| Renovating a bedroom doesn't have to send you | | | | let the high prices scare you off since affordable |
| to the poor house. There are ways to cut | | | | versions can be had in limited edition prints, art |
| corners yet still achieve the desired look. That | | | | schools, local art shows, photography and |
| being said, there are certain areas where you'll | | | | carvings. |
| regret not using a higher quality product. Here is a | | | | Where to Save: |
| guide, inspired by decorator Kimberley Seldon, on | | | | Drapery: Ready-made draperies have come a long |
| where to save and when you should splurge. | | | | way in recent years. They have a vast array of |
| Where to Spend: | | | | styles, colors, and reasonable prices. You can |
| Mattress & Bedding: A lot of people go through | | | | always purchase the fabric and make them |
| life never purchasing a quality mattress. They pay | | | | yourself. However, be sure to price it out |
| for it time and again with uncomfortable sleeps, | | | | beforehand, once you add up all the necessary |
| and then spend more money on extra bedding to | | | | bits and pieces, you may be better off purchasing |
| cushion the top. When you test the mattresses in | | | | the packaged version. In some cases homemade |
| the store, most will feel ok, but one will feel | | | | drapes can be a great saving. I recently found the |
| amazing. You'll never regret spending the extra | | | | perfect drapes for a bedroom I was redecorating, |
| money on 'the amazing'. | | | | but at a cost of $2,500. I studied how they were |
| Bedding is in the same category as the mattress. | | | | made at the store, took some notes, and made |
| We've all bought those 100-thread count sheets | | | | them for about $200. |
| on sale, and after a couple of washings, they get | | | | Lamps: Attractive, reasonably priced lamps are |
| all nubby and rough. Break down and purchase a | | | | available everywhere. As long as they |
| set of 400 or more thread count sheets; you'll | | | | complement your decor and do the job, go for it. |
| never go back. What to do with the old sheets? | | | | A headboard frame: Now that you've spent the |
| Don't worry they'll make great drop cloths when | | | | extra cash on your mattress and bedding, you |
| you're painting the bedroom. A high quality | | | | can definitely save some money on the actual |
| bedspread is also worth the investment, it will be | | | | bed frame. The web has lots of do-it-yourself |
| the first thing people notice when the door is | | | | sites for covering your own headboard in an |
| open, and goes a long way to enhancing the | | | | affordable fabric such as linen, cotton or |
| room's decor. | | | | microfiber. |
| Quality Upholstery: You'll appreciate the extra | | | | Reused treasures: Sometimes garage sales or |
| dollars spent on finer fabrics when you realize, | | | | swap meets can be gold mines for side tables or |
| years down the road that your furniture still looks | | | | book shelves that just need some tender loving |
| great. It won't be faded and worn, like the | | | | care and a coat of paint. Also popping up |
| cheaper versions. | | | | everywhere, and offering great deals, are the |
| Original Art: This is an investment that adds | | | | stores selling reclaimed building supplies. |
| character to a room and well worth the money | | | | Accents: These are readily available, and even |
| paid. Always buy something you like; the | | | | some of the cheapies look expensive. Hold out for |
| investment is a bonus, but in the long run, you'll | | | | the sales or scout out the source retailers such as |
| appreciate owning a piece that you enjoy. Don't | | | | Home Sense. |