Category: paint

Spring is on it’s way! 10 great tips to freshen up the place at little to no cost

We might still have a month or so until we feel comfortable temperatures again. However, now is the best time to start thinking about updates and ways you can freshen up your home. From wallpaper to accessorizing, the tips below are sure to inspire you to roll up your sleeves and get to work (and fun!)

1. ~~Paint~~ Panel Wallpaper is your best friend!

I imagine one of the first things you think of when it comes to quick, easy, and affordable ways to spruce up a room, you think paint. Well think again my friend! And don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you construct and install elaborate wood panels that are so popular these days. Your best option is panel wallpaper! Wallsauce.com had created and carefully selected panel wallpaper designs. Not only is the measuring process more straight forward, but the installation is simple too! For the trendsetters, the designs are also available on a self-adhesive, peel and stick wallpaper. So, when you are ready for a new feature wall, simply peel it off and your wall is instantly ready for its next feature. This also makes it a safe, clean option for anyone renting.

image via wallsauce.com

Wow! Talk about an upgrade!

2. Stick to a theme.

What do you call a Japanese, Victorian, and Modern theme? Answer: a college dorm. Try to stick to a basic theme and work with that design. Having a congruent theme throughout your home makes decorating much more full proof and gives the impression that you know what you’re doing!

Photo by shche_ team on Unsplash

3. Use visual cues.

Most people ignore very innate physical attributes of a home. Arched doorways are good for a Spanish theme. Crown molding works well with Victorian and Art Deco styles. Wainscoting on walls can work with a country theme. Solid walls work well with modern.

4. Furniture makes a statement about the room.

One of the biggest investments you can make can be the furniture you purchase for a room, however, try to repurpose existing furniture or try using simple chairs with matching table to create a theme.

5. Take a peek under the carpet

If you own an older home, chances are you are covering hard wood floors with that 70’s shag carpet. If you own a new home don’t be afraid to pull the carpet and put down wood laminate. Engineered wood has never been more affordable.

Photo by Josh Hemsley on Unsplash

6. Put down an area rug.

Area rugs can be purchased for as little as $200 and give a room a very expensive look. Carpet remnants make for excellent area rugs. See local Carpet store.

7. Ditch the overhead chandelier for wall sconces

Lighting is the oldest trick in the book to make a room pop; just ask Hollywood filmmakers. Get creative while sticking to the theme. Create a modern room by hiding the light source or create a Victorian feel by putting wall sconces on a light fader.

8. Less is more

Most people believe that every square inch needs to be filled in a room but emptiness is a statement in itself. You know the phrase “silence is deafening” ? Well, repeat the mantra, “sparse is stunning.” Don’t be afraid to leave a wall free of furniture.

Photo by House Method

9. Use accessories.

One of the least expensive ways to add color to a room with white walls is to add red pillows. Pillows, throw rugs, candles, paintings, photos, and flowers can make mild into wild.

10. Add a plant

One of the best ways to make a room feel like a living space is to add living plants, like a tall leafy plant in one corner, or just get some fresh seasonal flowers for the table.

BONUS TIP

Any change you make will add to your overall curb appeal and ultimately to the value of your home. Keep in mind that outdoor improvements such as foliage, plants, and bushes take a long time to grow so plan ahead. Thanks to Wallsauce for consulting.

January 27, 2021
Powder rooms that make me squeal!

I have no idea why I have an obsession with well decorated powder rooms, but I do! It’s the one place a guest will go that you can guarantee that they’ll be checking out the space from head to toe.

via houseofturquoise

There’s nothing better than opening a door to a beautiful bathroom! Well cleanliness is a major one too, but you know what I mean.

via decorpad

These are rooms that are fairly easy to upgrade too! A little paint or wallpaper can make a major statement.

via jacquelynclark

Some upgraded hardware and a stunning mirror can be so eye-catching! Fresh flowers are a big win for me too.

via myscandinavianhome

I can’t be the only one who has a huge heart for decorated powder rooms?

