She Strengthens

Small Space, Big Impact: A Budget Bedroom Revamp

Meet Aleisha, an art historian living in a charming 1924 bungalow in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and their menagerie of pets. This creative couple loves collecting vintage treasures and curating a unique space that exudes both freshness and character.

The Challenge: A Cramped Bedroom

Aleisha’s 10×10 foot bedroom was in dire need of a makeover. The dark green ceiling and dated yellow-cream walls made the space feel claustrophobic, especially with a king-sized bed taking center stage. Aleisha knew she had to brighten up the room and simplify the design to make it functional and comfortable.

The Solution: Paint, Lighting, and Creative Storage

To start, Aleisha used Sherwin-Williams Extra White paint to amplify the natural light in the room. She replaced the outdated 1950s light fixture with a modern matte white pendant lamp, adding drama without overwhelming the space. Sheer white curtains were installed to diffuse the sunlight and maintain a consistent color palette.

The real challenge lay in finding a way to add organization to the room without sacrificing precious floor space. Aleisha thought outside the box, creating a wall-mounted “dresser” using a shelf, two shoe cabinets, and a mirror. This innovative solution provided ample storage while keeping the room feeling spacious. She also repurposed tiny baskets from the kid’s décor section to create a plant stand, maximizing corner space and keeping her hair products and perfume organized.

The Budget Breakdown

Aleisha’s budget-friendly makeover cost approximately $400. The light fixture and mirror were her biggest splurges, accounting for a quarter of the budget. Organizational items, including the shelf, shoe cabinets, plant stand, and baskets, came in at $200. Paint and a small runner for the vanity area rounded out the expenses.

The Timeline

The project took around a week and a half to complete, with some trial and error involved in finding the perfect storage solutions.

The Biggest Hurdle

Aleisha’s biggest challenge was using her imagination to think creatively about the space and its limitations. By focusing on function and breaking down the components of traditional furniture, she was able to arrive at a unique setup that met her needs perfectly.

Favorite Pieces

Aleisha’s top picks include the show-stopping light fixture, which adds drama and sophistication to the room. She also loves the artwork adorning the walls, featuring engagement photos, a vintage linen piece, and pressed flowers from her wedding bouquet.

DIY Takeaways

Aleisha’s advice for tackling a budget DIY home makeover is to start small and take risks. Painting the room white and updating outlet covers made a significant impact without breaking the bank. By thinking creatively and pushing beyond conventional design boundaries, anyone can achieve a stunning and functional space on a budget.