Quick Fixes...

Ok ladies, I know we're all trying to cut back and watch how we spend our money...this idea Sofia shared had such an instant impact and cost only $9.99! Have you heard of bed risers? I had, but never though to use them. It was the first thing we did to both of the kids beds. The risers lift the bed up by 5 inches and allows dust ruffles to hang correctly and not drag on the floor, as well as give the bed more presence in the room. Until we get paint colors worked out, she had several quick fixes that were easy and inexpensive to bring color to walls and the room. If you don't have risers on your beds, run don't walk to your nearest Bed, Bath, and Beyond and pick up a
set! :-)

Cute valances are a solid color since Ashlyn has a very busy room on the other side. We got this particular style to hide the shades underneath since the tan color doesn't go with her pink and purple kitty theme. Valances are from Target...inexpensive for a room that will likely change several times as Ashlyn grows.

Another quick fix for a big wall are barn stars! Again, we don't have a color on Kyle's walls yet, and until we decide, the stars are a big impact item! You can paint them black, cream, etc...and they have a fun "Pottery Barn" look for a fraction of the price! (The little stars were $5.30 and the big 30 in. star $22 at "Real Deals!")


Kyle's bed on risers...

Another idea...

Do you see the "suitcases" on the floor? Well, we bought three of them. I am moving these all around, but once we sell a chair in the family room to make room for them, we will stack all three and make them into a side table and place a lamp on top! Ashlyn is using the trunk, which isn't in the photo, to store her writing journals so they are in the family room, but out of the way when she isn't using them. I've already found 3 potential homes for these and wanted to share the idea. Trunks, boxes, and suitcases are neat decorative elements. If you shop the house they are free! The smallest of these was $18 and the biggest $40. Surprisingly they are heavy, well made, and look much heartier than their lean price!

We're waiting on a black kitchen table set to expand on the french country theme I want to recreate, so there are 5 paint choices on the wall and a sample valance I'm experimenting with. Do you see the cute chandelier? Sofia suggested changing our simple silver one for this more interesting light fixure that will match the kitchen theme. There are beautiful ones for $500 plus, but this cutie cost $88 at Lowes! Not bad for a big impact!


Fun find...the neat clock is leather looking and matches the new leather chair we used in the living room. This 'alcove' will be painted a darker color than the rest of the walls. Those of you that know me, know that I have a clock obsession! If I could, I would talk Tom into letting me have a "Clock Wall!" I love clocks with faces and roman numerals and have them everywhere...I have yet to meet a clock I didn't like! HA HA


"Shopping" the house and rearranging accessories is such a great way to change things around for FREE!

If you are ready for a change and don't want to spend a fortune, I recommend bed risers, barn stars, and new lighting. Move things around from room to room and redesign a space...you'll be happy you did and the change will do your heart good. It sure did mine! :-)