THE $50 ROOM MAKEOVER
The next time you’re so sick of a room in your house that you think, “I gotta get out of here!” Instead of rushing out to catch a movie with a friend, take that fifty bucks and redo your room so you’ll never want to leave again. Think it can’t be done? Read on and think again. Then put your money where your doubt is and go for a makeover that will leave you and your wallet feeling amazing.
Step 1. Rearrange your furniture. This may sound obvious to you, but I have met many people who never—and I do mean never—rearrange their furniture. Once they get their room set up, that’s the way it stays for years and years. I can’t relate because my furniture is lucky to stay in place for more than several months. Think your furniture only fits one way? Except in very rare instances…you’re wrong. To consider your possibilities while saving your back, sketch a rough drawing of the shape of your room. Cut simple squares and rectangles to replicate your furniture and play around. Have fun getting in touch with your inner child as your adult self thinks through the pros and cons of various options.
TIP: Don’t be afraid to use the middle of your room. Despite what many may think, there is no rule that your furniture must stay on the perimeter.
Step 2. Swap out some furniture. Don’t be afraid to bring an entryway table into your living room as a new sofa table. Maybe you have a bench at the foot of one of your beds that could perfectly fill a corner in your living room. Walk through the rooms of your home and pretend you are shopping for items to go in your makeover room. Shopping is a lot of fun when it doesn’t cost a dime.
Step 3. Bring in new pieces. When you’re in the frame of mind to bring in new furniture, go to the next level. Don’t stop at walking around your other rooms, take time to examine those extra items stored in your garage, attic, or basement. Once you have exhausted those spaces, hit the open road. Garage sales and second-hand stores are great places to find perfect pieces that can make your room look great. You may to apply a little TLC, but that can add to the fun. See something you love that’s not the right color? Spray paint, my friends, spray paint. ‘Nuff said.
Step 4. Paint. Paint is not only my answer to most things, it’s one of the true loves of my life. If your room has been the same color for quite some time, all I’m saying is give paint a chance. I guarantee that a fresh coat of paint will make it feel fresh and new. For a day and very few dollars, you can breathe new life into that room.
These four favorite go-to steps will allow you to completely change a room's look without breaking the bank or taking a ton of time. Incorporate all four and imagine how different your room could look! Sometimes it’s easier to convince ourselves that there’s nothing we can do to change our home, but the truth is that we are unwilling to invest a little time and money. I hope this blog will help motivate you to stop lamenting that room that drives you crazy and learn to love it.
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
