I think going to the HGTV website and looking at the “Rate My Space” section is a great way to be inspired and get ideas that you can see. They show actual people who tackle their space and create new looks. Many show before and after pictures and tell you what they used and how much they spent. Their are thousands of pictures catergorized in each type of room, etc. Check it out.

We were one of the lucky ones that got a room makeover on a big TV show (Trading Spaces) that actually was functional and looked great. Vern Yip did our son’s room in a soccer theme and though we only kept it a couple years-(boys do grow up and change their tastes) it was a classy typical vern Yip room.

One of Vern’s best tips was if you want to redo a room within a tight budget and have a clean, striking look-go to IKEA. (IKEA.com)They have everything and will ship if not in your city. They are amazingly CHEAP for furniture to rugs to lighting to bedding, etc.

I would highly recommend HGTV’s following shows:

1. The newest addition to their line-up - Myles of Styles, starring Kim Styles winner of last spring’s decorator contest. She prides herself on keeping money to a minimum and class to a maximum. She’s hot and is on:
3/27 at 8:30 p.m. EST
4/3 at 8:30 p.m. EST
4/6 at 2:00 p.m. EST
4/10 at 8:30 p.m. EST
4/13 at 2:00 p.m. EST
4/17 at 8:30 p.m. EST
Her motto is “YOU CAN have GREAT style on a BUDGET!”

In addition, she refers readers to an article entitled “Maximize your Decorating Budget” which can be found at:

2. Another favorite has recently undergone a facelift. “Decorating Cents” hosted by Joann Steffand now has 3 features in her 30 minute show - but you don’t feel like they are crammed in. The first part pairs her with a professional decorator who is challenged to do a room with no more than $500. The rooms are usually VERY creative and give you so many good ideas. The second part of the show features guests who spend NO MONEY AT ALL, but just re-arrange the owner’s own furniture and go “shopping” all over the home to find pieces that fit the home in the proper places. Then at the very end [this is my favorite] is a 3 minute trash to treasure feature from a unique store which always shows 3 items you can make (AND THEY ARE NOT EMBARASSING!!) from items bought at flea markets, picked up on the side of the street, etc. Talk about creative!!

3. “Design on a Dime” features 3 young people who don’t look old enough to be out of high school, but ALWAYS amaze by doing 1-2 room and cannot go over a budget of $1000. They make incredible furniture AND SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT - plus the plans are always on the website.
I simply love the way the threee-some work and blend their talents together.

4. “Free Style” is another rather new show which shows professionals reorganizing and repositioning items in a room to reveal incredibly dramatic new looks without spending a dime. Talk about creative thinking…

5. “Sensible Chic” is an old stand-by (and its companion book) which shows viewers how to apply basic design principles to bring about a satisfying, less expensive version of a very expensive room that is “sensibly chic.” It’s all done through careful planning, smart shopping and clever hands-on projects. But the budgets are usually more like $2,000 - $2,500. It’s shown weekly.

6. And, who can forget those folks you’d love to have as next-door-neighbors - Shari Hiller and Matt Fox - who host Room by Room - fantastic ideas that don’t cost a fortune. And no one beats Matt for step-by-step carpentry instructions! At their website: you’ll find 20 projects ready for you to try, a great money’saving decorating worksheet, and a sign-up sheet for their brand new Decorating Worksheet.

7. Last, but not least is Karen McAloon who hosts “Design Remix” who uses overlooked accessories the homeowner already owns to create a radical room design. Maybe a couple gallons of paint and a cool room-sized rug…and you’re done! So, again, big on creativity low on money.

NOW, SINCE YOU MENTIONED A SMALL ROOM DILEMMA, please don’t overlook the organization shows which can free up a great amount of space for very little money and give the room a much sleeker look and lends itself for “healthier” energy! So “Mission Organization” is a perfect show for you. I’d also watch “Get it Sold,” and “Secrets that Sell” since they also show how to put away clutter, rearrange furniture and make small rooms look huge. UNLESS YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE RATHER ODD PEOPLE WHO HAS NO CLUTTER… [And if you are, e-mail me - I need YOUR help]

In my area we don’t get the cousin network DIY, so I can only speak the HGTV shows. Don’t forget the weekly FREE classes held at Lowe’s and Home Depot - a great way to learn how to do something cool, make new friends and impress your neighbors! Hey, it costs money to take night decorating courses!!

Happy decorating. …now what will you do with all that saved money??

Barb