Gone are the days of macramé (unless you like that sort of thing). Hanging planters have evolved. Now there is no excuse not to incorporate a bit of greenery into your decor, especially with planters as cool as these.

In a group or hanging solo, these modern pods would look great in a loft apartment or on a country porch. They are available in different finishes, and if you spend $90 or more, the plants are included for free.

Shop mudpuppy on Etsy for more details or to order.

Stay Connected with Budget Decorating
• Like us on Facebook.
• Subscribe to our RSS Feed.
• Sign up for my weekly newsletter.
• Visit our forum daily.

Photo © mudpuppy

If Spring hasn't arrived in your neck of the woods yet, it shouldn't be too much longer. I've been enjoying springtime weather for quite a while. And enjoying a bit of spring fever, too!

We moved last summer, and now we're in the process of landscaping our new-to-us yard. Our front porch is also in desperate need of some attention, except I'm in the throws of a bit of sticker shock with just the landscaping. Plants and garden decor can be extremely expensive.

But I tend to look at high prices as a challenge. I've been asking myself these questions... Can I make it or do it myself, instead? Are there less expensive alternatives available? How much water or future effort will this plant/landscaping/decor require? And if all else fails ... Can you cut me a deal? (I've found that cold hard cash works wonders.)

When I couldn't come up with ideas for cheaper or better alternatives, I went straight to an expert source: The team of guides at About.com. And they freely shared their amazing tips and ideas with me. In the hopes that this will aid you in the quest for a beautiful but bare-bones-budget home, I'll share them with you, as well.

So here's to springtime in your neck of the woods. Enjoy it ... on a budget, of course!

Our guides' amazing and budget-friendly outdoor decorating ideas.

The blogger behind Lucky 7 Design is lucky indeed. Decorator, party planner and mom of seven, she's busy but still able to create a beautiful home. And she's better than budget-friendly ... she doesn't spend a dime she doesn't have to. Hmm, maybe it's not luck but skill and creativity that keeps this blogger (and her readers) going strong.

Blog Site
Lucky 7 Design

Why it's Worth a Surf
I love what Lucky 7 designer Melanie said, so I'll share her words...
"I don't like to throw things away so I have a stash of saved items such a paper towel holders, vegetable cans, fabric napkins, clothing, fabric scraps, grocery plastic bags and that is my go-to when I need to make something and don't have the money to go out and spend on it. I don't think you need to spend a lot of money for something to look well done."
And that's good enough, for me!

Perfect Posts
It's All in a Name
Three Item Thursday
Home Evolution Tour

If you would like to nominate someone (or even yourself!) for Budget Decorating Blog of the Week, simply fill out our form.

Stay Connected with Budget Decorating
• Like us on Facebook.
• Subscribe to our RSS Feed.
• Sign up for my weekly newsletter.
• Visit our forum daily.

Photo © Lucky 7 Design

The countdown to the wedding of William and Kate continues. If you'd like to celebrate (or simply proclaim a little of your own royalty), Graham & Brown is currently offering a 20-percent discount on their Crowns & Coronets wallpaper.

The discount is also offered on other items, including jewel wall embellishments for your crowns.

At $70 a roll (before the discount), this isn't exactly budget decorating, but the wallpaper is gorgeous. And we've got ideas to help you make one roll go far.

The simple lines along with the black and white color of this wallpaper would work beautifully as a feature wall, or use it to wallpaper dresser drawers or create a headboard.

But hurry - the sale is over at the end of this month. Use discount code ROYAL20 at checkout. Visit Graham & Brown for details, and while you are there, check out their clearance section.

Stay Connected with Budget Decorating
• Like us on Facebook.
• Subscribe to our RSS Feed.
• Sign up for my weekly newsletter.
• Visit our forum daily.

Photo © Graham & Brown