OK, you have finally decided to get some redecorating done in your home.
You have compiled notes on what you think you would like to do.
You have done some Internet searches, you have gotten recommendations from friends on good service people, and you have gotten estimates on what your redecorating wish list would cost.
Then you find that you cannot afford to do the complete project.
Now what do you do? You could postpone the project for another year or so but you really want to change some things around now.
You could keep looking for less expensive decorating service people and products.
You could scale back drastically on the scope of your redecorating project.
Or, you could divide the total project into segments and work on only one segment at a time.
This approach has a couple of advantages: one, obviously, is the cost factor.
The other advantage is that, by approaching the total project in a multi-stage manner, you have an opportunity to "live with" a segment of the work before moving on to the next segment.
By going slowly you may find that you don't really like something that has been done and now you have a chance to get it corrected before going to the next step.
For example, if you are going to re-paint a bedroom, replace the bed coverings, replace the drapes, and add an area rug you might find out that the color scheme you have chosen for the comforter and pillow covers is too dark.
Had you already painted the walls to match the bed linen colors, you would be unhappy with the bed coverings AND the wall color.
In the multi-step process of the bedroom makeover, you might start with a prominent feature such as the bed.
If you will be changing all of the bed coverings at some point, you might start now with a fairly inexpensive "bed in a bag" assortment.
This will allow you to have an immediate improvement in the look and quality of the bed coverings but at an affordable price.
Later, when you are able to purchase higher quality bedding items, you can change out the sets.
Similarly, if you will be purchasing a full size area rug at some point for the bedroom floor, you might start off now with a runner type rug of a color and style that complements the bedroom decor, one that you can use later on.
At some point when you actually purchase a full size area rug, you can then use the runner in another location.
The same logic could apply to the drapes-purchase some inexpensive ones now of a color and style that match the decor of the bedroom.
That way you can be enjoying a new window treatment while you wait for a more opportune time to purchase what you really want for the long-term.
You can use this multi-phase approach for the lamps or the accessories or the chairs, etc.
With some planning and searching, you can find bargains that are very serviceable and will stand you in good stead while you gradually re-make the room with higher end products.
In the mean time, while you are accumulating the best things, you can still be enjoying the good things.