have anxiety about the undertaking of such a large project, or if you rent and are unable to do this, there are some alternatives, to adding style, yet doing so on the cheap. One option is wallpapering. If this strikes fear in your heart as well, consider this easy-cheap way that will not damage walls and is easy to take down when desired. If you do not want to paste, or spend money on the “pre-pasted” add water alternative, you can easily add a border to any room by using a heavy-duty staple gun. If the idea of big silver staples sticking out bothers you, just camouflage their presence with a stroke of the appropriate colored acrylic paint. When you are moving or want to change your décor, simply remove the staples, and fill with hole-filler, plaster compound, (or make a paste with water and cornstarch). Fabric can also be used in place of wallpaper, (either a border or otherwise). Make a wallpaper consistency paste with cornstarch and water, or try spraying with spray laundry starch, and after the fabric you’d like to use is thoroughly moistened and sticky, apply to the area where you would like it to be. This will stick to the wall, and stay when dried. If you would like to increase drying time, consider using a hair dryer, or fan to the area. When you’d like to remove this from the walls either for a change, or when moving, simply loosen with a wet soapy washcloth, and peel off. *Another alternative to starch may be to try using a spray adhesive. This can be obtained from a craft or home improvement store. (Please just be sure to read the label, and/or check with a sales person or manufacturer website or instructions to make sure that this will not damage the walls, and/or the residual adhesive will easy to remove. You may also choose to embellish your walls instead/or in addition by adding ornaments over a border, instead of a border or just over regular wallpaper. Christmas lights, ribbon, tin ornaments (possibly cut out of tin can lids?), or paper mache hearts, stars, suns, moons or other decorations (painted or unpainted) can also add such beauty and comfort to your space, that takes so little money and/or time. Or you can get your inspiration from nature, and preserve leaves (with shellac, varnish or clear nail polish), use seashells, or even twigs or sticks. *I once visited a lady who had a beautiful painted branch hanging on her wall. When I asked her about it, she admitted she had become the joke of the family because; she had “paid” for a stick. Should you choose this unique method of decorating, I suggest you paint it, and find it yourself, rather than spending cash on what is free, and becoming the chuckle of your family. There is also sponge painting, stenciling and other more familiar forms of wall décor, and if you would like to go this route, I suggest you cut down the cost by:
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