Redo Renew Recycle - Home Decorating On a Budget

I was recently asked why we have never included any renovating/redecorating videos for our readers, and I must say that I honestly did not think of it! However, I am rectifying this immediately. Today, I am posting this article, complete with a couple of videos for redecorating your space. It’s wonderful to write about redecorating, but, as our reader pointed out to us, some people are more visual and require the type of stimulation only videos can provide.

So, for your viewing pleasure, here are two videos on redecorating that I’m sure you will enjoy!

Interior Design

I Love Lucy – Redecorating the Mertzes house

Not often do you find a home decorated in copper! This is not due to lack of interest, as most people like the look of copper, but in fact because there are few decorators who suggest this warm, homey metal, and many people shy away due to the belief that copper is expensive to buy.

Depending on the piece, copper can be costly, however, there are ways around that.  Estate sales, flea markets and local thrift stores are excellent places to look for copper kitchenware and accent pieces, and once you know what to look for, you might be surprised with some of your purchases.

There are many different qualities, weights and selections of copper kitchenware and cookware available. Some pieces are light weight, and very inexpensive, some are antique and not manufactured anymore, while still others are new and readily available in many kitchen outlets. If you want to add some warmth and increase the value of your home at the same time, my suggestion would be to look for antiques.

Many antique copper ware can be found in thrift stores, flea markets, or the largest online shopping mall there is…eBay. Good quality antiques might cost a bit more, but if you are serious about collecting pieces that retain their value, you will find a huge selection online. Depending on what look you are going for, whether hanging cookware, pots and pans, kitchen accent pieces like salt and pepper shakers, decorative pieces such as vases or wall hangings, or larger floor pieces like milk cans, boxes or coal scuttles, you will be delighted to know there is something for every type of collector, and for some excellent prices.

It can be a daunting task to search eBay for copper items, as there are so many vendors, categories, sub-categories, and literally millions of products for sale. After getting a week long, crash course on navigating – to a certain extent,  through eBay, I had the opportunity to meet (online of course) some of the vendors, and learn about copper. One member,  harondezyn, was especially helpful and gave me the ‘low down’ on what to look for when buying copper.

Old copper doesn’t usually have a high gloss, or new copper penny ‘look’ to it. It generally has a greenish cast, or patina, in the nooks and crannys of the design, handles and edges of the piece. Don’t be put off by any dents the piece might have, as these don’t always detract from the value. What is most important is where the piece was made, by who, how old it is and the price.

There are a ton of copper moulds, tea kettles and various accessories offered by an equally large amount of vendors, all of which would look wonderful on your walls and displayed throughout your home. You can add luster and value to your kitchen, living room, dining room, office or virtually any room in your house at prices that are easily affordable, regardless of your budget.

Just remember, when you are looking to buy, pay attention to the description of the item you are looking to purchase, not whether it was found in some castle in England, and above all check the price! If decorating in copper is something you have always wanted to do, or a new idea, check out harondezyn. They have good quality, antique copper kitchenware and accessories at excellent prices, (and you don’t have to wade through thousands of vendors to find great deals!)

If you could change one thing about your bathroom, what would it be? If you are like many other homeowners, there is a good chance that the bathtub was your first answer.

The first step in choosing a new bathtub is determining how much money you can afford to spend on one. If you are also remodeling the rest of your bathroom, it is important that you not only focus on the cost of a new tub, but also the cost of your other supplies. If you mistakenly spend too much on your new tub, the rest of your bathroom remodeling plans could suffer. Also, having a limit or budget is the best way to save time while shopping. Knowing how much money is too much to spend will prevent you from wasting your time looking at fixtures that you cannot afford.

Determine ahead of time how your new bathtub will be installed.  If you are planning on having a professional install it for you, you will need to keep the extra costs in mind. Although you may want to avoid paying a professional contractor, unless you are an avid do-it-yourself-er with experience, or know someone who is, you might have to bite the bullet on this one. There are many good contractors who specialize in replacing bathtubs. In fact, some literally, just place a new one right over the old one! (Now that is something I didn’t know.)  It may be possible for you to do this yourself, but, in most cases, you will find that a professional can have your new tub installed in a couple of hours and save you a lot of headaches!

Regardless of whether you choose to install your own bathtub or have a professional do it for you, there are still choices to be made.  If you are looking to have your old tub completely removed, you will likely find that you have more options.  When a new bathtub simply replaces an old one, they need to be about the same size or style. However, if you are remodeling your whole bathroom to get a “new,” look, you can change the size, shape, or style and features for your new tub.

Most homeowners generally install traditional or standard tubs as they are called. These bathtubs are often connected right to the wall, placed in a corner, and sit directly on the floor.  What is nice about most traditional tubs is that they are relatively affordable.  You can purchase a standard tub for as little as two hundred dollars.  If you are looking for comfort, instead of price, you may want to look into spa-like or even massage bathtubs. These specialized tubs, as you may assume, cost more than most others, and can retail for around one or two thousand dollars.  If you are looking for a trendy, stylish fixture, you may prefer to own a freestanding bathtub. These models start as low as five hundred dollars, depending on your taste, and go up in price from there.

Once you have decided which type of tub you want, it’s time to go shopping! It’s much easier to see how your new bathroom will look and feel when you can view the different displays. Some homeowners prefer to check out the displays online, but I personally prefer the hands on approach.  Just make sure to look through the local flyers before you head out and make sure to pack yourself a lunch!