I was recently asked by HGTV.com "If you had $200
to spend to update a bedroom, how would you spend it? Please share a
no-cost decorating tip, too."
Here's the article :
Bedroom Updates under $200
Truth is, $200 doesn't get you very far now a days, but if you have a couple more hundred dollars , you could try some of these other savvy tips that can make a big difference in your space .
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| Interior Design by Erica Islas |
1. Wallpaper
the Bed wall.
This adds a new layer and
is sure to Update the look of your bedroom.
It can be a fun way to introduce a pop of color, or a graffic pattern, a
stripe or even a simple texture such as a grass, sisal,
jute or even a silk.
Adding a new focal point will make the room
look fresh and new.
Wallpaper can be
expensive but it is a Great investment.
If you have a few dollars left after buying wallpaper, I would suggest
spending it on new lamp shades or fun throw pillows.
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| Interior Design By: Erica Islas / photo: Laure Joliet |
2. Another way
to update a space with $200 is : New bed side lamps, You can bring a pop of
color in a bedroom by finding two bedside lamps with a fun color and then
buying one pillow with the same color as
in the lamp to pop onto the bed as an accent.
This will add a layer of color
and keep the balance in the room by using color on either side of bed
and on the bed.
3. Switching
out furniture is a great way to inexpensively change out the bedroom and
update it………… Start by re-positioning
the bed in a different location ( no cost). If you have side tables in another
part of the house that could work in the room as bedside tables switch those
out ( no cost) , SWITCH things UP! Next
purchase a new Duvet cover and pillows ( $100) use the other $100 for
accessories (such as a cool mirror, tray for dresser or nightstand to organize
your stuff) or new window
treatments. Always introduce a pattern
or texture ( both if possible) if room
seems flat ( meaning all materials are same tone (color) , or texture.
4. Obviously
the easiest most inexpensive way to update any room is with Paint. A gallon of
$25/40 can make a Huge difference and is a no brainer of money well
spent. So Paint the bedroom a restful
soothing color, my go to bedroom colors are always colors as seen in
nature such as pale smokey blues ( NEVER
pastels ) , sage or mossy greens ( never Pastels) Soft pinks as in an early
morning sunrise ( never Pastel), You can’t go wrong with mother nature colors
on walls and then you can splurge on some FUN pops of color in Drapes /
curtains. New curtains will take up a
good chunk of your $200 budget so if anything is left after Paint, curtains, I
would suggest some accessories.
5. Painting
your furniture is NEVER a good idea.
Unless you have it done professionally it will chip and look dirty ,
worn and distressed in less than a year.
So if you are going to paint furniture have is done professionally or
KNOW what you are doing. Don’t ever just
paint furniture because you saw it on a DIY show. BAD idea.
If you see it in a magazine , it was more than likely done
professionally and that is why it works !
6. Crown
Molding is a GREAT way to add architectural detail to a room. You can add new Crown and Base molding and
paint it a color or a neutral gray for an updated look.
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| Design By Erica Islas / photo credit: David Young-Wolff |
7. Mirrors are
always a fun way update a space , adding depth, sparkle , lightness and
freshness. Couple of
suggestions….depending on how far $200 will take you….. New full length mirror
in a corner of a room where light reflects , adds unexpected sparkle and
light. Add a custom bevel mirror or
tempered glass top (1/4” thick) to a dresser or night stands for that much
needed sparkle in the room .
8. A new Graffic Rug can make the room
look fresh and new again.
9. Don’t forget
the ceiling…… Adding some visual interest to a ceiling in a bedroom is a great
way to update a bedroom, you can do that by adding molding, or painting the
ceiling a color .
10. ART can
change the mood of a room dramatically, so if you have some art in your home
that you can decorate your walls with , DO so.
Don’t forget Lighting …..Lighting art is important to feature the
beauty. Lighting in any space needs to
come from more than one source to create moods and different atmospheres. So if you can invest on some dimmers to give
you some lighting flexibility DO so.
Also lighting at different heights…. If you have an overhead light
source ( central fixture or recessed lights)
Be sure to add another source such as Sconces, or floor lamp, or table
lamp, or adding some pops of light coming from floor in the corner of the room
is a great way to add drama to a space.
