Broke and Chic

Posted 2 weeks ago by Alexandra Jacobs

The design of a bathroom dictates its overall mood and energy. Stylish accents and colors can make it more inviting, while tiles can give it a modern and clean look. If you’re getting tired of your way-too-blah bathroom, check out our clever decorating ideas that are affordable:

Get Creative With the Walls

The walls of a bathroom are essentially blank decorating canvases that you can take advantage of. Below are a few ideas to help you get started:

Add Decals

Aside from being easy to install, these affordable gems come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and styles to choose from. Create a customized pattern by hanging small decals in groups to suit the shape and angles of the bathroom walls.

These also offer you a great opportunity to change your decor after just a few months, as they’re easy to remove.

$11.00 via Etsy 

Add a Decorative Mirror

Add a decorative mirror on the walls to utilize space and optimize light in the room. Make a statement by going for a mirror that has a unique frame, for instance, a tiled, or a seashell-encrusted frame.

These mirrors will definitely add style, texture, and interest to your bathroom.

$21.00 via Etsy

Hang Pictures Vertically

Arrange canvases or a series of small prints vertically on the walls and you’ll be surprised at the difference. The vertical presentation will draw the eye upwards, creating an impression of spaciousness within the small room.

Add Decorative Shelves or Bathroom Storage Systems

Maximize your bathroom storage space by installing an attractive shelf and hook combo on one of the walls. Neatly arrange the toiletries, bath salts, bubble bath, and other accessories above it, and hang the robes and towels below. It’s an easy way of making your bathroom look neat, spacious and more organized.

If you’ve got a lot to store, consider one of the bathroom wardrobe storage style solutions that can also work as a vanity unit – there are a wide variety of different styles available and they can really help to make your bathroom less cluttered by hiding the non-essential items.

Add Vibrant Colors

Give your all-neutral bathroom more personality by adding a bold color. Bring in vibrant towels, shower curtains, bath mats, and other accessories in your favorite color, to keep the room lively.

$68.00 via Society6

Artwork can equally add just the right amount of energy and style into your bathroom. Whether you love a series of small framed prints, or one, huge stretched canvas, make sure you choose a piece that reflects the colors that are already in the room, but have hints of a contrasting hue.

$20.00 via Laurel Canyon Dreaming

Because bathrooms are humid places, it’s very important that you go for artworks that won’t get damaged by moisture.

Decorate With Tiles

Use tiles to bring a relaxing, luxury-hotel vibe in your otherwise plain, old, and dull bathroom. Cover the walls, floors, tub area, showers etc., with trendy tiles in your favourite pattern and colour to create a modern and classy look.

Make it Relaxing

At night, light some candles next to the tub, and enjoy a warm bath before going to bed.

Make your bathroom look more modern, stylish, and appealing with these simple decorating ideas, and you’re sure to end up with a bathroom you love, no matter what size it is.

*We teamed up with Wardrobe World for this post. 

Posted 3 weeks ago by Amanda Raye

Decorating a home or apartment can be an extremely stressful task. For one, not everyone has an eye for style. And of course you have to think about the money — decorating is expensive! Between the furniture and the necessary details such as paintings and accent bowls, bank accounts will undoubtedly suffer.

Over the years, we have done a number of apartment tours featuring people who have found ways to decorate their homes in a broke and chic way. Some have relied on thrift stores, while others turned to stores like Ikea and Target.

If you want budget decor inspiration from real people, check out our four favorites:

1. Paul and Evi’s Apartment in Amsterdam

Paul and Evi’s beautiful Amsterdam apartment radiates minimalist Dutch design. From the unique white wood floors to their stunning kitchen with rustic wood cabinets.

According to Evi:

Almost everything is from Ikea.

Click here to see the rest of Paul and Evi’s home!

2. Katie’s Eclectic Bedroom in Manhattan

Katie has lived in this Washington Heights apartment for about 2.5 years. Her room reminded us of those cute boutiques in the East Village with artfully displayed vintage jewelry, accessories, and even furniture.

