A Shopping List for the Budget Decorator

15 easy ways to perk up a room for less than $100! Keep this shopping list handy, and keep your eyes open at flea markets, thrift shops, garage sales, consignment stores and discount stores like Homegoods.

Old Books – Thrift shops are loaded with old books, and they're usually less than $1. Pick up a few and use them to elevate a lamp or other small accessory on a table.
Beautiful Baskets – Baskets are the ultimate for clutter control! Try positioning one at the bottom of the stairs or use a bunch of baskets to easily store children's toys.
Small Lamps – A small lamp will make a big impact on a kitchen counter, and it's a lot cheaper than fancy under-cabinet lighting. Try a lamp in your powder room too!
Serving Tray – Everything looks more organized on a tray! Use one for your remotes or how about a tray for your mail?
Pillar Candles – If you don't use your fireplace, fill it with pillar candles (real or battery candles) for a warm glow without the blazing heat. This one's for you Southerners!
Beautiful Old Calendar – What good is an outdated calendar? It's a budget decorators dream if you love the pictures! Use inexpensive frames and group the pictures together on a wall for a big impact.
Pretty Pillows – You'll most likely find these at stores like Homegoods, Marshalls or T.J. Maxx, and pretty pillows are an inexpensive way to add a little pizzazz to your sofa or your bed. While you're at it, pick up a cozy throw to fold on the back of the sofa.
Seasonal Decorations – Thrift stores are full of seasonal decor, so add a little festivity to your home for less! Halloween and Christmas decorations are the most common.
Small Rugs – One of my favorite finds at a flea market are small oriental rugs. They're perfect for bathmats, inside door mats or in front of the kitchen sink.
Knobs & Pulls – Most flea markets have a vendor that specializes in old knobs and drawer pulls. Before you shop, count how many you need and for less than $100 you'll have an instant update for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Old Picture Frames – Snatch up old picture frames and repurpose them as chalkboards or bulletin boards. Here's a quick tutorial that will teach you how to make a chalkboard or bulletin board. It's easy, I promise!
Interesting Accessories – If you fall in love with an accessory, buy it! Your decorating style is a reflection of you, and if you love something, you'll certainly find a place for it.
Architectural Pieces – Use your imagination and you might be able to turn that old urn into a beautiful table with a piece of glass. How about repurposing a mantel as an interesting shelf? You may need to visit an architectural salvage yard for these treasures.
Paint – Paint is the most inexpensive way to change the look of a room in an afternoon, but choosing the right color can be a challenge. Try the free Valspar Connect Live App for a FREE 30 minute color consultation! You'll use your ipad camera to show your consultant the room, and she'll show you color suggestions. You might also consider painting an outdated piece of furniture…how would that 1980's rattan chair look in lime green or why don't you paint that dated pickled wood table black?
Rearrange – Remember rearranging your bedroom when you were little? Relive the fun and rearrange a room in your house!