One-Dollar Design: Beautifying Your Home on a Budget
1. Sleeve Lighting Fixture by Sara Ebert
This lamp looks like an expensive piece from showrooms and upscale boutiques but it's not as priceless as you may think. Sara made this from an old sleeve from a sweater she bought from the Salvation Army and an apple juice bottle. You can recreate this DIY project easily and add character or mood by using different types of fabric. This lamp looks perfect in the living room or in the kitchen, but with the very cheap price - you can opt to have more than one anywhere you like. Experiment with different types of bottles and lighting, the possibilities are simply endless.
2. Metamorphosis Lighting Fixture by Sukmo Koo and Young Taek Oh
Literally, this piece is out of the box. Can you guess this was made from egg cartons glued together to create an interesting shape? Now you have more reasons to have eggs for breakfast and get started with this project! Hang them from the ceiling for that dramatic effect, direct a light to it or safely install a light bulb from the center of your work. Let you imagination grow further by painting your little creature of art for a more abstract touch.
3. Magazine Stools by Li-Rong Liao
If your home is brimming with old issues of magazines then instead of becoming dust collectors, turn them into magnificent unique stools. Each piece is of character, you can use them as mini tables or a resting place for your future magazines. You can even express your personality or industry by bunching magazines of the same topic, say homemaking, cooking, or fashion. Here's a simpler way to re-use rolled magazines as stools.
4. Orange Votive Candles by David Steinvurzel
Scented candles make any space smell like a million dollar but you don't have to shell off that much money. Get healthy and munch on some orange, save the peels and dry them off. Be creative and shape them into stars or flowers. Drop soy wax at the center and you can actually use the stem of the peel (if still intact) as the candle wick. These will add that fruity scent in any space especially in a powder room or even make them as gifts to your house guests.
5. The Paper Bailout Bag by Rebecca Marshall
Made out of old grocery bags and other paper products, this bag appears like a designer handbag worth more than a dollar. Rebecca oiled and heat pressed the recyclables together to make them stronger and even water resistant. This creation will make you think twice before buying another handbag and try designing your own. If you are not confident in heating or oiling, you try old fabric from clothes or bags to make them into something uniquely fash.
6. Plastic Children's Shelves by Hometalk
This is a great way to use those plastic dollar store crates you can find anywhere. Just secure them to the wall, and you have solid shelves that can hold anything. The same idea can be used for the bathroom. This is a great idea to make use of empty walls on a budget!
7. Quick and Cute Canopy by Gravity-Gravity (Tumblr)
Canopy beds are expensive. But you can get the same design with a cheap piece of sheer fabric hung from the ceiling, or along your bed posts. You can do the same thing with any part of the house to give it an isolated feel (source).
8. Classy, No-Sew Throw Pillows by Sowelu Studio
Whether it is your bed, a chair or a couch, you can give new life to it with a couple of class throws. But don't waste your money; use the ones you have (or buy cheap ones second hand), and wrap them in the fabric of your choice (source).
9. Double Curtain Bathroom Makeover by Designed To Dwell
Two shower curtains, a rod and a piece of wire art...none of these are especially expensive. But they completely transform the look of your bathroom in minutes! (
source)
10. Double Light With Twin Mirrors by Polka Pics
Want more light and space in your room, while keeping a trendy edge? Two cheap mirrors secured behind two lamps can give you an incredible effect for next to nothing (source). Which one is your favorite? Read my article on boosting your creativity and let's get down to work!
By Jessy TroyJessy is a sustainable and creative blogger. You can follow her on Twitter as @JessyTroy.
Recent Posts
-
DIY Decorative Beer Pong Table
Moving into a house with six of my closest friends for my senior year of college was exciting. We kn …Nov 13th 2020 -
How to Take Care of Stainless Steel Table Legs and Bases
Stainless steel is great because it is easy to clean and still has a shiny finish after many years. … -
What are ADA Compliant Table Bases?
TableLegs Online now offers ADA compliant table bases. But what is the ADA and what does it …May 16th 2018