Decorating on a budget can be quite a challenge, especially if your tastes are more of the champagne/caviar type and the budget is more of a Proscecco/cheeseball type. That is where I find myself. Mr. Cozi and I took a good look around our house over the weekend and decided it’s time for an update. We designed a fairly detailed plan of what we want to do in 2015, so I thought I would share with those of you who may have similar ideas for 2015. I’d love to hear how you plan for big changes on a budget. Our project went something like this:
Accessing our Needs
We toured the house, making lists in each room of what we want and/or need to update.
- Lists of repairs needed.
- Lists of accessories needed
- Services needed, like stretching carpet in one bedroom, adding a tv and satellite service to another.
- Upholstery, painting and lighting were added.
- Storage or organization were part of the plan.
- We also included things on our screened porch and landscape.
Prioritizing the Lists
Next, we went over the lists again and discussed how to prioritize each room.
- Living room/man cave have the #1 spot because these are the rooms where we spend most of our time.
- Foyer/Dining Room – first impressions are important.
- Kitchen/Pantry – Busiest room in the house.
- Office – better organization makes writing/bills/research more fun.
- Master Suite – a work already in progress due to a laundry mishap. I shrank our coverlet.
- Powder Room – like most of our house, this room has lots of red, which is a color I am tired of.
- Tropical Guest Suite – just a few updates here. This room has sentimental value.
- Cottage Guest Suite – mostly finished, just a few additions.
- Screened Porch – favorite room for at least 6 months of the year.
- Laundry – we’ve decided to make this our safari room in honor of our kitty. It’s also a great place to use accessories of a theme gone by.
- Exercise Room – Probably most important, but least liked!
- Landscape – our future outdoor room.
Creating the Budget
I discovered Crown Financial Ministries during the 90’s and we began the cash envelope system. It has been a true blessing in our life and our marriage. Then in 2006, I read Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and we’ve been using his suggestions since. As a result, our plan will include using cash only and only purchasing things when I have the cash in hand. We’ve decided to spend a certain amount from each paycheck, which will encourage me to buy only things that I absolutely love and to shop for bargains. I have a list of accessories needed for each room and will look for the best deals from some of my favorite shops. It is amazing the difference it makes to plan purchases this way. In my experience, credit card purchases have led to many more “buyers’ remorse” scenarios than when I spend cash.
I love a good challenge and there’s so much I want to do. I receive mostly praise with every project/job I do, but I still have my own insecurities. I love decorating. If you have suggestions for any part of this plan, I would love to hear from you. How fun it would be to decorate my house with friends I’ve made through CoziNest!
First plan of action is to update lamps and lamp shades. I’m off to find bargains. Next “Finishing Touches” post will be all about lighting.