Cheap chic

If you are looking to makeover a room in your home and it's just not in your budget at the moment, here are a few ways to save a few bucks, while making your home look like a million.

Paint, paint and then paint some more

You know the saying 'a simple coat of paint goes a long way'? Well it is more than true, especially if you are looking to save some money during your renovation. Changing the paint colour in a room, or accenting a certain wall can make your home look drastically different for a fraction of the price of a major renovation.

Bring home various paint chips and take a look at them in sunlight, lamplight and candlelight to ensure you get the full effect of the colour you are choosing. Stay away from whites and beiges, especially if you are going for something different and your furniture is currently a neutral colour.

Choose a colour that will compliment the furniture and fabric that you currently have. This way you won't be tempted to purchase all new sofas and tables simply because of the colour you painted the room.

Slip it on

If you decide that you really don't like that bright green sofa or that the armchair with the hideous pattern just isn't cutting it anymore, you might want to consider slip covers. Covers can be an inexpensive way to spruce up your old sofa set without spending a fortune on new furniture.

If you do decide a furniture set might be within your budget, but you still don't want it to cost an arm and a leg, consider visiting the 'as is' section in a big box store. Stores like the Brick, Leons and Ikea all have a section devoted to furniture that may have a slight marking or stain on it, usually from being in the showroom. Most of the time, you can find drastically reduced furniture that may just need a little love from you (i.e. painting or stain removing).

If you decide to purchase new furniture, keep an eye out for the weekly flyers from local stores. They tend to have large-scale sales on a regular basis that may even allow you to 'don't pay a cent for a year.' Just be sure that when it comes time to pay, you have the money due to the fact that the interest rates can be up to $300 per day.

If you want your furniture to last you for quite some time, choose neutral colours, like beige or tan, that never go out of style. Save the colour for your paint job and accessories.

Accessories don't have to cost a fortune

For unique decorations and home accents that won't set you back, check out stores such as Homesense, Winners, Home Outfitters and Pier 1. These stores carry beautiful accessories, furniture, bathroom necessities and much more at a fraction of a price. Were you to go to a designer store, you may pay $100 more than you would for something at Homesense. Another great price to find fun accessories such as flower pots, pictures, and candles is the Marketplace at Ikea.

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