First things first – If your budget does not allow for an interior decorator then DIY is for you.
Start by making a vision board of your ideal bedroom, this will help you visualise what you are trying to achieve.
If you’re old school like me, get some magazines and cut out pictures of ideas, even if the colour is not what you’re going to use, you might like the style and then you can get creative as you go.
Soon you will have a plan in place to inspire you to take the next step into getting the room you desire.
Alternatively, look online at all it has to offer on decorating. Then, go window shopping to various retail outlets and see what is out there.
Get an idea on texture, colour, trend, style etc to get you motivated.
If your budget is limited, there are loads of places that sell good quality items for a fraction of the price.
They may not last 5 or even 10 years, but by then you would probably like a change anyway.
A fresh coat of paint on the walls can go a long way into making a room look and feel fresh again, so get down to your local hardware and pick out a durable indoor paint to get you going.
Before you start painting, use Polyfilla to smooth over any cracks or dings on your wall left by picture frame hooks. Your hardware assistant will be able to assist you with what you need.
LET’S GET TO IT!
Flooring.
There are many options for flooring from carpeting, laminates, tiling to vinyl.
Added to this, these flooring surfaces come in an array of colours, textures, and styles, so do your research and explore these options before you make a decision.
Personally, I’ve never been the biggest fan of tiles as I find them cold and dull, to be honest. I would much prefer a carpet, however, I don’t enjoy the upkeep of a quality carpet, and I can’t risk stains!
With this said, Luxury Vinyl Tiles or Planks, such as COMO – Fire Collection are a great option for any room, however in a child’s room they are convenient, easy to clean, and low maintenance.
They are soft to walk on and easy to clean with a simple vacuum and mop.
Most are stain and waterproof but be sure to wipe up any spills as soon as possible.
Laminate flooring can have a warm feel to it. Warmth and vibrance in any room are important to consider.
Natural materials add a certain elegance to any room, and with the degree of realism in high quality laminate planks these days, having a stunning, wood appearing floor can be an affordable option too.
If budget isn’t too much of a concern, then splashing out on Solid Engineered Wood for your floor can literally elevate your home, or room to a completely new level of sophistication.
The most beautiful ranges of engineered timber can be found here.
Paint Colour.
For a small room where not much light comes in it is good to use a white, light grey, light yellow or cream so that your room does not feel smaller than it is. A dark colour will do that, and you may feel boxed in too. For a larger room, a feature wall can be painted in a darker colour and your details like ornaments, or a lamp and even bed throws, or pillows can pick up on the darker colour.
Mirrors.
Another great idea for small rooms is to have at least one large mirror to give the illusion of a bigger room.
The mirror can be hung horizontally, or 3 small circular mirrors could also be used for a different feel.
If you don’t have space for a full length mirror on any of your walls, it can be hung on the inside of your cupboard door, or even behind your bedroom door to maximize your space.
If you are fortunate enough to have an en-suite and it has a sliding door, then you can also hang the mirror on the wall where the door slides, so when the door is in the closed position, the mirror will be visible.
Furniture and Décor.
When it comes to side pedestals there are so many options available and many retailers to choose from.
Even street vendors have some amazing handmade, unique furniture to enhance your space.
Look out for bargains at flea markets, second-hand shops and on websites linked to your social media pages.
Just recently I sold a wine rack to someone who had the perfect spot for it, and she even sent me a pic of where she had placed it. So wonderful!
Again, white, cream or pastel colour furniture is complementary to the wall colour if you have a small space. Then bringing in the darker hues for blankets, pillows etc.
Artwork.
Your walls should not just be primarily focused on paint and wallpaper choices.
Those are obviously a big part of your room’s space, but they do not provide your home with the necessary feel it deserves.
Having wall art that can evoke pleasant feelings and emotions is able to transform a boring one or two-toned wall space into a moving piece of your home that can calm you, energize you, or uplift you.
This process begins with finding a piece of art that resonates with you on the level you desire; one that represents your personality and sets the mood for your interior space.
With the right art, you can evoke an ambience that resonates with the entire theme of your home.
Shelving and Lighting.
Minimalistic living is very calming, especially in a bedroom, so create a space that you are going to feel relaxed in.
Having a big, bright light is certainly not going to do that.
There are touch lights that are rechargeable that have 3 settings on them, so are ideal for your bedside if you do want to read before bed.
This can sit on your side pedestal and does not take up much space either.
For shelving you can buy some plywood, which is reasonably priced from the hardware store and set these in place higher up on the wall for extra storage or ornaments.
Give them a coat of paint to enhance their appearance.
Curtains or Blinds.
My preference for a smaller room is some simple shutter blinds, as they sit flush inside the window frame. Or lightweight, flowing curtains.
Thick, heavy curtains may make you feel closed in, and give your space a smaller feel.
There are many small things that can be changed in a room to lift its overall appeal.
Most of these can be relatively inexpensive yet yield remarkable results in altering a rooms appearance or vibe.
Best of luck with your DIY projects for the future.