What are some basic inexpensive ways to make my home more beautiful?

Hi, I am a terrible decorator. I have some nice paintings, but other than the paintings and my furniture I don't have a flare for making my space more pretty. I am in an apartment, so I can't paint the walls. My walls are cream and my carpet beige. I have a black couch and tan-colored marble topped kitchenette. So its very basic. My paintings are kind of Victorian. Does anyone have any basic inexpensive ideas how to keep my home more beautiful? By the way, I don't want any plants or flowers, because of allergies and I think they bring bugs. Thanks.

What are some basic inexpensive ways to make my home more beautiful?
Black sofa? ... Contempory meets Victorian.





Print black and white photos from your computer ... you could even find some Victorian photos to convert into black and white. The internet is a wonderful source of artwork. Mount pictures in black frames and arrange over your sofa.





Arrange frames over the sofa but do not line everything up. Scatter frames within a defined space ... such as the length of your sofa.





Go to the dollar store for you frames ... paint them black if necessary.





I have done this to my studio and it looks stunning.....


Get a black vase and put a splash of color ... red, turquoise ... what ever your favorite color is. Simpler and streamline are always a good way to go even if it means using just one flower.





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alternative





Find colorful postcards and mount them in small black frames
Reply:-Lighting is important. You can buy some used, cheap but nice lamps to decorate your room.





-Artificial flowers will work too. They make the room nice and romantic.





-You can use candles.





-Try a different curtains.





You can buy everything I mentioned above from garage sale, Ross store, Walmart, $200-300 will make your room look different.
Reply:I like pillows of different sizes that I change with the seasons-- you might look at silk flower arrangements which won't draw bugs and can be cleaned. Look for colors to your paintings... I've found we don't go far from our favorites either in color or style. Victorian is "flowery" so lace on your pillows or beads on your lamp shades might be a way to "pretty " the room.


good luck
Reply:The way that I add a little flare to my living room is by adding nice pillows on the couch. I also have a coffee table and side tables where I place nice, pretty candles that if allergic, you don't even have to burn. I've also realized that a nice throw or blanket on the couch can add a little bit of a cozy look to a Victorian style room. If you have lamps, purchasing more unique decorative shades also adds a little spunk to the room.
Reply:A rug can really add dimension to your basic space. Add some pillows and tie the colors in with your painting. Also, measure your room, measure your furniture and make a mock drawing of your apartment. Then rearrange your mock furniture. Furniture placement is key to a warm inviting space. Don't 'circle the wagons'. That means, don't have your furniture wrap around your walls. Check out hgtv.com and their Decorator Cents show. That would be just what you are looking for. Also, check out thrift stores for great deals on great stuff.
Reply:get a nice rug..this makes it feel more cozy i think...umm you can always get silk flowers instead of real ones...and i think as long as you put the paintings in a good place, your space will be nice...also how your place is lit makes a big diffence too..so invest in a nice lamp :)



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