Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start with. This helps keep you and your budget focused on the project. Which not only guarantees its completion, its going to save you money. Why? Remember impulse buying, well its less likely to occur if youve planned and written down items specifically for that one room.

Think about it this way; You go to the grocery store without a list, what happens? Everything looks good, so you end up buying extra things you do not need and probably forget a few essential items.

Tip: A large notebook or blank writing journal will help make this process easier. This will come in handy for jotting down ideas, measurements, color choices, keeping track of purchases even drawing out a layout of your room. Also, if your purchasing any large items furniture, lighting, carpet etc. this is a good place to keep track of stores that carry things youve seen and the prices.

Now that you have chosen the room, the next step is to think about how the room is used. Sound like a strange thought, well not really. This will determine the direction your decorating goes in.

For Example: Lets say your looking to make changes in your living room. Is this the main area used for entertaining, family gatherings or watching TV and movies? Do you have children with friends hanging out at your home. How about pets, are they normally in here with you?

Sound like home, if so than practical, less fussy is the direction to go. There are endless ways to make your room function well and still have great style.

A few ideas might include:

1) Durable easy clean fabrics, like removable, washable slipcovers

2) Baskets or plastic stacking crates are perfect for remotes,

3) DVDS, CDs and games. This makes for easy pick up at the end of the day, or when company suddenly shows up.

4) Possibly fewer pieces in the room, giving you more floor space.

Tip: Look for pieces that will serve double duty. Many ottomans today have build in storage, do you get extra seating plus some place to stash things quick.

5) Large floor pillows for TV or movie watching (kids, for some reason love laying on the floor).

6) If space permits, a table and chairs for playing games, doing craft or homework projects.

7) Washable latex paint for easy clean up.

The final step is to be realistic about your list of changes. Choose things that fit comfortably into your current budget, overtime more things can be done. So for right now, just remember, simple savvy changes can make a big difference

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