July 22, 2016
Mixing Pastels and Brights

Usually when you plan out a room you know what color scheme you are looking for and if you are going for a more subtle look or a bold look. What if you wanted both?

via stylemepretty

I’m seeing a lot of pastels mixed with pops of color on my instagram feed and I am loving it!

via styleathome

The fun part about using accent pieces is that if you change your mind later, you can grab a few new pillows or a painting and have a completely different room.

via missmoss

It is so fun when two unexpected things come together to make something so unique and beautiful.

via lushome

Sometimes you just need to have a little fun with home decor.

July 15, 2016
Nazmiyal Antique Rugs

Rugs have always been a great way to incorporate different colors and styles in a room and have always been one of my favorite things to shop for. This is when I miss New York the most. Shopping in New York is unlike any other shopping!

There’s one store in particular that I miss the most! Nazmiyal has some of the most amazing rugs I’ve seen. They have such a wide variety of styles and designs you could get lost in all the options! I don’t think I’ve ever not found a rug here that didn’t perfectly match the design style I was looking for.

If you are searching online, they have an amazing option to find a rug by a certain color. This is key when trying to incorporate colors that you already have in a room. It’s also really fun to pick a color and see what other colors go really well with the original. This is a great idea if you are starting out with an idea but only have one color in mind. It will open your eyes to all the possibilities!

“Since 1980, Nazmiyal has been the New York antique rug dealer with the most extensive collection of carpets, and the most specialized and user friendly website. We have invested years of effort into making sure our inventory represents the most unique and special rugs of every origin, size, and style, to make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.”

If you have ever been rug shopping you know it can be somewhat of a hassle. It’s hard to find the specific size, style, and color you are looking for. Nazmiyal makes those struggles so much easier. Are you in the market for a new rug?

This is a sponsored post.

June 22, 2016
Create a staycation worthy home!

Daydreaming of a vacation but your budget says no? How about a staycation instead! Now it won’t be easy because it comes with a lot of planning and preparation, but the reward is totally worth it!

via sfgirlbybay

Step One: Declutter EVERYTHING! Spend a day in each room going through every single item you own. Fill boxes with things that need to leave that you can either donate or at the end of the week, host a huge yard sale and make some money off of your hard work.

via grantkgibson

Step Two: Pick one room that you’ve always wanted to update and do it! This one doesn’t have to be a budget buster. Fresh paint is cheap, or maybe a few new chairs you found at a yard or estate sale. A fresh outlook can really change your perspective.

via sabonhomeblog

Step Three: Do a deep clean. Spend a weekend or treat yourself and pay someone else to clean with the money you made from selling your clutter! Get a nice fresh and clean smell throughout that house!

via bhg

Step Four: If you are like me your office is at home. Either put it away, or close the doors! A staycation means putting aside work to enjoy your stay there.

via stylebyemilyhenderson

Step Five: Enjoy!

June 8, 2016
Make A Small Bedroom Work

With downsizing comes small rooms. If making it all fit terrifies you, don’t worry! There are some simple tips to make it work that will change the way you look at your small bedroom.

via pinterest

Think outside the box. Make a larger bed work in a small room with some creativity!

via tableandhearth

Remember that it’s just a bedroom and get rid of the extra unnecessary things. All you need is a bed, side tables, and maybe a dresser depending on storage!

via skonahem

Remember this is a room where you are sleeping, not spending your day!

via fashionismo

For a kids room, storage is key! Kids come with a lot of miscellaneous things and a small room doesn’t leave much floor space. Make sure everything has a place.

via apartmenttherapy

Add a mirror or a pop of color on one wall. Painting the whole room might make the room feel smaller so limiting it to one wall helps define the space but keep it from feeling closed in.

via apartmenttherapy

It won’t be long before you hear yourself saying that a small bedroom isn’t so bad after all!

What would you do with a small bedroom?

