Last year I wrote about how after five years in our home, I still hadn't decorated it. I was simply paralyzed by options, and choices, and just did nothing instead. I'm happy to report that now, six months later, I've finally taken some small steps that have made my house at least start looking like we own it.

Oh, there's still much more to be done, but I at least got my office started, and found bedding for my daughter's "big girl" bedroom, and found a mirror to hang in our dining room wall. Even more, that mirror is actually hung!

I found that while I didn't have the budget to hire a decorator who would just do the whole thing for me, there were plenty of other free or less-expensive options out there to help people like me. Here are five to consider if you're also home-decorating challenged ... or just want a fresh perspective.

I think there are parts of minimalism that really appeal to me. Less stuff equals less clutter, right? But unless you're super dedicated to that sort of endeavor, the reality of living with kids sets in fast, and before you know it you're tripping on Tonka trucks and finding broken crayons on the bottom of your purse. With that in mind, I've put together a few good inspirations to help you kick the kid clutter to the curb (or storage basket) where it belongs.

The first? Use painter or washi tape to hang some of your child's best artwork rather than letting it sit out on the counter or clog up a drawer. It's a great non-permanent way to display their creativity at the cost of a few rolls of tape and zero damage to your walls. 

See more ideas like this below:

In stark contrast to the last black-and-white toddler's room I wrote about, here's a bold and bohemian space for little Marlowe. Mom Drea runs a popular blog called Oh Dear Drea and put together an eclectic and happy spot for her sweet little girl.

Click through to see a few more photos below!

Matt Damon's Miami Beach mansion looks like SO MUCH FUN. Seriously, could I love this guy any more? Well, maybe if he handed over the keys to his pad!

Listed at $20 million dollars (a wee bit over my budget), this mansion has the most amazing views. You just have to read on to see the incredible place for yourself. All together now: O-- M-- G!

I can't wait to hear what you guys think about this particular room! Designer Rachel from Copy Cat Chic put together this black and white room for her toddler daughter Arden. I personally love a basic color palette like this, but I know for some people, it can seem a little stark. 

Click through to see more details below!

Phew! As a woman who is fairly obsessed with good lighting, I'm thrilled -- thrilled, I say! -- to hear that someone has developed an energy-efficient bulb that actually produces nice, soft lighting. What a bright idea! (Ha!)

Hulger, the geniuses behind the retro phone handset that hipsters can ironically attach to their cellphones, has developed the world's first "designer" energy-saving light bulb. Shall I shed a little light on the subject? (Sorry I can't stop!)

This fantastic nursery renovation caught my eye and I knew I had to share. Parents Luke and Brooke took this dark wood paneled room and transformed it into a calming space to comfortably fit their baby boy.

See more of this sweet little bedroom below!

I think we all dream of having a special space set aside for our kids to enjoy some quiet time for study or play, and definitely a little creativity! I came across this dreamy one from Rachel at Pencil Shavings and fell in love with the bold use of color and fun details. 

Click through to see more of this fantastic room below: