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INSPIRATION

Welcome to our inspiration page.  We will be updating this on a monthly basis, so check back to see what other ideas we have.

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DOLLAR STORE DECORATING

Are you kidding?

It can be done.  It takes some creativity and seeing things in a different way.  But yes, it can be done.  Here are some ideas that involve using what you may already have, or finding items as your local dollar, discount or thrift store.   I have indicated below, where I have found the items I suggest and have put together what the total cost was for each project.  

Even if your budget is stretched, these are some great ideas to freshen up your home.  Look at it as a challenge and have some fun with it!

Elegant Centerpiece (Estimated Cost - $18)

Create a beautiful and elegant centerpiece with a variety of crystal and glass candle holders. 

  • Start with some inexpensive sheer fabric that coordinates with your décor - you will need approximately 2-3 yards. Place the fabric down the middle of the table and bunch up, tucking the edges under.    (Walmart / Joann Fabrics using a 40% off coupon are great sources.  Or check a thrift store for somethng in the right fabric that can be re-purposed for this, such as a sheer window panel.) 
  • Scatter a variety of clear glass and crystal candleholders down the runner in a random way.  Use a variety of heights, shapes and sizes.  The more you use, the more opulent the centerpiece will look.  (Use what you already have and add to it with additional items purchased from a dollar or thrift store.)
  • Add white or ivory taper and pillar candles.  (Dollar store)

Modern Mantle (Estimated Cost - $5)

Repition is the name of the game for creating a simple, modern look. You can also use this idea for a centerpiece on a table.

  • Line up five cylinder shaped glass vases across the mantle.  (Dollar store)
  • Fill each vase one-third full with river rocks or sand.  (Get the kids involved by having them find the perfect rocks on a walk at your local park.)
  • Add a single floral stem, tropical leaf or interesting branch to each vase for a dramatic modern look.  (Use what you have in your yard or what you can find nearby.  Just keep all the elements the same.)

Creative Media Center (Estimated Cost - $70)

Create an inexpensive, modern looking media center for a wall-mounted flat screen TV using shelves.  If you plan to put other media components on the shelves (e.g. DVD player) just be sure to get shelves with enough depth to handle the additional equipment.

  • Hang a 3-foot wall shelf (equipped to support some weight) at approximately 28” high from the floor.  (Discount store)
  • Hang a second shelf at 14” high from the floor. 
  • Mount the flat screen above the top shelf.
  • Merchandise the remaining space with frames or books.

Cooking Inspiration (Estimated Cost - $3 to $25)

Merchandise your kitchen like a model home. 

  • Find a beautiful cookbook.  (One you already own, or check out the bargain book table at your local bookstore for a cookbook with a beautiful cover that has colors that coordinate with your décor.  Display the cookbook on a picture frame easel (Dollar store). 
  • Buy several new wooden spoons (Dollar store) and place them in a decorative pitcher (one you already own) by your stove. 
  • Create a decorative coffee station by placing your coffee maker on a tray (discount store) and adding a matching creamer and sugar set (Dollar store).   Place an inexpensive spoon rest on the tray that coordinates with the creamer and sugar set (discount store). 
  • Take down the miscellaneous magnets from the refrigerator.  Attach magnets to the back of dollar store frames and display artwork and selected photos on the refrigerator.

Unique Headboard (Estimated Cost - $20)

Create a unique headboard with placemats.

  • Purchase woven or bamboo placemats (Dollar store).
  • Attach them side-by-side to the wall behind a bed with a staple-gun.  Be sure not to allow gaps in-between the mats to ensure that it looks like one piece.
  • Push the bedframe up against the wall to complete the look of a headboard.

Interesting Wall Art

Create interest on a wall with these ideas.

  • Hang three inexpensive full-length mirrors horizontally, with spacing in-between, stacked on top of each other – This creates instant drama and is a great way to make a room look modern.
  • Frame beautiful wrapping paper or fabric in large, inexpensive poster frames.
  • Frame beautiful greeting cards in matching frames (same color, same size).  Create a gallery of the pictures on a shelf, leaning them up against the wall instead of hanging them.

Put It On A Shelf (Estimated Cost - $1 - 20)

These are some great ideas to help make shelves look interesting. 

  • Create an instant collection with similar items purchased from a thrift shop.  Be sure to choose items that are the same color, such as white milk glass in a variety of shapes.    Place the items on the shelves, mixing up the sizes and shapes.
  • Cover some old books with brown craft paper.  Arrange the books in small stacks on a bookshelf.  Place an interesting object on top of some of the stacks for added interest, such as a shell, or small picture frame.