0 comments Wednesday, September 24, 2008


The possibilities are endless if you have a tired old living room and $1,000. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add chair rails for instant charm. If you want to take it a step further, try painting a dark color below the rail and a lighter shade above. For a little work and about $200, this is an easy project that offers dramatic results.

Change your flooring. If you think you can’t afford hardwood floors, you’re wrong. There are many great looking laminate floors on the market for $1-1.50/sq ft. This puts the cost of wood flooring for the average living room at about $400, and with the new “click lock” or “snap together” flooring systems, anyone can install them. There’s no glue or mess and you can change them in a few years just as easily.

Don’t forget to accessorize. An area rug is a simple way to ground the space and add color. A new media center will also change the feel of your room. If you don’t have money in the budget to buy a new one, try looking in the online classifieds for one that will work with your design. If you can’t find one that matches your current furniture, think about painting or refinishing one that will fit in your space. You’ll not only get the look you love but imagine the bragging rights!

Save money for beer and pizza, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your new living room. I should also note that if you invite friends to assist you ALWAYS serve the beer after the job is done. Trust me on this.

0 comments Monday, September 15, 2008


Want to give your bedroom a whole new look without spending a fortune? Here’s a great weekend project for any skill level that will have great results.

How about building your own platform bed? For about $150 in materials you can build a platform bed with headboard and storage space underneath – a great way to keep the room clutter-free. Search online for great resources and plans, enlist the help of a friend and go for it.

Purchase new bed linens and drapes and give the room a fresh coat of paint. Most rooms require about 2 gallons so figure that into the budget. Choose a color palette and choose paint and linens according your palette. If you're design challenged, search the web for great ideas great, free ideas including HGTV.com.

Posted by Russ

0 comments Thursday, September 11, 2008


On Design on a Dime we learn how to be really thrifty and since I have been refurbishing properties for years -usually with very little money - I have come up with lots of cost saving ideas for the home. Here is are some tips to give your bathroom a minor overhaul for under $100.

$100 may be enough to buy all new fixtures and faucets, but you can replace old knobs, towel bars, toilet paper holder, rugs, towels, shower curtain and counter accessories for a whole new look. You can find most of these items at discount stores such as Ross or Marshall's and save a bundle. Also check to see if your city has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore - they sell all kinds of great items - some are brand new!

Finish the look with a fresh coat of paint. The average price for paint is about $22 a gallon which is plenty. I realize it eats a big chunk of the budget, but the impact will be worth it.

Have your own tips for bathroom updates under $100? Please email me and include photos!
- Russ