Style Guide: Redecorating on a Budget

Are you ready to transform your bedroom into a cosy oasis without breaking the bank? Well, you've come to the right place.

Be it your student digs or your first home, it's always a good idea to set a budget.

Redecorating doesn't have to drain your wallet – with some savvy strategies and a dash of creativity, you can achieve a stunning bedroom makeover that reflects your style and keeps your finances intact.

Plan and Prioritise

Before you start on your redecorating journey, you must take time to plan and strategise. It is a crucial step as it lays the ground-work for a quality outcome.

When in the planning phase, it's a great idea to get your inspiration going by getting ideas from various sources. This could be browsing interior design magazines, visiting showrooms, or going online and looking at dedicated home décor sites.

By exposing yourself to different styles, colour schemes, and furniture arrangement, you can really expand your perspective of your personal preferences.

Finally, if you plan well, you can set a realistic budget for your project. By carefully considering the costs connected to materials, furniture and, potentially, professional services, you can avoid overspend and ruining the whole point of redecorating on a budget!

Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting your bedroom is a simple and affordable method to completely transform its appearance and create a fresh, rejuvenating atmosphere.

By choosing the right colours and being careful of where they are going, you can easily breathe new life into your personal sleep sanctuary.

Consider the mood and ambience you want to create in your space. Soft, neutral tones like cream, beige or light grey can create a calming and serene environment, perfect for relaxation and sleep.

Before painting, it is essential to properly prepare the walls. Clean thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt and grease. It's always worth considering using a primer to create a smooth and even surface for the paint.

Not only does painting your bedroom offer a visual transformation, but it also has psychological benefits. The colours you choose can greatly impact your emotions and mood.

By selecting the right colours for your bedroom, you can create a space that promotes restful sleep, relaxation, and a sense of style.

Thrift and Second hand Shops

Don't shy away from thrift stores and second hand shops.

You would be amazed at the wide range of unique items that can be found. From one-of-a-kind nightstands to vintage mirrors, there is a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

One of the first steps in reviving these dated pieces is sanding. By sanding, you not only create a smooth and even base for the new paint, but you also have the opportunity to reveal the true beauty of the wood underneath.

Once the sanding is complete, it's time to apply a fresh coat of paint. This is where the real magic happens. With a wide array of colours and finishes to choose from, you can completely transform the look and feel of the furniture.

Paint not only adds a pop of colour but also acts as a protective layer, making sure that the piece lasts.

The transformation doesn't stop there. To truly make these pieces stand out, you can also consider adding little extra decorative elements or accents. You can experiment with different techniques, such as distressing or antiquing, to give the furniture a more aged and rustic appearance.

The beauty of uncovering and reviving these treasures lies not only in the satisfaction of transforming something old into something new but also in the ability to create a truly personalized and unique piece.

DIY Headboard

Creating your own headboard can be a cost-effective and creative way to add a personal touch to your bedroom décor. Instead of spending a significant amount of money on an expensive headboard, you can easily make one yourself with just a few materials.

By creating your own headboard, you not only save money but also have the opportunity to customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern design or a cosy and rustic look, the possibilities are endless.

So, grab some plywood, foam padding, and fabric of your choice, and get ready to transform your bedroom with your very own DIY headboard.

Swap and Rearrange

Give your room a fresh look by rearranging the furniture. Sometimes, a new layout can make your space feel completely different. Experiment with different setups until you find one that maximizes both functionality and aesthetics.

A new furniture arrangement can bring a sense of novelty and excitement to your sleeping space. It can make you see your room in a whole new light, as if you've entered a completely different environment.

This change can be particularly refreshing if you've grown tired of the current setup, or you're looking for a way to revitalise the room without investing in new furniture.

It doesn't just make your room look better, but rearranging the furniture can also have practical advantages. It allows you to make the most of the available space, especially if you have a small or oddly-shaped room.

By experimenting with different arrangements, you can find the most efficient and visually appealing way to utilise every corner and nook.

Clever Storage Solutions

Decluttering isn't just something to do to help tidy up, it's also great when re-evaluating your possessions. Letting go of unnecessary items, and creating a more streamlined and comfier bedroom is, more or less, giving your space a makeover...totally free.

To declutter effectively, you must invest in storage solutions that can help maximise your space and keep things organised. Under-bed bins are a great option for utilising the often-underutilised space beneath a bed.

