Happy New Year budget design friends!

As we launch ourselves into 2016, I’m sure each of us has spent time thinking about what we want the next 12 months to be like. What are you craving MORE of in life, and what powerful steps can you take (however small) to get/stay on that path? My theme this year? BRIGHTNESS. I want even more fun, light and liveliness in my world. And what better place to start than with a room makeover?

I started on Day One (literally, January 1st) by sprucing up my master bedroom. I’ve always loved the space-dark espresso floors, white walls and interesting angles. And while I really liked the Target suzani printed duvet I had originally chosen in shades of beige and gray with pops of orange, I was craving more brightness, pop, and femininity in the room.

Where do you start with a room re-do? The daunting task of STARTING is usually what stops people from undertaking anything new, but here’s my approach. I begin with the general mood I’m looking to create in a room and head out shopping. If I go with an overly-rigid idea of what I’m seeking (I simply MUST find a vintage looking raspberry-colored end table with a distressed finish and two drawers), it’s pretty much guaranteed that I’ll come up short. But by starting with a broader vision (I’d love to find an end table in a fun color that complements my navy blue sofa), it gives me a lot more room to maneuver, AND keeps me open to the awesome piece I would have otherwise completely passed by in my search. Helloooo modern end table in a fetching shade of green? I’m talkin’ about you!

But back to my original point: MOOD. After a rather muted bedroom palette (for me), bright and fun was on the agenda. Innocently browsing the aisles at Georgetown’s TJ Maxx/HomeGoods combo store, I literally stumbled on an amazing buy: a duvet cover with matching shams in a high-quality linen blend fabric. Easily worth $150, it was a steal at $39.99! Not only does the fabric have the bright colors I had in mind, it has an ikat look that I absolutely love. Plus, the orange in the fabric goes perfectly with the round orange storage bin/end table I already have. AND it’s a great fit with my existing white bed, dresser and end table. Score!!

Once I had found my main design inspiration in the duvet cover, next up was choosing a paint color that brings more brightness to my bedroom. I had already made the decision that I would only do an accent wall. A fully painted attic room could feel cramped and dark, so a nice bright wall to pop against all that white was precisely what I had in mind. But what color…have you seen the selection out there these days? I mean come on…they’ll match your favorite pomegranate if you bring it in!

Fortunately, having my chosen fabric in hand made the paint deliberations so much easier. Out of all the colors in the duvet, the blue/green stood out immediately, and we found a great match direct from the Benjamin Moore collection. Introducing…Paradise Blue!

I need a teeny brag moment for my design assistant (my mom) and I. We painted the wall in record time, and with NO TAPE. That is a first for both of us, and God bless quality paint brushes. With enough patience and a good cutting-in brush, pre-paint taping can be a thing of the past. All in, this paradise blue accent wall took 90 minutes, two coats and was under $40. [High-fiving myself]

Final touches make all the difference in a room, so don’t forget those all-important home accessories. I think most of us know that Etsy is a design playground offering everything from rustic to modern industrial pieces, and everything in between. I knew I wanted a gallery wall. Originally I had a set of inspirational quotes in mind, but then I came across an Etsy store (SublimeFresh) featuring graphic prints in silver/gold foil. Once I saw the fun choices that featured a darling mid-leap Doxie, a playful pineapple and a sassy silver crown (all three for $45, including shipping), I was hooked!

All in, this little re-do totaled $150. Perhaps I’ll invest in a new rug at some point, but for now the sisal one I’ve had since 2006 works well as a neutral anchor for the rest of the space. What you don’t see off-camera is some clutter I really need to get in check, but let’s tackle that together next time. For now, have a great afternoon, and have fun finding the fun/zen/bright in your home!

P.S. This room makeover has Andy Panda’s discriminating stamp of approval…