This year I think a lot of us are looking to decorate on a budget more than ever before. In October, I wrote on my blog decor8 a post that inspired 165 readers to comment because it was on a topic that touched many on a personal level: decorating on a budget. I should add that the title of the post should have been, "Decorating on a Budget Without Feeling Like You're Making a Sacrifice". In the post I detailed how my husband and I was able to take on a second residence in a foreign country last year on a budget, and I showed a few photos of a small 1 bedroom apartment that we renovated and decorated under budget despite how strong the Euro was while we were over there (the dollar was so weak!). If you want to read the entire post and see photos you can do so here. If you'd prefer I break down my tips into about 10 Steps that are within reach, continue reading.

10 Ways to Decorate on a Budget, at least according to me:

1. Be careful not to regard IKEA as a store only for college kids or first time nesters. They have lots of good pieces that are comparable to more expensive versions in high end stores. The Besta Burs TV console in glossy white is an excellent example of great construction and quality for a reasonable price at $299. I founds others just like it in posh design stores for $2,500 or more. If you sew, IKEA also has a great section of Scandinavian designed textiles available off the bolt at very affordable prices.

2. Next time you drive by a yard sale, tap on the brakes just a little...If you spot any potential gems pull over and see what you can find. Bring your creativity with you, so much can be sanded down and repainted or repurposed. It's also a great way to recycle.

3. Hit flea markets and learn the art of being nice but getting the right price. The more you go and watch others bid down, the more you'll learn. Better yet, go with a pro and have them show you how it's done. If you're going to a large flea market that has online maps and a vendors list, print everything out and prepare in advance. Hit the vendors you are interested in first before you run out of energy. Bring a thorough list, include photos of what you're looking for. Bring fabric and paint swatches, measurements, even a measuring tape. After you've visited the vendors on your must-see list, then you can roam. And remember: be nice to everyone. People enjoy giving discounts to buyers with manners.

4. Share a car. I know, what's this have to do with decorating on a budget? A lot! The more you save in some areas, the more you'll have to spend on things that mean a lot to you. If having your own car means a lot, then by all means keep it. But if you're like me and would rather use the money to travel or decorate, by all means trim the fat and if the car payment, insurance, excise tax, regular maintenance, and fuel is more than it's worth, opt for having only one car. My husband and I decided to do this when we got married and never looked back, in fact I never want my own car again because the extra money each month goes father than a second car would take me. If a second car is a must-have consider something else that you spend money on monthly that may not be absolutely necessary (like movie channels or memberships to places you never go to anyway) and decide whether or not you can live without it.

5. Shop on eBay and Craiglist and don't underestimate the cost savings of Amazon.com! That website is great, I purchased nearly all of my appliances at Amazon and saved hundreds over the past year. I also purchase books, CDs, and DVDs in advance there because they discount the price if you pre-order.

6. Do it yourself. Sure you may not have time to hand knit a blanket but I bet you do have time to make your own floral arrangement (vs buying one pre-made), paint your own living room (not hiring out), bake your own cookies (easy and cheap), dry clean at home (those at home kits work great), and spend less time standing in line at coffee shops and more time brewing your own at home. I once spent $300 a month at the local chain coffee cafe. $300! Now I go once a week and spend $30 monthly. That's a huge savings in the course of one year. More money to put towards things I love to do, classes to take, that new cabinet I'm saving for, etc.

7. Opt for bundling. We bundle our phone, cable and internet and save a ton each month. More money for the things we love!

8. Recycle/repurpose things that people give you, from ribbon to wrapping paper. You can turn it into something crafty or give it to friends, donate a box to the local elementary school, or recycle it via the trash collector.

9. Everyone says it but it's true, to liven up a room change the paint color and swap out the throw pillows. I'd like to add how nice it is to swap out art (photographs, prints, etc.) and also how inexpensive it is to add fresh flowers at least once a month. Peonies, lilacs, roses, even some daisies or field flowers wake up a space. It's also nice to pay attention to things like lighting from candles to the light bulbs (some omit such an ugly unnatural glow, go for soft lighting) and scent. I'm not saying to run out and buy bags of potpourri but a room spray, candle, or something else soft and natural can make a room feel better. A good thorough cleaning and editing the room never hurts either.

10. And finally, we're at ten. I'll let you write this one. What is the 10th way to decorate on a budget? What have you done to make your house a home without dropping a ton of cash?

(image from holly becker, my living room in germany on a budget. more images here.)