If you find yourself {once again} scrolling away on Pinterest wishing a bedroom makeover, it's time you take your decor enthusiasm into your own hands.

Image by Parker Gibbons

We all know that not everything is always as it seems — and this couldn't be more true when you're perusing through your Pinterest feed... for the thousandth time no less... where images of gorgeous and coordinated bedrooms send you green with design envy. SO let's take that enthusiasm and channel your inner decorator with these #5EasySteps to refresh your sleeping quarters in a weekend or less!

Foreword: Don't Break the Bank!

Before we get started — let's talk about your budget. I know, it's the LAST thing you want to be thinking about right now... but I promise you —it's worth talking about! Too often I found myself casually eyeing up the shelves at my local Homesense/Winners and literally fantasizing every piece of decor I fell in love with making its way into my home... whether I could afford to or not.

If you're anything like me, saying "no" to those adorable center pieces or faux-greenery potted plants can feel like a missed opportunity. But I can reassure you that after a great deal of discipline and years of practice saying "not yet" to those must-have items and stick to my allotted design budget has been FAR more rewarding. Gone are the days of wondering where the heck my grocery money went when I ended up with more month than paycheck... and a room full of frames, wicker baskets, and throw blankets.

That being said, if you're on track, ready, and FIRED UP to find those awesome deals to freshen up your space — let's get started!

1. WALLPAPER

Image by Livette's Wallpaper — Source: Etsy

Welcome back, Wallpaper! Nowadays, there are so many cute and modern ideas when considering your wallpaper selection, it truly has come a long way and needs a proper re-introduction. From self-adhesive styles (peel & stick) to traditional application, wallpapers are a great budget-friendly alternative to temporary living spaces (rentals anyone?) where painting is just not possible heck! or desired! Because wallpaper options come in multiple desirable designs and textures, your wall doesn't have to be the only one with a vinyl makeover: you can use it to give your old furniture, kitchen back splash, bathroom floors, or even your counter tops a little face lift!

**Be mindful of where you buy your products! In most cases, you get what you pay for.**

2. THROW PILLOWS / BLANKETS

Image by Taylor Hernandez

ie. LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS!

Bring on the throw pillows! I mean, is a bed truly made properly unless it has a variety of accent pillows? Ladies, as much as this may confuse our SO [significant others], we inherently understand that different pillows have different functions: there are the ones for sleeping, then there are the ones that bring joy and happy feelings to our insides, and then you throw a couple more — just for fun!

In all seriousness, pillows and throw blankets add that little extra pop of colour, texture, and layering to your bed/couch/chaise lounge that can be easily switched out depending on what style, season, or mood you're feeling. Want to embrace the beginning of fall? Bring in some warm yellows and cozy neutrals! Missing the days when you could travel (pre-COVID)? Add some themed pillows that remind you of your favorite places! Don't have space to store you're rotating pillow collection, just buy the covers!

3. PLANTS

Image by Patrick Perkins

Clearly there is a reason every Instagram, Pinterest, or Show-home pamphlet showcases tasteful greenery in their design choices. 1) Because it looks homey and 2) plants are incredibly budget friendly! Whether you're grabbing a little planter from the grocery store impulse section or going to your local greenhouse, a well-kept and looked-after plant can be a friend [and decor staple] made for life (or at least a couple years!). There is however one caveat about using live plants — choose your plant buddies wisely. Sunlight, temperature, humidity, watering needs and potential ingestion risk are all things you need to research before bringing any new green friends home. Got rambunctious kids or ferocious fur babies? No sweat! There are equally tasteful and elegant faux plants you can purchase that'll do the trick — minus all that maintenance.

4. AREA RUGS

Image by Timothy Buck

Another key design item making a comeback! Popularized in the 1840s, rugs intended for foot traffic have not only become an added element for comfort, but also a visual anchor for a space. In our modern day, don't be afraid to place with textures and cool patterns — let your personality shine! Whether you have carpet or hardwood already installed, area rugs can be an excellent decor piece that changes the entire vibe of your bedroom. Feeling exploratory? The principle of layering can apply here too! If you're looking for a accent piece on the super cheap end, I recommend checking out your local buy-and-sell groups, second hand stores, antique shops, and ask friends & family if they're retiring any pieces!

**Caution: Rug. Size. Matters. See chart below for reference.**

5. STORAGE, SEATING & SURFACES

Image by Mike Marquez

Space permitting, adding a bench, ottoman or storage unit at the foot of your bed can drastically alter your bedroom aesthetic — by simply rearranging existing furniture or purchasing new, this added design element upgrades your room from basic to functionally stylish! Similar to the area rug, adding a "foot-board" anchors the room, bringing your focus to the center instead of outward. Don't be afraid to get creative! Using step ladders for nightstands, painting over existing pieces, using your old TV stand at the foot of you bed for additional storage, are all great alternatives to headboards, hanging artwork, or fancy pillows! Benches (and other elements mentioned) offer a place for you to take a seat, kick your shoes off, and bask in all the hard work you've put into your newly refreshed space.

( Wallpaper — Layers — Pillows — Blankets — Plants — Storage — Seating )