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Ask An Expert: Decorating Your Bedroom On A Budget

Jackie Bayer, Design Director for Amanda Austin Interiors in Baltimore, is a bright and enthusiastic decorator with a passion for her craft. With years of experience in the field, Jackie has accumulated a wealth of knowledge to assist clients in brightening up their homes without breaking their bank account. Jackie offers several tips for making your bedroom stylish and cozy.
jackie bayer
(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Jackie Bayer
Amanda Austin Interiors
1020 South Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(443) 759-6177
www.amandaaustininteriors.com

Amanda Austin Interiors is located in the Federal Hill neighborhood in Baltimore. Jackie Bayer has over 15 years of experience in the Interior Design industry and enjoys working on projects of all sizes, from your Jewel Box Powder Room, to your expansive Renovation project. With a passion for color and classic lines, Amanda Austin Interiors works closely with clients to blend their design vision with expertise, in order to bring warmth and harmony to their home.

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(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Re-Purpose Existing Furniture

"Maybe you have been using your old nightstands from college but have two antique end tables from grandma in your basement.  Rethinking what things are supposed to be used for and giving them a new life in a new room can add a lot of character to a space.  When working with a budget, we often re-purpose clients' existing furniture by painting it, changing the hardware to give it a specialty look or just move it from a space that it wasn't being appreciated in to a room where it can get a lot of use."

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(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Stay Neutral On Investment Pieces 

"Color and patterns can be seasonal and sometimes date themselves (Mauve & Wedgwood Blue from 1983, for example). When making investments in bedroom furnishings, it's always wise to stay with neutrals and choose pieces with classic lines and details. A zebra-print bed might seem like a great idea today, but in five years, it's very possible that it will have run its course. Save those bold and colorful choices for smaller accent pieces that are more easily swapped out over time. A classic, linen upholstered headboard, or simple wood, platform bed can last over a decade or two."

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(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Add A "Wow" With Smaller Inexpensive Accessories 

"It's always fun to express your style by adding accessories and accent pieces in the latest and greatest trends. Some great ways to layer in these pieces with high impact would be decorative accent pillows, lamps and a throw for your bed. Have fun with these things--using bursts of color like this goes a long way. Start with moderately priced white or cream bedding, then have fun with layering on the color with pillows and a throw."

Related: Best Places To Shop For Your Bathroom In Baltimore

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(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Take A Second To Look At Your Current Collectibles

"You'd be surprised by what you can do with some of the decorative items that might be hiding in the back of your buffet or china closet. We love to use fancy plates, candy dishes and small glassware on nightstands to hold jewelry or those small little things that seem to collect by your bedside."

bedroom decor
(Credit: http://www.amandaaustininteriors.com/)

Find Hidden Resources

"These days you can find some great deals on furniture, rugs, accessories etc., not only at local big box stores, but also online. However, there could be some great resources in your backyard that you haven't thought of. Check your local flooring store for remnants to make into an area rug. Don't pass over the sale section at your favorite boutique, perhaps last season's luxury bedding has gone on sale. Don't forget to check consignment shops. They frequently have great pieces that can work with just about anyone's style."

Related: Best Places For Holiday Decoration Shopping In Baltimore

Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.

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