Any home improvement project starts with the best of intentions.  To keep from draining your budget and destroying your piece of mind plan as much in advance and then add 15%.  Whether updating your decor or doing a complete remodel the cost can add up quickly.  Keep a running total as you go so that the final cost doesn’t catch you by surprise.  With today’s economy or the lack thereof, we are staying home more and spending some of that money to improve our home lives.  The market is horrible in home sales so a lot of us are spending a little extra cash on improving our spaces.  When the market turns around, you will have had the opportunity to enjoy the newly improved space and the home is ready for its market debut.
   
Furniture frustrations-Between the kids crumbs, dogs and sneakers, our furniture takes a lot of abuse.  If the money is tight and no extra for a new sofa consider reupholstering.  Find some gorgeous fabric to give grandma’s chair star status.  The cost difference between slipcovers and reupholstering is nominal so only go with slipcovers if wash ability is a strong factor.
   
Gotta Have-Trying to keep up with the Jones is pure insanity.  Instead of purchasing all new stuff think a swap meet.  Things clearly labeled to swap for things you want to have that are “new” to you.  Hold open house swap meets that have the directions clearly stated as to what is marked for swapping.  If this isn’t your idea of a fun Saturday think of visiting flea markets, craigslist, auctions, Goodwill are just a few of the places to start your hunt. 
   
Shop at Home- We are creatures of habit.  We are so used to seeing things in their “spot” that we begin to overlook that something that we adored in the store.  I love to change out my front hall vignette.  It changes with my mood, the season, what ever strikes my fancy.  I move the cloche from the book shelf where it covered a beautiful Faberge’ egg ornament, to the hall table where it now displays a small robin’s nest with eggs.  My Spring arrangement has begun and I am looking at my items in a new light. 

Look around your home and see what new light you can shine on all of those “GOTTA HAVES”

Happy Decorating!