Redecorating a Room on a Budget

I'm embarrassed to even show you what this room looked like before. Woman-less. Boring. And for some reason, it never really bothered me.  In the closet I had unpacked boxes overflowing with 5 year old decorations that have outgrown my taste... I need to clarify. These are newly-married, poor-student, fit for our 1st 500 sq ft studio apartment decorations. And so, why bother decorating? Let it be, I lazily thought. Too much effort and not much wiggle room in the budget.

And then the visions and crafty obsessions made their way back into my heart. I love DIY designs, so I got creative with what ugly decor I had using Pinterest and lots of paint.

I chose SW Gray Clouds for this room. I didn't want the grey to have much of any undertone. I wanted a pure gray.

In the photo above, on the left at the top is Comfort Gray--too green. The bottom paint sample was Revere Pewter-- too beige.

The gray paint color here in Savannah's nursery has a pink undertone.

The gray paint color here in our master bedroom has a blue undertone.

Instead of replacing this outdated fan, I slipped out the blades and painted them white with some paint I already had.

This sweet boy's Honey-Do list was out of this world. He was such a good little helper. I'm grateful that he was almost just as excited to spruce up this room as I was.

Measured, cut, primed, and painted the crown molding.

And up they went! Painted and edged. The painting never stops, I tell ya

The Hunnybuns and I were lots of help during this part...

And then I did a true labor of love and made the ruffled curtains using queen bed sheets. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without my mom's sewing expertise and patience... THANK YOU! 

I found my inspiration on Pinterest. I wanted the curtains to be crisp white but wasn't sure how I felt about having so much sun come through when we enjoyed so much having our previous blackout curtains. And so, instead of sewing the ruffles to another white sheet, I attached them to blackout lining that I picked up from Joann's. Too many hours of measuring, sewing, ruffling, and trimming off the extra threads. I can't tell you if I would do it again, but I am glad it is done and over with. I love them so much! Calm your hearts... the photo is at the bottom ;-)

Aaron's English cousin Becky drew this gorgeous picture of us. She did it in about 30 minutes while looking at an engagement photo on Aaron's phone. Her talent is unbelievable. I painted the matting and frame to update the look.

Breyers Oreo Birthday Blast is unbelievably addicting and the best crafting buddy. Ever. I finished the whole tub. 

Anyways, I found some unfinished wood plaques at Hobby Lobby and used some scrapbook paper that I had on hand to make some cute artwork. I also spray-painted in an aqua-green color some 5x7 frames that I found at Target for .86 a piece. I added the gorgeous maternity/newborn photos taken by Kylie C. If you're needing some beautiful photos in the DFW area, she is the best!

We received a signed copy of the Houston, Tx Temple from Aaron's Nannie when we were first married. It's a beautiful temple. 

Last project! Our neighborhood offers a weekly front yard trash pick-up service. On our way to church, I saw a couple bathroom vanities that were ready to be disposed of. And so you know I had Aaron grab his power drill and sneak on over to take the cabinet doors off. 

I used some paint, primer, and gel stain that I already had. I added a few photos using some mini clothespins from a previous project. I drilled a few holes and hung them by the back of the ribbon bow. You can't beat practically free :)

Ta Da!

Isn't she lovely?! I sure think so... I added a few aqua and orange pillows. I used the no-sew method on Pinterest but I'm definitely going to have to sew them. Delicately wrapped around the pillow, these won't be able to hold their own on my child's stomping grounds.

Yours truly, Me