The Rural Voice, 2004-09, Page 51Home Decorating
Budget beating ideas for kids' college digs
Patti
Robertson
operates
Classic
Interiors in
Wingham.
By Patti Robertson
Question Hi Patti: I'm off to
college this fall. I've successfully
found a small basement apartment in
an elderly lady's home. My problem
is that I come from a family of very
modest means. I have a bed but
nothing else. What can I do to
inexpensively add furniture,
accessories, window treatments, etc. I
would love to invite new
acquaintances in and not feel
embarrassed by "what I do not have".
Answer— Honey:
Thank you for swallowing your
pride and asking for assistance. You
will go a long way AND you need to
know that many of us started out with
very little. Humble beginnings often
create successful lives both
materially and spiritually. Adversity
as hard as it may be, always comes
back to serve us well!
So, where to start! First, let
everyone you can, know that you are
in need of furnishings — aunts and
uncles, cousins, grandparents, bosses,
etc. Many times people have extras
and are looking for storage, so as
long as you are responsible and
promise to take care of the loaners,
you will be very surprised what
comes your way either temporarily or
"for keeps".
Browse around second-hand shops
and do not be afraid to ask, "What's
the best price I can get on this item"?
Do not be afraid to let people know
the tight budget you are on. Make an
offer and remember that "no" is just
two little letters. There will be plenty
of possibilities.
Yard sales are brimming with
possibilities: furniture, dishes, linens,
ornaments and artwork and window
treatments, etc. What fun it is
browsing and making offers.
Wander through thrift shops,
which are not only great for used
clothing but furnishings and
household items. Dollar Stores —
WOW! There is everything for in and
around the home from soup to nuts!
Literally! Fifty bucks buys 50 things!
Dishes, glasses, mugs, placemats, tea
towels, hot pads, cutlery, artificial
flowers, candles, paint brushes,
ornaments, and on and on. Sure its
not always the "best quality" but it
sure beats doing without!
And then there are the bargain
bins at decorating product stores at a
fraction of the regular price. You'll
find borders, wallcoverings, stencils,
paints and brushes, etc.
The most important advice I can
give you is that as you collect your
goodies keep a colour scheme upper-
most in mind. This will guide you
into choosing colours that will blend
and flow, this always will lead to a
successful and showy decor. Your
theme will no doubt be what we call
eclectic (a mix and match of
everything you have accumulated). If
you are able, paint or stain your
furnishings in one neutral tonal value
for co-ordination reasons. This will
add great harmony. Remember you
always choose one colouration to
dominate your area by 80 per cent
adding one chosen accent colour to
add life at a 15 per cent ratio and a
final accent dash of five per cent to
complete the whole picture. Do not
be afraid of using too much of the
same in colourations, because when
you are dne, if you feel you need
extra drama you can always add an
interesting arrangement or piece of
artwork.
Bargain shopping takes time, but
what a reward when you find that
perfect item to add to your home.
It boosts both your decor setting and
your ego. Literally, your creativity
level soars! Think unique and one of
a kind!
So my dear, go slow and build
your new home as time money and
appropriation allows. I personally
find that a few lit candles, a little
background music, a few munchies
and a warm cup of tea can add a
cheery spin to any decor and
ultimately win all visitors over!
This experience will serve you
well during your entire lifetime and
the various places you will call home.
Above all have fun, Honey!O
Deadline for
the
October issue
of
The Rural Voice
is
September 15, 2004
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
Unique Residential and
Commercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
357-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcoverings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
SEPTEMBER 2004 47