Floating shelves are also a great storage solution that not only helps declutter your bedroom but also adds a touch of decorative flair.

DIY Artwork

If you find yourself faced with blank walls in your bedroom, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to create your own artwork and add a personal touch to your space. The best part is, you don't need to be a professional artist to do so.

One option is to explore your creativity through painting. You can start by purchasing a canvas and some basic acrylic or watercolour paints.

Don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild and express yourself through your artwork. Whether you prefer abstract designs, landscapes, or even portraits, the possibilities are endless.

If painting isn't your forte, there are other artistic avenues to explore. Consider creating a collage using various materials such as magazine cut-outs, fabric scraps, or even old photographs.

You can incorporate different textures and elements into your artwork, resulting in a visually interesting and personalized piece.

If traditional art forms don't appeal to you, there are alternative methods to consider. For example, you can create a wall mural using stencils or decals. This allows you to add a large-scale design to your bedroom walls without the need any artistic skills.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and express yourself through your artwork. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new techniques. Embrace the opportunity to create your own artwork and transform your blank walls into a gallery of your own making.

Accent Pillows and Bedding

If you're looking to give your bed a fresh new look, considering updating your bedding and accent pillows. This simple change can instantly transform the overall appearance of your bedroom.

Or you could always make your own. You can choose materials, colours and textures for a truly personalised feel.

Lighting Magic

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of a room. It has the power to completely transform the atmosphere.

Table lamps are a popular choice for creating a warm and inviting glow. They provide a softer and more diffused light that can be easily adjusted to suit different activities or moods.

Whether you're reading a book, working on a project, or simply relaxing, table lamps offer a cosy and comforting illumination.

For those looking for a unique and creative lighting solution, repurposed string lights can be a great choice. These lights can be made from various materials such as mason jars, wine bottles, or even old lanterns.

By repurposing these items and adding string lights inside, you can create a one-of-a-kind lighting fixture that not only illuminates the room but also serves as a decorative piece.

The warm and inviting glow produced by these softer lighting options is perfect for unwinding and creating a cosy ambiance.

Whether you're looking to relax after a long day, enjoy a quiet evening with loved ones, or create a romantic setting, these lighting choices can help you achieve the desired atmosphere.

So, consider swapping out harsh overhead lights for table lamps, fairy lights, or repurposed string lights to transform your space into a soothing and inviting sanctuary.

Nature's Touch

One way to bring the outdoors into your living space is by incorporating plants into your décor. Plants in your home not only enhances the look of your room, but also offers a number of benefits for your general well-being.

Plants have the ability to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By introducing plants into your indoor environment, you can improve the air quality and create a healthier living space.

Research has shown that being around plants can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Incorporating plants into your décor can create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere, making your home a more peaceful and inviting place to be.

When adding plants into your décor, the options are endless.

Repurpose and Upcycle

Before you toss out items, think about how they could be repurposed.

Those wooden crates? Stacked together, they make a unique bookshelf. By arranging the crates in various configurations, such as staggering them or aligning them in a symmetrical pattern, you can get a really great looking bookshelf.

If the crates are in their natural state, it can create a rustic look or they can be painted in different colours to match the room's colour scheme.

These repurposing ideas not only breathe new life into old and unused items, but also offer a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to home décor.

Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism is all about simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters.

It's about decluttering your space and getting rid of unnecessary possessions and, by doing so, you create a sense of tranquillity in your environment.

When you embrace minimalism, you'll find that your space feels more open and spacious. Without the clutter, you can truly appreciate the beauty of each item and the space they occupy.

It's not just how a minimalist bedroom looks, it's also rather practical. With fewer possessions, you spend less time cleaning and organising.

Sometimes, less is more.

Accessorise Thoughtfully

The final touches are just as important as the first. Thoughtful accessories can make a significant impact and add a personal touch to your newly designed room.

One such accessory that can make a statement is a mirror. With unique and eye-catching design, you can instantly elevate the overall aesthetic of the room. Whether it's a large ornate piece, or a sleek modern one, a statement mirror can create a sense of depth and dimension in the space.

In addition to a mirror, there is also throw blankets and decorative bowls to consider as finishing touches. The advantage of these is that they both have practical uses within your bedroom.

If this has inspired you to make some changes to your bedroom, have a look at our other guides where we help inspire you with fantastic ideas for every room type.