November 6, 2015
Decorating on a Budget

For those of us who have the desire to change the way our home looks, but don’t have a winning lottery to do so, here are a few things you can do to decorate on a budget:

via bhg

Check out your local thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales! Get a great piece of furniture that might cost you a couple hundred brand new, and make it yours for just a few bucks.

via theinspiredroom

Ask family and friends for unused furniture! Chances are high someone you know has something in their basement they don’t even know is down there anymore. Take it off their hands and in your home!

via bhg

You might be surprised to find that you already own a fantastic piece of furniture that just needs a little TLC. Some paint and new hardware can make a huge change without much of a dent! My tip on spending less on paint? Buy a sample size bucket instead of a gallon especially for small pieces.

via whimsydarling

Don’t want to buy expensive shelving? DIY! Wood and stain are much cheaper than pre-made store bought.

via decoracion

Be creative! Take the time to search and find the right pieces for the right price or see if you can make it yourself! You may be surprised at how much you can do with a tight budget.

July 27, 2015
Bringing back the beadboard!

If you are on a tight budget but need a major makeover, a cheap solution might be right in front of you! Check out some awesome ways to use beadboard, and make it look expensive:

via iheartnaptime

via homewithbaxter

via houzz

via 11magnolialane

via thistlewoodfarms

November 7, 2014
Inspiration: Using color in the bathroom

If you need a little change in your decor, the bathroom is a small, less intimidating space to start. Sometimes I get my fix just by changing out my shower curtain and bath mat. Or, you could brighten up your bathroom with some color. Since most bathrooms are the least amount of square footage in a home, it’s an easy weekend makeover that won’t leave you regretting the time you spend.

via designsponge

There are so many way’s you can liven up a room. Paint, tile, curtains, rugs, wall art, and accessories are some options you can start with!

via decorchick

You can start small with a spot of color by painting your cabinets and accessorizing to match! Or simply choose one wall to paint if you are afraid it might be to overwhelming to paint the whole room a bright color. I can’t decide if I like this peach or not – I’d have to see the rest of the room. I love the rug though!

via prepaganda

Go wild with a wallpaper, stencil design, or maybe even stripes! Pick a color that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.

via bhg

Can’t choose one color? Find two that work great together and keep it simple with the rest of the accessories. Let the paint color be the decor..

Gray and yellow are two of my favorites.

via Elle Decor

Nervous about a big change? Stick with the accessories! You can still brighten up your bathroom and your day with a little accessorizing.

March 7, 2014
Small laundry room inspiration

When did it finally sink in that I was a homeowner? It wasn’t when I was carrying boxes in to our living room or kitchen, it was when I walked past our laundry room for the first time. I know it sounds silly, but I have never had my own laundry room – I either had to go to a laundromat or down the hall to the residents’ laundry room. However, since this space isn’t usually seen by guests it tends to be put on the back burner for any updates. I like to remember how grateful I am to finally have my own laundry room by keeping it functional and organized. Below are some dream laundry rooms for inspiration

Even if you only have a laundry nook, make it feel more luxe with an updated lighting fixture, and sleek shelving with organized supplies.
via BHG

Love this Stain kit idea!
You can still make a small laundry space work for you and be pretty too. Making the most of the room you do have may take a little creativity and narrowing down your items to just necessities, but making it functional will really help you enjoy this space

Don’t forget about the accessories! Have fun with them and mix them up since there are a lot of different small items that get put in the laundry room. Baskets and clear jars keep smaller items from creating visual clutter.

Giving your laundry room a makeover doesn’t need to be pricey. A few cabinets and a table top to fold your clothes can really make a difference in the room. Also adding a touch of color with some paint can make it feel more like a homey space than a commercial laundry.

If you laundry room has plenty of space you might consider a wash tub or sink, and some hang up space for those items that need to hang dry. I think laundry room slop sinks are a must. We don’t have one yet, but it’s on my registry! A rug can also add a little comfort to this space to keep it from being to stiff and cold.

February 19, 2014