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You want your home to look like those designer magazines you love. The problem is you have little cash to spend. Is there a way to get the look you want without spending a mint?

Yes!

Here’s how:

• Use color. Paint can be purchased inexpensively. Pillows and other accessories can be purchased at discount stores such as Ross, TJ Max, or even your local thrift store. Garage sales are all the rage.
• Less is more. Pictures are great for a room but not too many. Gathered treasures can show your passion for pottery, but too many makes your room too busy. Keeping things simple will make your room look larger and more like that magazine cover. When it comes to furniture, less is truly more. Don’t gob up the space with too heavy, or too much furniture.
• For variety, place your sofa away from the largest wall. If you can’t seem to get away from this “common” choice, make sure your pictures hang only a couple of inches above the back of the couch, not two feet.
• Buy used furniture and fix it up with paint and/or new cushions. Match the fabric to your pillows.
• Start with the living room. That’s what most folks will see. The kitchen should be second, followed by the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Getting the look you want cheaply and with style can be accomplished by learning more. Check out those magazines and copy their look by buying less expensively. Talk to your neighbor who manages to do a lot with a little. Keep your eyes and camera handy for outdoor ideas. Bring nature in.