According to Katie:

I’d rather make something myself than pay for it. I hate going into Urban Outfitters and West Elm and seeing things that are $250 dollars that I could easily make myself.

Click here to see the rest of Katie’s room!

3. Sara’s Stylish Salt Lake City Home

Sara is the voice behind lifestyle blog, Chalk White Arrow. We’ve been huge fans of her budget-friendly style, beautiful photos, and her great eye for decor for quite a while.

According to Sara:

We found both our coffee table and foot stool at thrift shops. A few of the wall hangings and light fixtures were thrifted, as well as a bunch of other decorative items. I love mixing new things with old pieces.

Click here to see the rest of Sara’s home.

4. Five Friends, One Amazing Brooklyn Apartment

Meet Zach, Helene, Larry, Erin and CJ. Five creative friends who moved to NYC after graduating from Indiana University.

They landed this loft style apartment in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn — a beautiful neighborhood known for its great food, architecture and community.

According to Erin:

It took us about five days to decorate the apartment to look like this. We didn’t have internet installed during our first week, so we had to find some way to stay productive.

Click here to see the full tour.

Which budget-friendly home tour was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted 3 months ago by Amanda Raye

Lamps. Who knew they could do so much for a bedroom! If your bedroom needs a refresher, consider adding a unique, colorful, or shiny lamp to your bedside table.

Below are a few quick-fix options — all under $40 (insert salsa dancing emoji here).

1. Himalayan Salt Lamp

Love salt (who doesn’t)? If you’re a fan, then why not take it into the bedroom? This Himalayan salt lamp is extremely unique and simple. And this lamp doesn’t just look like the cooking staple, it’s actually real salt.

$34.00 via Urban Outfitters

2. Lime Green Lamp

So colorful, and so cheap! IKEA will always have your back when your home needs a stylish update.

$9.00 via IKEA 

3. Ultra-Modern

Here’s another IKEA must-have side lamp. It’s simple and bold at the same time.

$14.99 via IKEA

4. Ultra- Feminine

Not a fan of modern decor? Here’s a lamp that’s ultra-feminine and pretty. Perfect for the girl who has graduated from all-pink-everythang.

$31.99 via Target

5. Tiny Twinklings String Light Lamp

This lamp is gorgeous, affordable, and swoon worthy. What more could you want?

$21.99 via ModCloth

6. Punched Metal Lamp

Punched metal is a great way to add some Indian flair to your room. Plus, it’ll never go out of style.

$49.99 via World Market

Which lamp was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted 3 months ago by Emma Brown

Is your home starting to look tired and outdated? Are you low on cash this holiday season? Don’t panic! If you want to start 2015 with an improved abode, just check out our cost-effective decor guide below. There’s no need to put up with dull decor any longer!

Paint Old Furniture Yourself

Do you have old wooden furniture that you just don’t know what to do with? You should paint it yourself! This gives you the opportunity to create designer looking furniture like these Multiyork dining room sets. It’s so easy to do too!

Even if you have an old antique chair, you could re-upholster it to give it a new look. Your options are endless; you just need to get crafty.

Make Your Own Furniture

As well as re-painting your old furniture, you could also make your own furniture. By buying cheap furniture and then adding on to it with thick, expensive looking bits of wood you can build expensive looking pieces that no one else will have.

Pick a New Color

Simply pick a new color and paint the walls. The room will instantly look better! This can be any color you like, but remember that many people find it easier to decorate with neutrals. If you’re more of a pattern and color kind of person, you can mix those up too to create a funky look.

To save time and money, consider just painting one wall. Statement walls are all the rage!

Swap Your Accessories

Take a look at your accessories; are they a part of the problem? It could be time to swap them for newer, nicer accessories. This is a simple task but it could change the look of a room, especially if you use accessories made from different textures. Here are some textures you should consider using:

• Leather.
  Slate.
  Stone.
  Faux fur.
  Wood.
  Silk.
  Mosaics.
  Metallics.

