While summer is usually a prime time for getaways, this season might be different, given the economic climate.  Here are some great ideas to help you enjoy a vacation in your own home without breaking the bank:

·         Hammocks are perfect relaxation pieces.  Soak in Mother Nature while catching up on your beauty sleep.  On eBay, you can find great deals on this outdoor furniture item.

·         Tiki themed-accessories give your backyard a lift while making it festive for the hot weather.  From teak trays on the table to outdoor lanterns, these accessories can instantly transport you to a tropical location.

·         Adding more flowers indoors and to the backyard landscape can only be a good thing!  Go to your local grocery store to find the most colorful flowers that are ready to be planted. eBay is also a great one-stop-shop, where you can buy bulbs and pots!

It’s almost summer, so take these last few weeks to finish your spring cleaning!  Do you have old record covers or t-shirts lying around the house?  Or better yet, what about belts that you do not wear anymore?  Here are some great do-it-yourself activities that will help you de-clutter your space this season:

Turn t-shirts and records into wall art

This is the perfect way to jazz up a space.  Take simple frames and use t-shirts and record covers to give a room a vintage feel.

Transform belts into a mat

This floor mat is one of those things that inspires me to be more creative! I’m saving all my old belts now so I can create my own version. Don’t have belts lying around? Check out eBay.com to purchase some vintage ones.

A home décor piece that will never go out of style is the grandfather clock.  Usually selling for a few thousand dollars, purchasing a grandfather clock can seem out of the question in this economic state.  Starting at under $150, grandfather clocks are available on eBay for relatively reasonable prices.  There are currently 250 grandfather clocks available on the site.

For those who inhabit small living spaces, making rooms look larger is key.  One trick I use is incorporating mirrors into narrow spaces; it helps open the room.

When looking for mirrors on eBay, be as specific as possible.  Do you want an accent mirror or a full-length mirror?  Narrowing your search can definitely help you find your mirror of choice.

Here are a few awesome mirrors I found:

Santino Bronze Wall Mirror

Rustic Dark Charcoal Mirror

Marcello Framed Wall Mirror

One of the trends that’s sticking with consumers is industrial design.  Here are some of the items that I love made from metal materials:
Recycled Chain Bowl from WorldofGood.eBay.com:  Made from an unlikely material, recycled bike chain, this item is perfect to  give your home an industrial feel.  It’s a great storage option for your keys on an entry table.

Wire Candle Holder

When one hears “chunky knits,” sweaters and winter nights may initially come to mind.  Originating as a traditional winter must-have apparel material, chunky knits are now being used in both home accessories and even furniture. After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than crawling up on a cozy couch or chez. With such cozy furniture material, there’s no need for a blanket!  I actually saw this trend back in January at the New York International Gift Fair and I am finding that it’s being picked up by consumers.  On eBay, there’s a wide selection of poufs and ottomans; if you’re feeling very crafty, you can re-purpose an old blanket or sweater into the upholstery for the ottoman or chair!

This summer, everyone is looking to stretch their dollars and find budget-friendly décor for entertaining.  A perfect starting place is investing in multi-purpose home accessories, like tablecloths.  From parties to picnics, a simple, colorful tablecloth is a great investment that can liven up a room within minutes.  I really love this Ten Thousand Villages’ Paisley Cotton Tablecloth from WorldofGood.com.  At just $48, a family can use it for a picnic or a summer party under the stars.  Also, since it’s cotton, it’s easily washable.

More Americans are working from their homes.  So, why not work in style in the perfect home office?  Three key office pieces include: a desk, chair and lamp.  Setting the tone for the room, these significant pieces allow you to work efficiently in the comfort of your own home. The other furniture in the room, such as bookcases and chairs, can function as accent pieces.  Right now, modern desks catch my eye.  With its clean lines, the desk gives the room an open and organized feel.

Re-purposing household objects for interior design has become a trend this year.  It gives people the freedom to be creative, while also not spending a lot of money.  A great design blog, Apartment Therapy, featured a post for using a rolling pin in several different ways – mountable rolling pin rack, DIY towel rack and pot rack.  On eBay, there is a wide selection of rolling pins and other kitchen accessories, which allows you to build your own masterpieces.

Whether you live in a suburb, metropolitan area or countryside, wooden accessories and furniture give your home a global feel in any location.  Not only is wood an eye-appealing material, it is also practical for the kitchen.  WorldofGood.com is a great resource for finding these accessories.  I love the Fair Trade Acacia Serving Fork and the
Olive Wood Salad Serving Set.