Redesigning home can be done on the cheap

Have an itch to redecorate?

Go for it! You can make significant changes to the look of your home, even if you don't have much cash on hand, according to Summer Baltzer, host of HGTV's "Design on a Dime."

It just takes creativity, patience and the ability to plan.

During a recent interview, Baltzer offered several tips for redesigners on a budget. Her top recommendation is that homeowners take the time to plan out their designs so they don't run into unnecessary expenses.

This Friday and Saturday, Baltzer will be in Sandy at the 33rd annual Home Remodeling, Decorating and Eco Expo Show. She is scheduled to give several presentations about budget decorating, including discussions on things such as how to do an inexpensive kitchen upgrade or family room makeover.

"A lot of people waste money not knowing what they are going into," Baltzer said about the design process. "I'm not trying to take the fun out of it, but in this economy, now is not the time to make foolish decisions."

But once you know where you're going and what you need, then you can get creative, according to Baltzer. One of the first things she recommends people take a look at is the furniture arrangements in their rooms and also the artwork.

By simply rearranging furniture or rotating artwork from one room into another, a person can bring new energy to a room, Baltzer said.

Other tips include painting or re-staining existing kitchen cabinets, adding new hardware to doors and drawers, and even painting the base of a lamp in a new color to freshen it up. Also, new upholstery can often be cheaper than replacing an outdated couch.

In her house, Baltzer is changing out her artwork by taking pictures from her favorite photography book and framing them instead of expensive prints.

"Doing things like that on the cheap is a great way to get a new look," Baltzer said.

In terms of trends, "eclectic" is big, according to Baltzer. People are mixing modern and traditional furniture and also going to flea markets and wholesalers to create a more cosy, unique look.

Another "hot" idea is to paint walls in a warm gray or plum color instead of tan, she said.

But regardless of the trends, Baltzer said people should redesign with their own interests and style preferences in mind. Otherwise, it's easy to get tired of their surroundings, she said.

"Trends and rules are meant to be followed and broken," Baltzer said. "Don't try to talk yourself into something because the magazines told you that was the trend."

For more information about the home show, log on to www.thehomeshow.com.

While episodes of Baltzer's HGTV show "Design on a Dime" are still airing, she is now working on a new home remodeling show that is expected to air in June.

If you go …

What: 33rd annual Home Remodeling, Decorating and Eco Expo Show

Where: South Towne Exposition Center, 9575 S. State, Sandy

When: Friday, noon-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: $6.75 for adults, $4 for seniors, children 12 and younger are free

Web: www.thehomeshow.com

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com