When you were shopping for your home, you probably heard a lot of talk about finding your dream home. However, the truth is that most people don't get their perfect dream home – you have a budget and you have to make compromises. So, your home may not be as large or as elegant as you might have wanted. But what you may not realize is that, with the right decorating tips, you can make your home look every bit as glamorous and luxurious as you might have dreamed – even on a limited budget. Take a look at some interior decorating tips that will turn your home from drab to dreamy.

Window Treatments Matter

One of the fastest ways to give your home a polished, upscale look is to choose the right treatments for your windows. Without window treatments, the walls look bare and the house has an unfinished look. If you choose the wrong window treatments, they'll set the tone for the whole house. But the right window treatments will make everything around them look more elegant.

Stay away from thin, sheer materials for your windows. They'll look cheap, even if they aren't. Also, avoid polyester and other man-made fabrics. Choose lined cotton, linen, or silk window treatments. For the living room or dining room, nothing says quality like a set of floor-length drapes. Choose colors that match or complement the furniture, and make sure they accent the color of the wall, rather than blending in.

Unique Hardware Is a Must

It's the little things that make all the difference. Nowhere is that axiom more evident than it is when it comes to things like knobs and drawer pulls. Your front door may look like thousands of other front doors in the country, but add an antique doorknob and suddenly it's unique and interesting. Vintage drawer pulls can transform your kitchen or bathroom shelves from conventional to chic.

Forget the chain hardware stores – check out mom-and-pop shops, antique stores, and flea markets for uncommon hardware. You won't pay much more than you would for plain, standard hardware. In fact, in some cases, you might pay less and your finds will make a big difference to your house.

Shop Smart

When people walk into your home, they'll be looking at your furniture first, so choosing higher quality furniture is a must. Buying good quality furniture is also a smart investment; the cheaper stuff tends to fall apart more quickly and needs to be replaced more often. Good quality furniture is built to last a lifetime.

High end furniture doesn't have to break the bank, though. Because it lasts so long, it often ends up sold or donated when the original owners no longer need it. Check out estate sales, auctions, and consignment shops for high quality furniture, often at better prices than you'd get from a furniture store.

If you take care when you're decorating your home, you can overcome any number of flaws that your house may happen to have. Don't worry if you couldn't buy your dream home – you can decorate it instead. Talk to a professional like Shady Lady for assistance.