When cash is low, the thought of overspending on small things – like home design books – is enough to make our inner financial planner scream in terror.  (Strangely enough, the thought of ice cream sends our inner child into a fit of ironic laughter…  But we digress…) Here at the Style File, we believe that inspiration is the first step in the journey towards achieving total style nirvana.  We also think inspiration, much like great style, should never have to cost a bundle. So, if you are looking to keep your journey to aesthetic enlightenment within budget, we’ve got a few creative suggestions right here:

• Go to the library to borrow design books.  They’re free and they’ve got the same great ideas as the ones at the bookstore.  If you see something you like, just make a photocopy before you return it.
• Take photos of design layouts at swanky boutique shops – try camera phone pics at locations that frown on shutterbugs.
• For color inspiration, look to nature.  Flowers, trees, bodies of water… if colors can look that good together naturally, imagine what they will do for your entryway.
• Take your cue from your fashion-forward friends.  Hey, we’re your friends, right?

Got better suggestions?  Send us your thrifty sources of inspiration.  We love to be inspired. But if you’d rather make us laugh instead, we’ll take a vanilla cone with sprinkles.