Cheap and Chic Decor: Find the best room swag without maxing out
by Emily duQuesnay

       When Elise Thomas found an apartment to move into next year, the first thing that crossed her mind was how she would be able to decorate her new place to fit her off-beat and artistic taste without breaking the bank.
“A lot of my friends already have apartments and I’m really excited about decorating my own place,” Elise said. “I want my apartment to be unique.”

       Like many students at Ole Miss, Elise wants her apartment to look great but does not want to spend too much money. By using only paint, fabric and a few personal touches, there are lots of ways to decorate your space at a very low cost.

       One easy way to show your personality in your room is by adding color.

       “Color energizes a space, adds character and style,” according to Carrie Cox of Elizabeth Christopher. “A great color you love can do so much. Select a color and don’t be afraid.”

        “You can make changes to the accessories you already have. For example, painting a lamp and purchasing a new shade for it,” said Lisa Carter of Na’Ann’s Interior Design and Custom Framing.

       Paint is “fairly inexpensive, and it can dramatically alter the mood and style of any space,” according to Anne Marie Varnell of Cicada. “Paint is a way to embrace a trend, it’s easy to apply, doesn’t cost much and you have limitless choices.”

       Paint does not have to be limited to revamping your walls. Instead of splurging on a new piece of furniture, save money by purchasing a used piece and giving it a fresh coat of paint. The same goes for storage boxes, picture frames and anything else you would like to refurbish.

       Another easy way to personalize a room is by picking out a unique fabric that reflects your style. Whether you choose a designer fabric or a less expensive one, you can use fabric to decorate walls, cover picture frames and make pillow covers to brighten up your space.

       “The best do-it-yourself project from Marimekko would be our fabric wall stretchings. You just take your choice of fabric and stretch and stable it to your choice of wooden frame. It makes a beautiful piece of artwork,” said Lauren Reeves of Marimekko.

       Aside from canvas fabric stretchings, “you can always revamp things you already own. For instance, you can take old fabric scraps and a picture frame to make a small piece of “art” with a personal flair,” said Amber Reeves of Na’Ann’s Interior Design & Custom Framing. Fabric can also be used in more traditional ways to make a big impact. One way to do so is by purchasing “window treatments, because a person’s eye is drawn to them and they frame the room,” Reeves said.

       While paint and fabric are fun, easy projects that can make a big difference while keeping the cost low, storeowners from all over the Oxford Square agree that the best way to personalize your space is to splurge on one thing you love and let the rest fall into place.

        “My weaknesses are good linens (since you spend a lot of time in bed) and candles. Decide what your favorite room to spend time in is and then buy a piece that you will use often and will make you happy each time you see it,” said Anne Marie Varnell.

       Whether you choose paint, fabric, or to splurge on item, be sure to give your room your own personal flair. Decorating your room should be a fun expression of who you are, but remember that there are lots of easy ways to do so without spending a lot of money.