I was writing this post as an update to our master bedroom. We did a small switcheraoo and I thought I would share. As I was comparing the before and after picture, I realized that we had a few small changes that happened over time that I didn't even realize. Then, I was thinking about those small changes and realized that I was able to change the decor without spending money. I think everyone is on board with that, right? So, today I'm sharing ways that YOU can change your decor without spending money... and I'm sharing them along with the small changes in our master.
When we revealed our Master Bedroom last year, I knew there were a few things that I wanted to tweak. One of those things being this dresser.
We bought it in a set six years ago for the little man's nursery. We bought it at a baby boutique store and the selling point was that all the pieces could function in an adult room. We thought Greyson could grow with the set. The crib converts to a toddler and then to a full size bed. We would have kept it all (even though it's not my style now), but the way that bed converts it's like 4 ½ ft off the ground to get on it. I'm not sure what the manufacturers were thinking with this one. I have the longest legs ever and I have to kinda hop on it. It's super weird. Right now we have the other pieces of the set in the guest bedroom but I'm going to Craigslist them soon. So, back to this dresser. It's GREAT storage just not my style. I've debated selling it with the set, but seriously the storage in it is so great that I hate to part with it.
A long time back, I posted this thrifting purchase on IG. I believe the dresser was $35. Sold. I wasn't sure exactly where I was going to put it, but since our house is still lacking furniture I knew I could find a spot. It's played musical rooms for a bit, but finally I knew where it needed to go.
It needed to replace the dresser in our bedroom. So, I unloaded all of the drawers in both dressers and did a switch.
Seriously, I'm so happy with the switch and it's got me itching to do other switches in the house. Do you have any pieces of furniture that you could repurpose in a different room? How about chairs that you could recover easily? Move a throw blanket from one room to another. Decorating doesn't have to be expensive if you think outside the box a bit.
Like I said earlier, I didn't realize the changes that had happened in our room until I saw it by comparing the pictures. I did these five things and it gave me room some new life.
1. Blankets
Everyone has extra throw blankets. Change them up. Move them from one room to another. Layer two of them on your bed for a different look.
2. Pillows
I don't have tons of extra pillows in a linen closet or laundry room. I do have a few on each couch and on each bed. For a different look in the bedroom, I moved a lumbar pillow that I had on the couch to the bedroom. That one change felt different and allowed me to change things up without spending money. Do you have extra fabric sitting around or fabric napkins that you don't use? You could easily make your own pillows to change up your decor. Or try this trick that I did with ill-fitting clothes.
3. Dresser/Console/Table/Chairs
Do you have a console table that could be used as a media unit? How about a dresser that could be used as a buffet? Or a pair of sitting chairs that could flank your table instead? Think outside the box with some of your furniture pieces. Move them around and try them in different arrangements. This is FREE and sometimes you find something you LOVE more than what you originally had.
4. Switching Art/Frames
Are you bored with your wall frames? If so, give them a new look with paint. Or, if you are just bored with your art or photographs, print some free art. I've rounded up some printables here if you are interested. I took off one of the frames on my gallery wall behind the tv and it just opened that wall up a bit.
5. Pot/Accessory
We all have extra pots and accessories. Move them around and change them up. It can be fun to do and give little spaces (especially nightstands, plant stands, and end tables) a totally new look.
So, there are five new and EASY ways to change your space without breaking the bank!
Brynne@TheGatheredHome
The yellow touches throughout the room are just perfect! And these tips are great - I am constantly moving accessories throughout the house!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Brynne. My husband laughs because I always ask him if he notices anything different.
Corinna - For My Love Of
Great advice! I really love the warm and lightness the new dresser brings in contrast to the old and the yellow is so lively!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Corinna! Just random advice, but sometimes it nice to hear that you don't have to buy the latest thing... just rearrange.
cassie
DROOOLING over your bedroom! love it! and i was not following your blog with bloglovin. WTF is wrong with me?!?! i have corrected that!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Cassie! Ha. I wasn't following you either! Bloglovin drives me nuts sometimes so I just go randomly to your blog. But, I corrected that as well!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
Such great tips. It's my favorite thing to do
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Julia! Cheap and easy!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
Ha! I do this all the time and I swear it gives my Type-A personality husband the jitters. And since I started blogging, it's only increased my love of switching it up. BTDubs, I drool over your living room every single time I see it. It's sooooo good!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kyla! It's the one finished room in our house (minus hardwood flooring).
Sarah
Hello! How do you like the overheard light in this room? I am thinking of purchasing it for our dining room however it will be the only lighting in the room so I am not sure if it bright enough
Ashley Mayes
Hi Sarah! I really like the light but I think it would need a little bit of natural light to make it work for a dining room. I have seen it in quite a few dining rooms and it looks awesome though, so if you get natural light... I'd go for it!
Melissa
Decorating my house with what I already have is something I love to do too! It's fun to see where you can use something next and how it can be re-purposed. Thanks for sharing your post at the Family Joy Blog Link Party this week!
Ashley Mayes
Yes, totally agree! Thanks Melissa
HJ
Great tips!!
Ashley Mayes
Thank you!
Janet Vinyard
Hi Ashley, The changes you made have really created an entirely different look! Well done! Blessings, Janet
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Janet! It's fun to try to change things within a budget!
Quin
These are some really practical tips. I am actually looking to do some inexpensive decor change-up and these tips were very helpful. Thanks!
Ashley Mayes
Yay, that makes me smile! Have fun decorating!
madalyn
I just discovered your blog recently and absolutely LOVE it! I can't wait to buy a house and get some inspiration from you! Maybe we can collaborate or keep in touch? xoxo, Madalyn @ peaches+salt
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Madalyn! Of course, I love meeting new friends.