By Shandel Chakalall
As featured on Oprah.com, the recession may have come to an official end, but most are still feeling the financial pinch of the past few years. Whether its because you are getting back on track financially, or because you are timid with spending ‘just in case’, there is still a way to redecorate your home on a simple and petit budget.
Nate Berkus, a regularly featured home decorator on the Oprah Winfrey show was put to the challenge of redecorating 1 room in 4 separate homes within a community. What came of the challenge? A brand new room for under $500, and your neighbours help with your spring cleaning, all at the same time.
How did he do it?
Four families within one community volunteered to participate in a neighbourhood swap meet. Each found articles of furniture and home décor within their own home that they no longer used or enjoyed. All of the articles were put together in one common space where decorating plans began to take place.
BEFORE
Each room was designed, using articles of furniture and home décor available from the other participants. The $500 budget was used to purchase new window covers, couch covers, paint, floor décor and other decorative elements. To keep your budget at a minimum think of stores such as ikea, winners and designer depot.
The benefit to this endeavour is that by swapping your old furniture with your neighbours, the job of getting rid of those articles you haven’t used in years, or that old painting hiding somewhere in the back of your garage is now complete and those pieces are being appreciated by others.
Keep in mind that although it’s always nice to have a professional decorator on your side, it may not always be in your budget. Believe in your ability, you know best what your likes and dislikes are. So why not talk to your neighbours, or family and friends, propose the idea of a redecorating swap meet and see the magic that will evolve.
AFTER
And this may just be the beginning! Neighbourhood yard sales are a great way of attracting lots of interested shoppers.
Talk to your neighbours and organize a street sale, plan ahead of time so that you can advertise in the neighbourhood; get the kids involved and let them make the signs. Organize the things you no longer want into piles; trash, things to sell and things to donate.
If organizing the street sale gets out of hand, or, if it’s a great idea but just not in your time budget, contact your local agent, we love to help out in the community!
Shandel Chakalall is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S./ Johnston & Daniel Division. Shandel is a regular contributor to the Toronto’s Muddy York Real Estate Blog.
