Low Cost, Big Impact: 10 Ways to Make a Statement on Budget

I love when a creative idea comes to life, especially on a budget. I came up with this list based on things I could actually picture myself doing that could be done at a reasonable cost. These 10 ways will make a big design impact in your home without breaking the bank - get ready to possibly use a little elbow grease. Don't worry - it will be totally worth it.

1. Do an Accent Wall

There are so many different roads to take with accent walls.

You could paint it all one bold color, choose a graphic wallpaper, 

stencil, or add wood pallets along a whole wall. The options are endless.

{grahamandco.com}

2. Re-purpose Furniture

Using any old door from a thrift shop or even your own home 

as a table or other type of furniture can make a big statement 

with a super creative touch.

{amberinteriordesign.com}

3. Paint the Stairs

I love all the photos I have seen of stairs being the star

of the home. I especially love ombre painted stairs, wallpaper on 

stairs and words/quotes put on stairs. Any of those options

will add so much interest to your home!

{simpledwellings.blogspot.com}

4. Spray Paint a Large Item 

Dressers, nightstands, beds, frames are all items that could

benefit from a fresh coat of paint in a pop of color. This side

table is the perfect example. 

{eclecticallyvintage.com}

5. Make Abstract Art

You don't have to be an artist to create abstract art. Danielle

Oakey created this piece of art just by using inexpensive paint

from the craft store, poster board, and a large Ikea frame. Don't

know where to start? - Check out the tutorial on her blog.

{danielleoakeyinteriors.blogspot.com}

6. Frame Wallpaper/Fabric

Have a favorite fabric or print that you love but don't know

where to put it? Frame it! Frames can be super cheap (like at Ikea)

and buying fabric and wallpaper by the yard can be inexpensive, too. 

Perfect for wall art.

{interiorstyledesign.tumblr.com}

7. Create Your Own Area Rug

There are many places you can find rug squares in different

colors and patterns. These ones are particularly from cb2 - I love 

how you really can create any look you want in any size that you need.

{cb2.com}

8. Make Your Own Headboard

I absolutely love the look of reclaimed wood pallets, especially as a 

stunning ceiling-high headboard. You can even create your own DIY 

headboard in fabric as well at a low cost. 

{britco.com}

9.Use Items in Unexpected Ways

Love this look of long shutters used as sliding doors. Such 

an eclectic and original look. I'd love to have this art studio!

{remodelista.com}

10. Change Your Knobs

It really is amazing how much of a difference changing

the knobs on a large piece of furniture makes. You can do this

for all of your kitchen cabinets as well including nightstands, doors, etc.

{littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com}

Have you seen or can think of any other creative ways to make a statement

on a budget? The options are truly endless - I'd love to know! 

Xo,

Creating an Eclectic Space

Ever wonder how some designers are able to create a space that mixes design styles so well? Eclectic design allows the mix of one design style with others - modern, mid-century, industrial, vintage can all be placed together & the list goes on.  In essence, it creates the look that you have collected all of your items over time. However, there is a method to the madness - it's all about balance. You don't want to add too many different styles or the space will be overwhelming. Here are some rooms I've designed so you can see how this style just works. They are just as eclectic in style as they are in budget. I've mixed some budget-friendly pieces with items that are definitely worth the splurge.

This bedroom has a mix of boho chic, mid-century, transitional and modern. There are clean, modern lines in the bed paired with soft, round items in different styles. Yes, this room may be more on the girly side with the floral jute rug  but easily swap it out for a solid one and it can be gender neutral as well.

1 / Nate Berkus Metallic Window Panel 84"l / $24.99 / Target

2 / Nate Berkus Round Cage Table / $79.99 / Target

3 / Osborn 4 Poster Bed, Queen / $1,499 / Crate & Barrel

4 / Modernist Table Lamp / $179 / West Elm

5 / Penelope Nightstand Small - White / $199 / West Elm

6 / Marrakech Swing Chair / $229 / Urban Outfitters

7 / Heenalu Jute Rug 6'x9' / $299 / CB2

Glam meets rustic in this dining room. I chose a sparkly chandelier that makes a statement to pair with this rustic, reclaimed pine table. Pairing the table with leather captain chairs and more modern side chairs gives this space the ultimate eclectic look. Top it off with a colorful, global inspired rug and it's a win. 

1 / Quorra Chandelier / $362.60 / Joss & Main

2 / Willoughby Leather Chair - Ivory / $399 / West Elm

3 / Emmerson Dining Table - Reclaimed Pine 72" / $999 / West Elm

4 / Winsdor Overdyed Grove Turquoise Rug 5'x8' / $376 / Rugs USA

5 /  John Vogel Chairs / $299 / West Elm

Mid-century, modern, and industrial are a few of the main design styles in this living space that I chose. I love the mix of the industrial coffee table with the natural fiber jute rug. The tapered legs on the side table and sofa give it an edgy, mid-century touch that is just what the space needs. I added a pair of luxe velvet pillows in a bold color that gives the room a much needed color pop.

