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