Cheap and Cheerful Design on a Dime by Erin Ferucci, Deisgns 4 Living

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Just because you're watching your budget doesn't mean you can't make your home luxurious and tasteful. When money is tight you need to make careful choices and put your money where it will add the most to your lifestyle.

Here are a few of my favorite Cheap and Cheerful design tips:

1. Dress your bed for success. We spend over one third of our lives in bed, so it's important to make it a pleasurable experience. I'm a huge fan of imported custom Italian linens, but when on a budget a great pair of T-shirt sheets from Bed, Bath and Beyond are heaven on earth. Honestly, I have clients for whom money is no issue and they still choose the T-shirt sheets. Treat yourself to these, they are inexpensive and will give you a great night's sleep.

Bed, Bath and Beyond usually offers a 20% off coupon in the Sunday paper, or you can sign up here to recieve them in the mail! Take advantage and save!

2. Keep your dishes simple and white. I buy white table settings at Crate & Barrel. White goes with everything and can be dressed for any occasion or holiday. When you buy white you can always easily add on. I love Crate 'n Barrel cups, all white for as little as $1.50 each. Seriously, you can't go wrong.

3. Take storage seriously. Life is better when everything has a place. I love West Elm for storage. Their Parson's bookshelves and towers are fabulous and inexpensive. I go to West Elm for all more storage needs.

4. Accent, accent, accent. A few low cost accents can make the difference between blah and beautiful. Area rugs are a great way to define a space and give it character. Cost Plus World Market has a great assortment of well priced rugs. While you are there be sure to pick up some of their awesome imported marinara sauce, about $4, YUM! Not to mention a nice bottle of wine...Pier 1 also has a wide range of low cost candles and hurricanes. Add some sand and shells to the hurricane before putting the candle in and you have... cheap and cheerful design on a dime!