Change Your Furniture Around

This is free and very easy to do! It’ll also give your place a fresh new look. There are apps out there that can help you to arrange your furniture in the best way possible, so you know you’ll have the maximum amount of space. You’ll get the most out of all of your rooms this way!

Add Some Quirky Artwork

Quirky artwork is easy to come by and can instantly make a room look more vibrant. Hey, you could even get some for free if you give your kids the task of painting something for you!

Buy Fresh Flowers or Fruit

Fresh flowers and fruit instantly add life to the home. You’ll need to replace them fairly regularly, but it’s worth it for the color and smells that they can give!

Create a Feature Wall

My favorite; creating a feature wall! This is where you can really let your imagination shine through. Why not cover one wall in frames of different sizes and styles? You could even cover a wall in bricks, or add a fun wallpaper. Whatever you do, make it interesting!

Now you can give your home a stylish new look just in time for the new year!

Posted 3 months ago by Emma Brown

If you’re planning on sprucing up your bathroom, but you’re not flushed with cash, there are lots of little improvements you can make that won’t cost very much. From decorative touches here and there to low-cost alterations, let’s take a look at some cost-effective ways to get your bathroom looking great.

1. Give your bathroom a lick of paint – it won’t cost much, and it will make the whole room look much brighter and fresher.

2. If you have a wooden floor, sand it down and re-varnish it — or paint it another color entirely.

3. Declutter surfaces to make the room look bigger — put toiletries into cupboards or invest in some storage units below the sink.

Photo Credit

4. Buy some new towels – choose colors that coordinate with your walls or bathroom furniture.

5. Shower baths can free up valuable space and cost less than you think.

6. Add a glass bowl with floating candles in it (if you have room) to add warmth.

7. Put some hooks on the back of your bathroom door for towels, or for your clothing while you’re in the shower or bath.

8. Fill a glass jar or container with brightly colored glass beads – or shells you have collected.

9. Change your towel rail, toilet roll holder, and taps to a more modern style.

10. If you have children, avoid clutter by assigning them their own pretty storage basket.

11. Replace your shower curtain.

12. Buy a new bath mat.

13. Add some artwork if you have enough space, but be careful if your bathroom gets very steamy.

14. Change the knobs or handles on any cupboards or cabinets – you can find some very pretty ones online.

15. Tile the countertop around the sink – you can opt for a bright color to liven the room up or mix and match different colors.

16. Change a traditional square or rectangular bathroom for a corner one to free up space.

17. For a quirky look, make your own wallpaper using pages from vintage magazines by just pasting them to the walls.

18. Swap a traditional opening door for a sliding one – then you can use the space behind the door for a shelf.

19. Buy a new mirror from a thrift shop or flea market for a vintage look.

20. Change your light shade to something more interesting – maybe even a chandelier.

21. Replace your curtains or blinds, or swap them for wooden shutters.

22. Buy a new funky toilet seat to add a splash of color and create a talking point.

23. Install a floating shelf above the toilet for additional storage space or some plants.

24. Scent diffusers are attractive and can help to keep the room smelling fresh too.

Photo Credit

25. Update your counter accessories such as your soap dispenser and toothbrush holder.

26. Add in a fun sculptural item or two.

27. Add a table lamp if you have room to create ambience.

28. Consider painting a mural on one wall for a unique look and feel.

29. Freshen any grouting around your tiles by using an old toothbrush and some baking soda.

30. Add fresh flowers to make the room smell great.

31.Replace your shower-head.

I hope this has given you lots of ideas and inspiration about how to rejuvenate your bathroom without having to splash out lots of cash. It doesn’t have to take a lot of money to make things look great, just a bit of time and imagination!

Posted 7 months ago by Amanda Raye

Don’t think pillows can make your day? Think again. Fashion is a great way to cheer up, but decor and interior design can be even more powerful — both have the ability to brighten your day, and bring you down. But even budget decor havens such as Ikea can break the bank.

So, if your abode has been making you feel blah lately, don’t fret. All you need to add is a pillow! Below are six fun pillows under $45 that have the power to put a smile on your face every morning and night.

