Remodeling On A Budget

The blog has been quiet but the Darrow household has not been. We've forged full speed ahead with the remodeling project that Joe started pre-brain tumor. It's been a challenge of sorts. We went from "who cares what it costs" to "remodeling on a pauper's wage." However, it's enabled us to get back to our life of Simple Abundance - and it feels great!

I'm on a real "color kick" at the moment. I love color. I want color. I need color! We have been scouring the paint departments in search of our next "oops" paint and finding some wonderful deals. If you've never searched out the "oops" paint - make it a point to visit the paint department of store and ask them to direct you to the "oops" paint. It's not usually right out front sporting a "clearance" tag. It's generally tucked in and hard to find. Now keep in mind - you cannot be choosy about the paint and you have to shop with an open mind. But always remember, if you buy paint that you have no use for or would never use - it's not a bargain. It's just throwing hard earned money out the window!

I, myself, love color. I shop the paints with excitement and anticipation of what and where I may be able to add a splash of color - and the "oops" shelves have yet to disappointment. We can easily find gallons of paint that were once $25 - $50 for a mere $5! Now that's what I call a deal!

After seeing a picture of a friend's living room in Chicago, I got a sudden hankering to add some texture to our living room walls. This soon turned out to be a project in itself. Once completed it will be an accent wall in the living room, which will carry into the stairwell. And color...yes! It has a lot of color. All found on the oops shelves!! Total cost of the project $20. That included the joint compound that I used to "age" the wall, wall paint and trim paint. Score!

There are a lot of things you can do to eliminate the huge costs of remodeling. Here are a few ideas:

- update your kitchen hardware

- install new light fixtures

- cover old linoleum for vinyl tiles

- add area rugs

- add a fresh coat of paint - yes, off the "oops" shelf!

- attend auctions looking for treasures - don't forget your creative eye!

- shop salvage stores - like Ollie's, for instance. If you don't have an Ollie's in your area, google "bargain outlets" or "salvage outlets" in your area!
I was just able to pick up a perfect carpet remnant at our local Ollie's for just $165! And it was not cheap carpet! I shopped prices before going there and they won out...hands down! The stores aren't glamorous but they sure leave your checkbook intact! Who needs to the glitz when you're saving so much money!

Times are tough...bucks are tight! Be nice to your checkbook today!

Now I'm off to check on my drying wall!

Happy Shopping...On A Budget!
~Tammy