Now that I have successfully moved all my things internationally, I now have the task of settling in to my new home. As a frequent traveler, it is really important for me to personalize my space and make it feel inviting. Unfortunately, this is difficult to do when you are barely making enough to cover your monthly bills. Lucky for me, my friend and new roommate had some home decorating tips to transform your room for under $20. These simple suggestions turned a cluttered guestroom into my new favorite space.
3 Tips to Transform Your Room for Under $20
1. Organize Your Space
The storage spaces are the first project I tackle before any decorating or renovations begin. Sometimes the mental preparation is just as important as the physical.We rarely know just how much stuff has accumulated since we don’t empty or sort these areas often. First, I emptied the closets and drawers to see how much stuff there was. Then, I found new homes for the items I wouldn’t use.
Once I had the blank canvas, the real work began. I started to fill the room with my belongings to make sure it fit the space. After neatly folding and putting away my clothes, I unpacked all my odds and ends. Small baskets or boxes are extremely helpful for organizing beauty products and cosmetics. I also use adhesive hooks to display my favorite pieces of jewelry and hanging decorations. By spending a few hours prepping the room, it made the entire process more simple and streamlined.
2. Rearrange and Repurpose Furniture
I know this next suggestion seems obvious, but moving furniture and using it in new ways can completely transform your room. However, options to do so are limited in smaller spaces. This is when you have to think creatively.
My new bedroom is only 8.5 x 11 feet and included a massive bunk bed with attached dresser. Furthermore, positioning the furniture was further complicated by two large windows. In the end, I broke down the bed set since it was overwhelming the space. I kept the single queen sized bed which is much more suitable to a smaller bedroom.
The last few additions were some small tables and shelves for clothing. These pieces had been tucked away in other rooms, overlooked and under-utilized. The extra shelf space added more storage and places to show off my favorite artwork.
3. Add a Large Focal Point
This last tip can be interpreted in hundreds of ways. However, the goal is the same. You want to introduce a large conversation piece that shifts the focus of your room. The way you achieve this depends on your personal style and tastes.
I chose to use window and wall decals to transform my room. The stained glass pattern gave me privacy from my neighbors while retaining the natural light. I then chose a large wall decal to mimic the design on the opposite wall. Not only are these decorations cheap, but they are also versatile. They can be easily moved or added to any new space.
If you aren’t a fan of films and decals, there are tons of other home decorating tips to transform your room for under $20. You can paint an accent color on one wall, hang tapestries, use new slip covers, incorporate a rug or create some new artwork. My next project includes some twine, clothes pins, and all the postcards I’ve collected over my years of travel. You don’t need to invest a ton of money or resources in order to transform your room and truly make it your own.
Read More
- Home Decorating Trends of 2020
- 3 Hacks to Decorating Your Home on a Budget
- Decorating Our First Home: DIY Style
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.