We’re serious!

1. Hippie Kitty Pillow

This pillow from Zara Terez will not only make you smile, it’ll make you laugh too! How can you not? It’s a borderline psychedelic pillow with a kitten on it. Aww!

This company doesn’t just stop at cute cats either. You can get a pillow with pizza, unicorns and even emojis on it!

$40.00

2. Happy Goat Pillow

This Etsy seller has an array of photographs that have been transferred onto pillows. Out of the array of photos, this happy goat image really stuck out.

Don’t you just want to close your eyes and smile like the goat?

$45.00

3. Leonardo Dicaprio Pillow

Thought you could only wake up next to Leo in your dreams? Nope, this is real girl.

$20.00

4. Beyonce Pillow

Yes, you did wake up like that…

$20.00

5. Colorful Pillow

Color makes everyone happy! Right? If brights make you smile, you should consider a pillow from either Crystal Walen or Bianca Green. Both designers know a thing or two about color.

$20.00

6. Inspirational Pillow

Everyone needs a good vibe or two in the a.m. and right before bed. How about “Get it Girl” or “Work Hard, Stay Humble” for an extra push?

$38.00

Which pillow was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted 10 months ago by Amanda Raye

How you choose to decorate your home and surroundings can really determine your mindset and well-being. Decor has the power to inspire you, energize you, calm you, and even make you happy or sad.

Putting a bright pillow or throw on your couch can give you great energy, while a pillow or throw in a more muted color can relax and soothe you. If you’re trying to revamp your home in order to create a more positive environment, don’t feel you have to spend a ton of money!

Below are five super rad decor items from BRIKA, a curated online shopping site that celebrates American makers, artisans, and designers. These items will make you look like a design connoisseur without the snoot or price tag.

1. Tribal Cross Pillow

A fun throw pillow like this one is the perfect home accessory to brighten up any room. Each shape is hand-painted, traced and cut by Caitlin Parker, the Maker behind Bright July.

$55.00

2. Bonita Lucite Tray

Bonita, which means pretty or nice in Spanish and Portuguese, is the perfect name for this pattern. Not only is it feminine and fun, it also has a retro feel that reminds us of that unforgettable wallpaper in our Grandma’s kitchen circa 1978.

Put it on your coffee table or couch side table and display your knick knacks in style!

$58.00

3. Pink + White 7 Inch Bowl

We can’t decide whether this Wind & Willow bowl is more household item or work of modern art! Use it as a fruit bowl in your kitchen to add some color to your counter tops, or use it as a phone holder in your bedroom.

$35.00

4. Anything is Possible Print

We can all use a little inspiration now and then! Monorail’s beautiful inspirational quotes are the perfect addition to any room.

$18.00

5. Pink Ombre Vase

Fresh cut flowers are tops when it comes to instantly brightening up a room, but this Exclusive Carriage Oak Cottage + BRIKA Pink Ombre Vase is a (very) close second. Imagine how beautiful a space would look if they were combined together?

$22.00

Which decor item is your favorite? Let us know in the comment below!

Posted 1 year ago by Amanda Raye

Wallpaper? Yup! That “old school” stuff is coming back in a fun way. Think less grandma and more trendy young couple from Stockholm.

If you’re itching to update your space for spring, wallpaper maybe just what you need. CB2, Crate and Barrel’s modern sister store is launching their first wallpaper line at the end of the month! All the prints are affordable and extremely refreshing.

To save some dough, we recommend you wallpaper one wall of a room. It’ll add color and will give your space that modern sleek look you’ve been craving.

These wallpapers range from $99-$135 a roll and will be available in stores starting January 30th.Which one was your favorite? Let us know know in the comments below!

Posted 2 years ago by Amanda Raye

Low on funds, but feel your home and closet need a makeover? Duct tape might just be your saving grace, because Scotch now sells it in fancy patterns and colors! Adiós dull metallic grey.

