4 Frugal Ideas for a New Summer Look In Your Home

Warmer weather is upon us but our home is still looking like we are in the dead of winter. Spruce it up to reflect the fact that hibernation is over. Use a few frugal ideas to bring the sun and fun indoors for less.

Some people make over their homes many times each year. That can be costly and time consuming if you let the experts do it. But you don’t have to be a decorator to know what you like.

Let your gut be your guide as you search for ways to get what you want without paying those designer prices.

* Walls – There is so much that you can do here. Some people are still living with the white walls they had when they first bought their home. No matter; a new coat of paint can fix that right up. Choose a color that allows your rooms to “breathe” while providing a light and airy feel. Guys, you don’t have to live with a pastel room. Cool sea foam blue or even a neutral tan can say summer without bordering on too much of the feminine.

* Furniture – Let’s start with the couch. If yours has seen better days, shop at thrift stores and yard sales for bargains. This is also the time of year when many furniture stores hold sales that offer you incredible deals on the things you like most.

Slipcovers work when new furniture is strictly out of the budget. As for bookshelves, side tables and coffee tables, adding a bit of color there can be a weekend project. For a summer feel, paint them white. You can use distressing techniques to fit in with a beach motif.

* Kitchens – Two of the most used rooms in the house are kitchens and bathrooms. In the kitchen, add some artwork to the walls. Use white and light-colored frames for pictures of fruits, vegetables, chickens and other country characters. It will cause everything to “pop” into the forefront and get noticed. You can also paint cabinetry for a different feel.

* Window Treatments – You may not be in the market for new windows but you can change the way they make the room feel. In the winter, you probably had room-darkening shades or heavy curtain material to create a cozy atmosphere of warmth. Well, not you can pull those down and replace them with sheer panels in lighter colors. You want the sun to float through the room and soften it. If curtains are not your thing, try Roman shades and wooden blinds.

Is your home in need of a few improvements? You can get the feel and look of summer without spending a fortune.