Steal From The Rich… Their Design Ideas, Of course!

I found it.  The fastest GET RICH QUICK scheme that actually works.  But if we are being perfectly honest.  A little money doesn’t hurt, especially when it comes to designing our homes.  Between the roof and the gutters, the yard, the windows, and all the other little things that go on behind the scenes, the maintenance of our homes doesn’t always leave a lot of cash for decorating.  If we all had limitless budgets, we might very well design like the rich.  Who wouldn’t love to makeover a historical home with thousands of square feet with all the very best?

Don’t worry, though!  We are going to steal from the rich and design like the poor!  You CAN make your home beautiful.  Here are the trends you should be on the look out for that you can mimic, DIY,  and scour the yard sales for…

1. Paint the Stairwell.  Forget paying extra for the banister to be stained.  High gloss black paint is the way to go.  Don’t forget to paint the steps as well!

2.Go with a classic.  When you choose new floors, forget the trends.  Choose a timeless option that will save you money in the long run.

3.Keep the Wood Paneling.  A lot of people are tearing wood out, but keep it.  If you don’t have it, consider a rich brown color for your walls!

4.Go Dark.  and light.  A black wall makes everything you add to the room pop!  

5. Cover Your Books in White.  Paint them, cover them in linen, or even white paper for a power statement!

6. Choose Neutral Furniture.  Add a blanket or a pillow to accent with.

7. Upholster the Walls.  Forget paint and wallpaper. Go for fabric.  Love this Easy Off Tutorial!  8. Utilize Natural Light.  Open the blinds, throw up the sash and save money on your utilities while brining instant cheer!

9. Bring on the Chinoiserie.  Bring in the accents.  Frame Fabric or even paper! 10.  Paint the Ceiling.  It’s the fifth wall and adds major impact in a very subtle way.  I did the same thing in my house!

11. Include Antique Furniture.  Nothing adds patina and character to a space quite like a piece with age.  If you can’t find something quick, DIY your Antique!

12. Wallpaper a small space.  Keep costs down and splurge on smaller square footage with wallpaper such as this one by Kate Spade (There are SO many cute options!!)

13. Bring on the family heirlooms.  Ask your mom, your grandmother, your aunt, or your uncle for hand me downs!

14. Go for the Stand Alone Tub.  Just order it from somewhere less expensive to save money.

15. Bring in Fresh Flowers.  Plant seeds early in the season in your own garden.  I just bought this book and LOVE it!!  It’s a practical and easy-to-follow guide to creating your own Fresh Cut Flower Garden!

16. Paint the Walls White.  It’s not cold if you balance it with warm floors and artwork.

17.  Choose Marble for Small Spaces.  This hexagon marble is stunning & the perfect splurge for a smaller bathroom!

18. Don’t knock down the walls.  I know.  The last thing you expect to hear.  Save money and use the walls to create more interest.

19. Use Mirrors To Add Space.  It’s an old trick but it works!

20. Paint Your Designs.  Forget expensive wall treatments.  A little elbow grease and you can create these walls yourself!

21. Forgo flowers.  I know.  I just contradicted myself.  But if you don’t have a green thumb for flowers, use succulents.  They hardly need maintenance!

22. Paint the Cabinets a statement color.  While many of our kitchens are the size of this butler’s pantry, the color makes a huge impact!

23. Bring on the Ambient Light.  Lamps are a great way to add light without needing an electrician!

24. Paint the inside of your lights Gold.  For quick and moody lighting, this DIY is just a spray can away!

25. Use patterned fabrics on chairs… or window treatments.  I once bought a patterned sofa.  It spent the next ten years cast off in my sister’s kids’ playroom with a cover on it.

26. Create a Gallery Wall.  Hang artwork along a wall.  Center them with an imaginary horizontal line.

27. Use baskets to corral your stuff.  Forget the maid and throw everything into a basket!

The Southeastern Shophouse is presented by Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle. It is located in Buckhead, just outside Atlanta and is well worth a trip!  There are so many designers to explore.

Included in this post are: Entry: Jackye Lanham, Living Room: Stan Topol, Library: Chad James, Master Hallway & Bath: Anna Braund, Office: Margaret Kirkland, Cabinetry throughout: Design Galleria, Master Bedroom: Tristan Harstan, Dining Room: Tammy Connor, Family Room: Phoebe Howard

Find out more about the designers and tickets here.