Below are eight things we bet you didn’t know you could do with duct tape:

1. Make a Coffee Sleeve

Who knew? Just follow this easy tutorial here.

2. Decorate Boring Candles

Bored with your white candles that are on top of your mantle or dresser? Just add duct tape in the color or pattern of your choice for a brand new look!

3. Revamp Old Ballet Flats

Transform your ballet flats by using a fun color or pattern of duct tape. If you’re extra girly, add a fashion forward bow for a fun style statement.

Instructions for Ballet Flats:

1. Choose the colors and/or patterns you’d like to transform and decorate your ballet flats.

2. Cut a 6” long piece of Scotch Pattern duct tape and place the tip on an edge of a desk or craft station.

3. Place tape strip lengthwise on the side of the flat, trimming edges and pressing firm to ensure the tape adheres.

4. Repeat step 3 once or twice more to cover entire flat.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for other flat in pair.

6. Slip on ballet flats and smile at your new style!

Instructions for Bow:

1. Choose the colors and/or patterns you’d like to create your stylish bow.

2. Cut two strips of Scotch duct tape that are the same size. Any size will do – you choose.

3. Place the strips on top of each other, sticky sides together. Round the edges if you’d like by trimming off the corners.

4. Repeat step 3 then place the two resulting pieces of tape together.

5. Cut a smaller, narrow strip of tape for the center of the bow.

6. Pinch the center of each side of the tape to meet in the middle and then wrap your small strip of tape around to secure it.

7. Optional: Continue your stylish makeover by adding a bow to each ballet flat.

4. Make a Wallet

Didn’t you always want a duct tape wallet as a kid? I did!

Instructions for Wallet:

1. Choose the colors and/or patterns you’d like to use to craft and decorate your wallet.

2. Cut two 7” long pieces of Scotch Pattern duct tape and separately place adhesive-side up on your flat work surface.

3. Slightly overlap the second piece of tape over the first.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have four strips overlapping.

5. Turn the sheet sideways so the strips run vertically across your flat work surface.

6. Cut a strip to lay across the adhesive-side up strips. Start at the top and repeat, working your way down.

7. Being sure to overlap the edges, continue laying step 6 strips adhesive-side down until all of the step 4 strips are covered. Trim off the edges.

8. Fold the wallet in half so the shorter sides line up evenly.

9. Keeping the wallet in the folded position, trim any excess and tape the other side.

10. Optional: Continue your stylish makeover by adding a bow to your new wallet.

5. Decorate an Old Vase

Have one too many clear vases under your sink? Adding fancy duct tape to one of them will make everyone do a double take at your dining room table!

6. Make Office Containers

Does your work desk lack a pen/pencil holder? Take a can that’s sitting in your recycle bin or an old jar and cover it with some duct tape! Be even more fancy by adding fun designs to your boring brown clip board.

7. Update your iPad Case

This one’s so simple. Simply add a strip (or two) of your favorite pattern to your case. This also works with iPhone and laptop cases.

8. Cover an Old Cosmetic Case

Don’t throw it away, just cover it up!

Find this fancy new duct tape at your local office supply store! Which one of these are you dying to try? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted 2 years ago by Amanda Raye

Wall collages are super trendy at the moment. They can give your home that “I paid for an interior designer” feel, without actually having to hire one. And believe it or not, they aren’t pricey!

Unfortunately, many people are scared of them because they look difficult — but they aren’t! Below are a few tips so you can start hanging:

1. Figure out the look you’re going for

If you want a “put together look” like the image above, definitely get all your work framed. I recommend going to a thrift store, as they usually have an over-load of frames. You might also find a few pictures or painting less than $10 that you’ll want to add to your colleciton!

If you want an edgy look, hang your photos up with letter clips.

2. Figure out what you want displayed

Gather all of your favorite paintings, photos and posters. If you don’t have much, I recommend going to Graphic Fairy and printing some out. It cost me only $20 to get over 15 images printed out in color at Fedex!

In order to get that wall collage look, you’re going to need to hang up at least three items.

