Room Makeovers That Won’t Break the Budget

So you have a room that needs updating, but you don’t have a lot of time or money? Not a problem. These quick-fix ideas will spruce up a room in no time without emptying your wallet.

Bathroom

* If you like old fashioned tin ceilings, try ceiling tile paintable wallpaper. It’s textured wallpaper that looks like embossed white plaster, and you can paint it any color you want. Put it up under a chair rail to make a unique wainscoting in a weekend.

* For artwork, frame color copies of prints out of books, magazines or catalogs. If it’s a kids’ bathroom, frame some of their art.

* A few fresh hand towels and a new toilet seat will freshen things up, as well.

Bedroom

* A new duvet cover or comforter and matching shams will instantly change the look of your bedroom. Reversible covers give you even more design bang for your buck.

* Paint an accent wall to bring a new color into the room. If your other walls are neutral, go with a bolder color on the accent wall. If the other walls are a strong color, pick out a neutral tone.

* Fabric remnants are an inexpensive and easy way to dress up your room. Recover pillows or add a colorful band to your drapes. At about one-third of the regular fabric price, they’re a bargain.

Living Room

* One of the easiest — and cheapest — ways to change up a room is to rearrange the furniture. Take everything out and start over with a clean slate. And don’t be afraid to poach items from other rooms — the mirror in the hall just might look perfect behind the sofa now.

* Don’t forget the floors. If you have wood floors, put the shine back into them with wood cleaner. If you have carpet, add a colorful area rug on top for a splash of color and to help define an area.

* Go green — with plants. Whether it’s a single palm leaf in a vase or a pretty silk tree, greenery adds a lot to a room. For the best effect, group plants of varying heights, fullness and color together.

Kitchen

* Replace cabinet hardware with decorative pulls and handles. It’s an easy way to add personality to ordinary cabinetry. New switch plates are another affordable change that can make a difference.

* Dress up your windows with a new valance. A fresh color will perk things up in no time. If you have solid curtains or sheers, try a patterned valance. If the curtains are print, complement them with a solid valance.

* Add a new throw rug and a few fresh kitchen towels and you’ve got a brand new look for next to nothing.

Some creative thinking and a little elbow grease is all it takes to make a room feel like new.

Click here for a Massachusetts living room makeover.

Courtesy of Family Features #F1740, Source: Family Features