 1 / Atomic Matte Black Arc Floor Lamp / $299 / CB2

2 / Brushstroke Swirls Artwork / $249 / West Elm

3 / York Sofa - Grand / $1,499 / West Elm

4 / Magical Thinking Handquilt Velvet Pillow / $24 / Urban Outfitters

5 / Nate Berkus Black and Gold Accent Table / $69.99 / Target 

6 / Rubicon Jute Rug 5'x8' / $279 / West Elm

7 / Frame Round Coffee Table / $499 / Crate & Barrel

8 / Saunder Mud Cloth Ottoman / $249 / Urban Outfitters

9 / Moda Chair / $559 / Urban Outfitters

10 / Nate Berkus Zig Zag Fur Pillow / $29.99 / Target

Do you tend to stick to one style in your home or do you like to mix things up?? I'd love to know what you think about these eclectic looks. :) 

Xo,

Area Rugs: What Size is the Right Size?

I had asked on social media what topics others would like me to post about. My lovely sister mentioned the topic of area rugs and would find it helpful to know what size rug to buy for any space. Choosing an area rug that you like may be just as difficult as figuring out what size to purchase. But thanks to posts like this one, you no longer have to wonder how big your area rug should be in any room. You can thank my sister for this one ;) 

I did some pinteresting and came across some very helpful rug design guides created by Lisa Ferguson from Decor Mentor & added some extra tips as well. Hope this helps! 

Additional Living Room Tips:

1) Placing furniture halfway on and halfway off the rug as shown with size 4'x6' is a look that is used most of the time. This approach will make the room feel cozy and connect all the furniture for a cohesive look. 

2) If you're on a tight budget you may be able to splurge and get the rug you want but go down a few feet in size so all the furniture goes over the rug but not completely (think 4'x6 or 6'x9').

3) You could also so some furniture on and some off shown with the 6'x9' example above. This look will work better if you have a larger room.

4) Create a smooth transition from rug to flooring by purchasing a rug that is a similar tone to the existing flooring.

5) If you want all furniture on an area rug I would decide on the furniture placement and measure beforehand so it will make it easier to determine what size you need.

6) If you're more concerned with making sure an area covers the whole room, a good rule of thumb that has been around for ages is that there should be 18 inches of bare floor in between the perimeter of the room and the rug. This will introduce a sense of proportion and it all starts with the rug! If using this rule in a smaller room then think 8 inches in between instead of 18.

Additional Bedroom Tips:

1) In order for a rug to look balanced under a bed there should be a comfortable amount of rug space around the bed. A good range to have in mind is 12-18 inches. 12 inches for a twin bed and 18 inches for a queen or king. If your room is significantly large I would consider adding a few inches but never take away. 

2) If you don't want or need a rug directly under your bed but still have an empty space in front of your footboard you want to address, I would suggest placing a small rug (maybe a 4'x6') in front of the bed to add some interest. If you're to do this make the width of the rug wider than that of the bed to give the room balance.

If you're not able to read the tip in the picture above, when it comes to dining rooms always add 24 inches around the table to decide what size rug you need. You should be able to pull out all the chairs and the chair legs should remain on the rug.


Additional Area Rug Tips:


1) As for a hallways, the rug should cover the majority of the walking area. Make sure there's enough room so that when two people are walking next to each other they both can  walk safely and comfortably on the rug. I would suggest 5-8 inches of bare floor between the rug and wall in a hallway.

2) Don't be afraid to break up the rugs in your hallway by using 2 or more instead of one long one. You can also combine rugs in your living room or bedroom. I would suggest using two different ones that are the same or at least the same tone. Sticking to the same tone but two different patterns would work as well.





If you have any questions or ones concerning your specific space please comment and I will be sure to respond! :)




Xo,

(Sources: Decor Mentor, Houzz)

Great Rugs Under $300

Area rugs are probably the single best way to help define a space and create a warm and "homey" feel. It's also a great way to add an accent color to a neutral space or tone down a bold colored space by adding a neutral rug. Either way, rugs can get pretty expensive and let's face it...cheap rugs just don't last that long. But I've found some budget friendly area rugs that won't break the bank in all different styles and colors. From geometric motifs to simple and beautiful. Enjoy!

1 /  Kasbah Wool Rug  in Ivory 3'x5' / $199 / West Elm

2 / Hopscotch Rug 4'x6' / $199 / CB2

3 / Lael Jute Rug 5'x8' / $150 / Living Spaces

4 / Kaleen Rug Co.  Astronomy Galileo Graphite Rug 5'x 7' 9'' / $299 / Wayfair

5 / Babylon Chevron Rug 5'x8' / $210 / RugsUSA

6 / Magical Thinking Chevron Rug 5'x8' / $89 / Urban Outfitters

7 / Ombre Rug in Malachite 5'x8' / $249 / Pier 1

8 / Capri Rug 5'x7'6'' / $199 / ZGallerie

9 / Indoor-Outdoor Geometric Rug 5'x8' / $150 / Target

10 / Tuscan Palace Ikat Rug 3'x5' / $130 / RugsUSA

 It's hard to pick just one but #4 is a great style and color that would look great in a living space or even a nursery. But I'd have to say I love them all! Which one is your favorite??

Xo,