3. Gather your supplies

• Hammer
• Nails
• Small Letter Clips
• Large Letter Clips
• Leveler for framed images

4. Collage them on a floor first

Once you’ve gathered all of your supplies, start collaging them how you think you want them on your wall…on your floor. That way there won’t be any surprises and unnecessary holes in the wall once you start hanging them up.

I recommend you start in the middle and work your way out. My middle piece was a heart mirror I got from Ikea a few years back. Once that was in place, I built my collage around it.

This is a rough draft and will most likely take a while since you’ll keep rearranging everything until the fit is perfect.

5. Hang them up

You might want a friend to help you with this, especially if you’re standing on a ladder or chair.

6. Final look

This is the final look of my living room wall collage! I decided to use a lot of images in order to add color since we’re aren’t allowed to paint.

Do you have a wall collage in your home? Submit your photos to hey@brokeandchic.com for a possible feature!

Posted 2 years ago by Amanda Raye

Meet Salt Lake City-based Sara Charlesworth, the voice behind lifestyle blog Chalk White Arrow. We at Broke & Chic are huge fans of her budget style, beautiful photos and great eye for decor.

Sara’s home has recently been nominated for best home design on Apartment Therapy. Way to go Sara!

Check out her amazing home as well as our Q&A where she dishes her decor secrets!

• Bed Frame: $60
• Dresser: $300 Ikea
• Clothing Rack: $20 Ikea
• Side Table: $150 at a local boutique
• Comforter: $90 West Elm
• Map Above Dresser: $39 Urban Outfitters
• Light Above Nightstand: $4 Urban Outfitters (She then tied the yarn on the edges)

Broke & Chic: How did you get your inspiration? 

Sara: I knew I wanted the house to reflect a definite style. I would find an item I knew I wanted to use in each room that I really liked; whether that was a piece of art, a light fixture, or even just a pillow, and then build from there.

Did you get any of your stuff from thrift shops?

Yes! We found both our coffee table and foot stool at thrift shops. A few of the wall hangings and light fixtures were thrifted, as well as a bunch of other decorative items. I love mixing new things with old pieces to give a well-rounded, eclectic, mid-century modern feel (if that makes any sense).

Moving is never fun. How long did it take you to get your new place the way you wanted it?

Seriously, so much longer than I excepted. Between painting all of the walls and ceilings white, organizing and finding all of our things, waiting for some new furniture and getting the whole place settled and put together, I would say it was a good 3-4 months before I finally felt like we had finished.

• Couch: $1,200 Restoration Hardware
• White Chair: $0 (she had it since she was a kid)
• Coffee Table: $90 thrifted
• Foot Stool: $45 thrifted
• Brown Chair: $150 Paisley Pomegranate
• Credenza: $1,400 Thrive Furniture
• Rug: $600 Dwell Studio
• Lamp: $30 Ikea
• Lights over Credenza: $90 for the pair at Paisley Pomegranate

In your picture frame collage, where are the photos and frames from?

Honestly, most of the frames are from Target and Ikea. The photos are randoms I have collected over the years. Some are from small Etsy stores, a lot of them are photos I have taken on my own (family photos and vacation spots) or inspirational quotes I liked and had printed.

• Dining Table: $200 Ikea
• Chairs: $240 for the set on Amazon
• Rug: $250 Ikea

We love the black paint and chalk board wall! Was it difficult to do?

No! It was really extremely simple and on our smallish walls it only took me (by myself) a few hours to complete. It goes on fairly easy and drys pretty quickly. The only difficult part was that it tended to splatter when rolling it on the wall. I would recommend using a good drop cloth and wearing grungy clothes.

• Desk: $100 Ikea
• Rug: $250 West Elm

What advice would you give someone who’s on a budget, but wants to re-decorate their home?

Shop around. Visit thrift shops first. Make places like Ikea and Target your friend, however, don’t purchase something just because it is inexpensive.

