How to Create a Bedroom Oasis for Less Than $100
STORAGE: STUFF, STUFF, AND MORE STUFF�
The first thing to consider in addition to the type of look you are going for, is the amount of storage space currently available. You should also consider what type of space you have for new additions of furniture. When planning to redecorate your space, keep in mind your storage options. Sometimes all a room needs is a reorganization of space. With this in mind, consider purchasing inexpensive storage pieces. Target’s store brand “Organize-It” do-it-yourself furniture is extremely practical and more attractive than you’d think. The light blond maple color lightens up rooms, and holds a good deal of small items. The shelves themselves cannot hold items too bulky. But they are great for storing socks, and underwear. The identical “Organize-It” shelving system is easy to assemble and makes a great magazine shelf. Wire-cubed “Organize-It” storage systems can easily be spray painted or adorned with interesting trinkets, to keep the cubes from looking boring. While this brand is relatively inexpensive one, there are many other brands of storage options that clean up space while making for attractive conversation pieces.
GOT FLAIR?
Interior decorating need not be expensive or exceedingly difficult to pull off. A few out of the ordinary ideas can completely brighten a room. Want to create another window in your room? Hang a square mirror on your wall. Place a small shelf underneath. Affix a show rod or curtain rod to the wall with brackets. Hang the curtains on either side of the mirror, and you’ve just created a faux “window”. A similar effect could be achieved by placing another object between the curtains, such as a chair or a large painting, creating a cozy nook in the middle of the room.
Exotic updates with the use of fabrics. Yards of fabric can be purchased at local fabric stores, or even house ware stores like Wal-Mart. To create the illusion of bedposts, obtain several yards of sheer fabric. Cut the fabric into identical strips, long enough to reach from the floor to your ceiling. The color of the fabric should be dictated by the color scheme of the room. Purchase two pairs of hooks (like those used to hang house plants) from a local hardware store, or home dÃ?©cor store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. The hooks should be screwed into the ceiling, above all four corners of your bed. Tie the strips of fabric to each hook, and faux “bedposts” have instantly appeared. The fabric purchased can also be fashioned into a canopy, with a few extra hooks. There are many other creative effects that can be achieved with cloth. While fabric certainly looks terrific when draped on walls, using it to cover some of your storage bins aids in creating a more uniform look in the room.
Create the illusion of a larger room by hanging long mirrors on one wall. Try hanging (4) or (5) of them side by side on the wall, with approximately two inches apart to break up the space. Inexpensive long mirrors can be purchased for as little as $5 to $10 apiece. Remember also that dressing up a mirror is as easy as using a bit of paint and some creativity. Another way to expand the space in a room is with the addition of a small area or floor rug. Providing “eye candy’ on more than one surface in a room is a great way to create an inviting area.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Do not forget that lighting will make or break a room. Many house ware stores carry very stylish yet reasonably priced lighting options. “Rice Paper” floor lamps soften a room, while adding a very contemporary flair. These typically cost less than $30. Less expensive desk lamps also introduce intimate nooks of light into a bedroom. Depending upon your dÃ?©cor, experiment with different color lighting. Pink, blue, or multicolored light bulbs will give off an ethereal glow.
Many items needed to update the d�©cor in a bedroom cost less than $100 combined. Finding unconventional ways to decorate often is much less expensive than accumulating many costly pieces from upscale house ware chains. Rocks, pebbles, or branches plucked directly from the yard make rugged looking centerpieces when arranged in a clear vase or bowl.
Sometimes simply arranging these eccentric touches, with an uncomplicated rearrangement of furniture, is all you really need to update your bedroom. Moving a bed to an adjacent wall makes you feel as if you’re sleeping in another place. Just a few creative flourishes will turn any room into a funky, yet comfortable oasis.
