Easy Bedroom Refresh - Top Tips for a cheap and easy Bedroom Makeover
It has been a long and cold winter, and the consensus seems to be that no one has escaped this cold and flu season untouched. As a parent to a young child in daycare, I have undoubtedly caught every bug that has gone around and have spent far more time than I’d like to admit locked in my bedroom with a high bun and trackies. If you’ve had a similar experience this winter, just like how I desperately need a new track pant-free look, I bet your bedroom could also do with a little makeover!
For a minimal cost and with a little time and effort, you can eliminate those winter dungeon feelings and welcome in the fresh, new season vibes. So, on this first day of Spring, ditch the trackies, shake out your hair and read on for my top tips to achieve a cheap and easy bedroom refresh!
Clean and Declutter
Ok, this one is a little unsexy but oh so important. Deep cleaning and decluttering is the number one way to freshen up a bedroom, and the best part is it costs you virtually nothing. After months of chilly weather your bedroom has likely been closed up a lot of the time, and for those along the east coast, the very wet first 6 months of the year might mean you have some mould making an appearance. Mould is not only unappealing to look at, it’s also bad for your health so make sure you spend the time to get on top of any mould problems early.
Once mould has been taken care of, deep clean bedding, curtains, carpet and horizontal surfaces, declutter and organise bedside tables, and donate any clothing you no longer wear. The feeling of a clean and clutter-free bedroom is hard to beat and with this out of the way, you are now free to focus on the more fun aspects of refreshing your bedroom!
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Paint really has a way of transforming a space like nothing else can. And for a low overhead and only moderate amount of effort, it is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to update and refresh a space. The bedroom should be a place of rest and one way to encourage this is through your colour choices, so for bedroom walls I generally advise to choose either a neutral white / beige / grey or, if you are after a bit of colour, choose something soft and calming, such as sage green.
With DIY painting jobs, preparation is key! To ensure you end up with a great finish be sure to first clean your walls with warm water and sugar soap, tape along edges with a quality painter’s tape and use drop sheets to protect your flooring. And don’t forget to ensure you have plenty of ventilation.
Update Mattress and Bedding
Nothing beats the feeling of sliding into a bed with crisp new sheets. To change up the look of your bedroom and encourage a great night sleep, consider updating your bedding. For overall health, your number one investment should be a quality, supportive mattress, so if you only have the funds to change one thing, then a mattress should be the top of your list.
If you already have a suitable mattress then have some fun with new bedding, throws and decorative cushions. This really is one area where you can easily experiment with colour, texture and pattern. Don’t be afraid to try bold colour or patterns. A neutral bed can instantly be updated with cushions and throws in this season’s colours.
If you have a little more budget and want to achieve a luxe feel, consider investing in some linen bedding or upgrade to an upholstered headboard. These little touches of luxury will give you that hotel feeling in your own home.
Update your Décor
Updating a few décor pieces is one of the quickest and simplest ways to make a room feel brand new, and with several budget friendly stores offering on-trend homewares, this can be achieved without breaking the bank.
Try adding a new rug or layer a couple pieces of artwork on a shelf. Infuse the air with the scent of a new candle or lean a mirror against a wall to bounce extra light around the room. A few simple items can make a big difference to how the space feels, but be sure to keep horizontal surfaces free from too many items so that the room remains uncluttered.
If you are thinking about adding lighting, consider using wall sconces instead of bedside lamps to leave bedside tables open for use. If you don’t have a place for hardwired wall lighting, consider plug in or battery-operated lighting.
A Splash of Greenery
Lastly, introduce a touch of nature into your room with greenery. Plants naturally lift any space and have the added benefit of cleaning the air. Plants also improve mood, reduce stress and increase feelings of peace. In fact, studies have shown that interacting with plants suppress the fight-or-flight response that our bodies produce when we sense distress signals. Similarly, in a study conducted during pandemic stay-at-home orders, participants who had indoor plants experienced “significantly fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who did not. Being surrounded by houseplants led to feelings of “being away” from social or physical demands.”
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/06/how-houseplants-can-boost-your-mood/)
Don’t want the commitment to keep real plants alive? Don’t worry, faux plants can also work a treat and there are some relatively realistic looking versions on the market now.
Alternatively, a few stems cut from your garden can also provide a fresh feeling.
Still feeling a little lost when it comes to decorating your home? Don’t worry as we are here to help! Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with your project, big or small.