Decorating
Decorating
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Decorating Ideas
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Decorating
Bedrooms
Bedrooms
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Key Measurements for a Dream Bedroom3 Designers Reveal Where to Spend and Save in a Bedroom Redesign12 Decorating Tips to Make Any Bedroom Look BetterRoom by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
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Sustainable Ideas
Sustainable Ideas
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7 Everyday Steps to an Environmentally Friendly HomeCould You Live Like a Minimalist?8 Steps to Becoming a Truly Sustainable Interior DesignerSustainable Design 2023: What's New and Where's it Heading Next?
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Eco Living
Eco Living
Eco Living
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Zilch money or a tight budget? We've got tips and hacks to transform your bedroom without ever touching your wallet
Pia SinhaNovember 15, 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former Chief Copy Editor of GoodHomes, India Magazine. I write professionally about design and decor. Personally too, I am a big fan of design that marries functionality with elegance. At home, I use a combination of striking patterns, colourful prints and natural materials for some chutzpah and cheer!
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Yes, you read that right. From propagating backyard plants, to staking out council pick-ups and reusing what you already have, here are 14 freegan ways to make your bedroom look beautiful on a non-existent budget. Excited to see what we’ve come up with? Read on!
Design Box London
1. Re-group accessories in odd numbers
An interesting decorating hack is to group or cluster accessories or any decorative items in odd numbers. So take your photo frames, vases and candles and reorganise them in groups of threes or fives. You’ll notice how this makes for a very pretty display on your drawers.
Elms Interior Design
2. Use colour to revive
If you’re lucky enough to have one, refresh your window seat by throwing on a bunch of colourful pillows. It’ll add instant pizzaz, cheer and help frame your outdoor view beautifully.
indi interiors
3. Make the mirror work harder
Mirrors are versatile decorating tools. And here’s a simple arrangement hack for instant transformation. Instead of hanging the mirror, simply prop it up against the wall, on the floor. This can trick the eye into believing that the ceiling is higher than it is. What’s more, the mirror will help brighten your room and add the illusion of more space.
Tip: Notice the unusual artwork here. You could create something similar by thinking laterally and repurposing some large sheets of leftover wrapping paper or tissue paper.
Mini Mirrors on the Wall
David Michael Miller Associates
4. Add a personal touch
Bring out those wonderful photographs with your family and build yourself a pretty picture wall. It’s nostalgic and has tonnes of appeal.
5. Bring out or rearrange the carpet
Consider moving things around a little to give your bedroom a new lease on life. Place a carpet or rug underneath the bed for added allure.
Tip: If you have a smaller rug, you could place it just at the foot of your bed. Take care to ensure that the width of your rug extends beyond the width of your bed.
Blackband Design
6. Pile on the pillows
What can possibly feel cosier than pillows on your bed? Pile them up for a look that spells cosy comfort. Use an assortment of patterns and complementary colours to create a mismatched yet cushy display.
Nest Design Studio
7. Use books to make a statement
If you fancy a side table, why not stack together all your books? When it’s time to read, all you have to do is pull out a book from the stack.
You could also use the book stack to create a gorgeous display for your accessories or plants.
Anchor Builders
8. Hang the curtains higher
This is a clever decorating trick that will create the illusion of a higher ceiling; move your curtain rods to well above the window frame. When you hang your curtains back on them, let them graze the floor (you may have to re-hem them if they fall a bit short). Now, notice the difference.
Flik by design
9. Bring out the trunks
Old trunks can be repurposed as vintage-style storage for all your bedlinen. Stack them one above the other for a well-travelled look.
A Beach Cottage
Notice how the painted white trunks double up as an attractive bedside table here.
Philpotts Interiors
10. Seashells to decorate
Get creative with seashells you collected at the beach and whip up an interesting display in your bedroom. You could embellish an existing piece of furniture such as a mirror for some coastal appeal.
Bonnie McCarthy
Alternatively, you could string them together to create a decorative seashell garland or even a wind chime that makes you nostalgic about your time at the beach.
Driftwood is yet another one of nature’s treasures that will add tonnes of appeal to your private spaces for free. Think DIY wall displays or wall shelves. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, use driftwood to create a jewellery wall organiser.
London Bay Homes
11. Paint to transform
It’s amazing what a lick of paint can do for your spaces. If you have some paint left over from a previous project, why not paint that tired, old bed frame for a welcome dose of freshness.
Kim Pearson Pty Ltd
12. Evergreen appeal
Did you know that propagating is a very inexpensive and easy method to grow new plants from your existing set of plants? Now you can transform your bedroom for free with plants propagated from your very own yard. You’ll love that burst of freshness and greenery.
13. Council pick-up time
Keep an eye on local council collection days. You could run into something truly unique that is worth repurposing. Many suburbs or regions also have a ‘pay it forward’ Facebook page where people give away unwanted items for free. If you can’t see one in your area, set one up.
In House Interior Design
14. Frame the walls
Empty frames on the wall will work well to create an eye-catching display, and this is an idea that works well almost anywhere in your home. Or you could frame tea towels, wrapping paper or even spare pieces of wallpaper – whatever you have lying around that you think will look good. Happy decorating!
Tell us
What do you do when you’re decorating your bedroom on a tight budget? Let us know in the Comments below.
