King of Cheap Chic: Frank Fontana

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WHEN DESIGN guru Frank Fontana comes knocking at your door, your pad is probably about to get a cheap-yet-sleek makeover. That's because the straight-talking, fast-walking host of HGTV's "Design on a Dime" (check schedule at Hgtv.com for reruns) relishes creating good style at a good price. We caught up with the frequent "Good Morning America" guest about decor on a budget.

» EXPRESS: Do people decorate differently during a recession?
» FONTANA: I think it means a lot of people try doing things for themselves. But sometimes that makes them bold. Maybe they'll get a DIY Venetian plaster kit at Home Depot.

» EXPRESS: What good, cheap spruce-up ideas you can give me?
» FONTANA: Spend more on stuff you're going to have for a while versus stuff that'll see you through a transition. If you're a college student, go to Ikea and get cheapy stuff. If you're older, take $3,000 to buy some quality furniture, then chintz out on the other stuff. And don't hire painters - that's something anyone can do themselves.

» EXPRESS: Besides painting - which is a great, low-cost redo idea - what's the best single way to update a space for little money?
» FONTANA: Work on your lighting! If you don't have a dimmer in your house, you're missing out. If your lighting is too harsh, all you'll do is look at the cracks in the wall.

» EXPRESS: And doesn't decluttering help a space look better?
» FONTANA: Yes, it can change the whole flow of a room. I have this law that if I haven't used a piece in six months, it goes.

» EXPRESS: Besides Ikea, where can I score bargain furniture?
» FONTANA: Hotel resellers [locally, try Hotel Furniture Solutions, 4315 41st St.; Brentwood, Md.; 301-209-9417] are fascinating. If you can get past the fact that someone else's butt has been sitting on their chairs, the quality of the furniture is amazing. You can find consoles, chairs and lamps.

» EXPRESS: "Design on a Dime" often features DIY art. How I can make a budget masterpiece?
» FONTANA: Buy great fabric and stretch it over a frame, or take vintage rock T-shirts and frame them. Or turn family photos into Andy Warhol-style portraits on a computer, then print them out and frame them.

» EXPRESS: Anything people shouldn't try themselves?
» FONTANA: When it comes to electricity or plumbing, if you don't know what you're doing, leave it to the pros. But whatever you try at home, educate yourself. Be prepared for trial and error.

» EXPRESS: How can I throw a stylish party without blowing big bucks?
» FONTANA: You could do a party with a color theme. Do a red party by switching all your light bulbs to red, having everyone dress in that color and serving Bloody Marys and sangria.

» EXPRESS: Is cheap the new black?
» FONTANA: I think cheap is very cool. It's very real to say, "I made this for $10."

Photo courtesy HGTV