Image by Dreams Beds and Mattresses via Flickr

A bedroom doesn’t have to be bland. Embrace the power of imagination to turn your child’s bedroom into a decorating delight. It doesn’t even have to cost much. As you plan the decor, there are several factors you might want to think about.

* First you want to consider your child’s personality. What colors appeal to your child, and what hobby does your child enjoy? Does your child lean more toward fantasy, nature, sports, or something else? Make your child’s interest the focus of the room.

* Next, consider your child’s age. As children grow, their tastes might change so you might want to temper your purchases accordingly. If your child is really into cars, you might want to eschew getting the car-shaped bed and go for a comforter depicting various vehicles instead.

* Make changes that are flexible. Opting for paint over wallpaper adds a fresh look that can easily be changed in the future. Another option is wall stickers, also known as wall decals. Add some whales, fairies, or dinosaurs to your child’s wall without the hassle of full-blown wall papering.

* Create some secret hide-aways. Whether it’s a loft bed, a window nook, or a deep closet, set aside some space where your child can curl up and dream or stash away their hidden treasures.

Have fun with the decorating and include your child in the process. It doesn’t matter if  your space is large or small, a few changes can turn a room from blah to ahhhhh.

Image by robleto via Flickr

Sometimes you just want a new look for your household, but your budget might not be up to drastic changes. That’s not a problem. There are several ways you can freshen the look of your abode without putting too much strain on your wallet.

* Paint is Primary - Freshen up your room, change a mood, and add a fresh feel by putting on a coat of paint. Whether you are focusing on a trendy or classic look, mix and match paint colors to suit your style.

*Focus on Furniture – Switch up your decor by adding prints and patterns to your chairs and couch. If you don’t want to deal with cloth on your wooden tables and chairs, add some fresh stain or a layer of paint.

*Wall Wonders – Are you into a museum look, or are you more inclined to decorate with a South American vibe? Either way, you can change the ambience in your room by hanging blankets, quilts, murals, paintings or prints on your walls. Or, if you’d rather go for the stark look, take everything down. The beauty of this change in decor is that you can switch it up easily when your mood changes.

* Let Nature Nurture – Add plants around the room to create a fresh look. In addition to looking good, your air will be fresher.

A few simple, affordable changes can do wonders for your home decor as well as your mood. Browse through yard sales for leftover paint, and check out thrift shops for paintings, wall hangings, and furniture you can paint.