If there is a quality item (furniture, decor, etc) that you can see yourself using for years to come, I recommend taking more time saving up for that instead of settling for a less expensive piece you’ll replace a year later. We made this mistake so many times, and in the long run we ended up paying so much more than we would have if we had just purchased the item we loved in the first place.

What was your favorite room in Sara’s home? Let us know in the comments below!

 Read More:

• Budget Decor: Paul and Evi’s Modern Amsterdam Apartment
• 7 Design Tricks To Make A Small Room Appear Larger
• Budget Decor: 5 Friends, New City, One Amazing Apartment

Posted 2 years ago by Michelle Obrien

People are crafty and love to share their unique ideas and experiences. Whether you’re decorating your bedroom in your new home, or want to freshen up your current one, there’s nothing to spark your inspiration better than getting ideas from others. From rugs to lighting and blinds, a few small changes can create a completely different feel to any environment. No matter how much or how little space you’re working with, you can use these ideas to transform your space into a room that you enjoy being in. Here are three ideas to get you started:

1. Go Monochromatic

You probably know that wearing all of one color from head to toe gives you the appearance of looking slimmer; but did you also know a monochromatic color scheme is a great way to decorate your room? While you shouldn’t decorate your room completely in light aubergine (shades of purple), sticking to the same color family will do a lot for your room. The smaller pool of options will also make choosing items easier, especially if you’re a person who gets overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available.

2. Open the Room Up

If your room is on the small side, keeping it as free of furniture and clutter as possible is the easiest way to make the room look several square feet larger. A cluttered room makes for a cluttered mind, and your room should be a place of solace. Indiscriminately purge your room to get rid of all non-essentials. If you can’t bear to part with family heirloom furniture and sentimental items, look into the pricing of storage space units to keep non-essentials safe and out of the way.

To make your bedroom look larger and more inviting, DesignSense.com suggests putting the bed against the wall opposite of the door. If you can’t do that, then leave as large of a walkway as possible between the bed and the door to give the illusion that there’s more space than actually exists.

Consider hanging your television on the wall, if it isn’t there already. This will allow you to remove the table or dresser on which it was sitting, adding more space to your room. You can easily put your clothing into the closet by using any one of the multiple shelving and storage space solutions that are available. If you don’t have closets, or they aren’t large enough, choose the tallest wardrobe or armoire that will fit in your room. This will make the ceiling seem higher than it is. Finally, use lights that mount on the walls, rather than floor lamps, as they don’t take up precious floor space.

3. Copy Luxe Hotels

A night at a posh hotel always seems to give a person a sense of peace, calmness and bliss. You probably wish that your budget would allow you to permanently move into one of those beautiful rooms. The good news is that you can copy their looks from photos of hotels that you see in magazines, online or booking a room.

One of the tricks that hotels use to give a crisp and clean look is to cover the bed with top-quality white linens. Opt for pima or Egyptian cotton and get a thread count that’s over 300. Place an abundance of pillows on your bed, adding a few in accent colors or patterns to spice up the mix. Add storage options so that your clothes and belongings can be kept out of sight, to give the room an airy, uncluttered look, suggests CasaSugar.com.

Egyptian cotton and 300-thread count sheets are expensive, but we at Broke & Chic believe we need to prioritize needs versus wants. We want ten new outfits from Forever 21, but we need a comfortable bed more. Why? Because you spend 8-9 hours a day in there. How you sleep at night can dictate the type of person you’ll be during the day. Definitely save on trendy clothing, and splurge on things such as nice bedding and comfortable shoes.

Another idea is to take some hints from hotel bathrooms (if your bedroom happens to have an adjoining bathroom).  One great tip is to install medicine cabinets above your sink vanity where you would typically hang a mirror.  This gives you a ton of storage in the bathroom for make up, hair tools, and skincare products. The less clutter the better!

As you go about redoing your room, make sure that you absolutely love what you’re doing. It’s important that, above all else, you feel comfortable because that’s where you’ll spend most of your time relaxing and sleeping. You are the queen of your castle, so use these home decor ideas as inspiration to create your own designs.