The following is a guest post.

The answer is an emphatic yes.  Decorating does not need to cost the earth and with some dedication and sensible decision-making it is possible to get great results even when working to a budget. To get the most from the project, there are a few important things to remember; so try some of these tips to get the job done well and save money at the same time.

Be prudent about paint

Find out how much paint is needed by using a DIY calculator. Simply input the dimensions of the rooms, the number of doors and windows, and how many coats of paint will be used, bearing in mind that really cheap paint will require extra coats to get a good finish. The calculator will work out how many liters of paint need to be bought; however, adding in a little extra is always a good idea for touching up any nicks or scratches in the future. Some paint suppliers also provide calculators for baseboards, door and window frames, and external areas. To speed up the decorating, use a roller. This makes it easy to use just the right amount of paint for the job, as long as the roller is loaded evenly, saving money in the long term.

Work smarter not harder

Begin decorating by painting the windows, as this means that they will be dry when it is time to close them at the end of the day. Invest in a special radiator roller to paint behind radiators rather than having the hassle of taking the radiators off the wall. This may also save money, as removing radiators can be tricky and if inexpertly done may cause damage that is expensive to put right. When painting radiators, always allow them to cool down completely before beginning and let any paint or wallpaper in the room dry before turning the radiators back on again. To save money on cleaning materials, line a roller tray with aluminum foil before pouring in the paint. When the decorating is done, unused paint can be poured back into the tin and the foil can be disposed of safely.

Floor to ceiling hints

Giving a room a makeover does not necessarily mean spending money on expensive new floor coverings or furniture. Once the walls and ceilings have been painted or papered, and the woodwork has been freshened up, the choice of flooring will make a big difference to any room. Carpets can be expensive, difficult to keep clean and totally unsuitable in areas that get a lot of wear or run the risk of getting doused in water, such as kitchens, bathrooms and playrooms. More than any other type of flooring, laminate floors are known to resist stains, dents and fading, and are far more resistant to scratches and spillages, making them an ideal solution in most spaces. Laminate flooring offers variety that makes it tough to resist. When discount laminate flooring is available, this makes it an even more attractive proposition! Read more about laminate flooring at a discount rate.

With all the decorating done, selling older furniture and using the cash to buy replacements will add the final touches – go for a minimalist look and buy only what is essential. The home will look better and feel more spacious as a result.

Cat’s note: There are some great tips in here! I wish we’d done some of this before we painted a room – we just took a stab at how much paint we needed and ended up with too much!

What are your low cost decorating tips?