Wow, this living room got an EXTREME MAKEOVER ON A SMALL BUDGET! We re-did this complete makeover for UNDER $1000 (full budget breakdown is below). I moved in with my boyfriend about a year ago and have been working on making this house a home! When I first moved in, I had so many ideas on what I could do to makeover this space. It was like a blank canvas to me. Brandons house has so much potential that if I had my way, it would look completely different than it does. But, I’m only allowed to do certain things at his house and I respect that. He wasn’t really willing to let me do whatever I wanted so we started off by talking about the changes I wanted to make. He wasn’t really on board with it ether. So, I created an eDesign that way he could visually picture what I wanted to do. We discussed what we both liked. Then I had to figure out lots of DIY’s to get what I wanted-on a budget because he wasn’t helping me out financially with any of this and that was part of the agreement. I still have a lot more to do, but it is a huge transformation from what it was. Here are some before photos…
Sometimes I feel like we haven’t done much in this living room because it’s been a slow process, but then I’m reminded of pictures like this of what it looked like before. I didn’t get a ton of before photos, but I did my best to find what I could.
Another view of the room.
I put together a design board before we got started to make sure we were both on the same page. I wanted to make sure we both had the same directions for the vibe of the room.
The first thing we did was transform the fireplace. The previous fireplace was short in comparison with the wall/ceilings. We have really tall ceilings and I wanted to bring the eyes up. So the first thing we did was transform the fireplace using Airstone. You can view a DIY Airstone complete tutorial here.
The green paint color is on Sherwin Williams – Shade Grown.
On the other wall, we used Sherwin Williams – Dapper Tan.It’s amazing how big of a difference paint makes. I feel like painting is one the cheapest and easiest ways to transform your space instantly!
I made these DIY photo ledges out of scrap wood so this didn’t cost me anything. I am not completely 100% happy with how this wall looks. I think I am going to get a really big family photo blown up and put some wall lights on the wall as well. BUT this project didn’t cost me anything and it added something on the wall for now. You can make these photo ledges for less than $10 and customize them however you want.
I purchased these bookshelves because they are so tall, they fit the space much better than the smaller cabinets. Lots of room for storage and all of our music equipment and decor. I just put everything on the shelves that were in the cabinets. I’m going to be styling these bookshelves (on a budget) soon-so stayed tuned for that.
This room needed more lighting. Initially, I wanted to add recessed lighting, but because our wood beams are solid-that wasn’t an option. I wanted overhead lighting, not only because it was needed, but again, to draw the eyes up. I went with using these string lights and put them on a dimmer. It was a great addition because not only did it give us more lighting, but it gives off some a beautiful ambience the to room making it feel warm and cozy.
I took off the vinyl blinds that were on the sliding glass doors and added curtains instead. I didn’t want anything too distracting from the fireplace, so I went with a monochromatic look using these curtains.
I DIY’d this mirror using 4 of these mirrors. I used wood glue and 1×2 strips of wood to secure them together on the back. I am going to frame them out with real wood eventually. A mirror of this size would have cost me hundreds of dollars, but this cost less than $70 to DIY.
I redecorated living room using the 18×18 pillows that came with the couch, and put these striped pillow covers on them. Finding the best deals online and using eBates for cash back. For the bigger pillows, I purchased these pillow inserts and these floral covers. I also got this rug at Target and I love it so much that I’m going to get a couple runners as well.
*Bonus* The hurricane vase that you see on the coffee table was made out of an old recycled caramel corn container and jute twine/sand from Dollar Tree. I filled it with a battery operated candle (Pottery Barn inspired).
I always love seeing a room come together with all the main pieces and the finishing touches.
It was so dark and boring. Definitely not reflective of our personalities! I knew I could make this house a home. Always look at what the house could be, not what it is.
We also removed the blinds from the window. We live out in the country so we already have privacy, and our plants needed the extra room. Sometimes I feel like we haven’t done much in this living room because it’s been a slow process, but then I’m reminded of pictures like this of what it looked like before.
I’ve heard so many people complain about a house only because they couldn’t see what it could be. Don’t get caught up on the details. You can always change paint colors, flooring, and decor. As long as the home has the features you like, and even if they don’t, you can create a home you truly love. Sometimes, you just have to get creative.
I’m going to frame this mirror out with some wood later on, but for a mirror this size-and only spending $60-I’m giving myself a major pat on the back for that one!
I’m not going to lie, when I first moved in here I was overwhelmed by all the things that needed to be done. But day by day, it’s getting closer to what I knew it always could be. And it’s not just about what it looks like, more importantly, it’s how it feels.
So like I said, we still have some more things to do like style the bookshelves, hang up a light above the tv, get some runners, secure cords, and we want to get a new sectional, but I’m really happy with how it’s coming together!
I love looking at transformations so I hope y’all enjoyed this. I’ll update this as we get more of the room in order. I’m really happy with how it’s all coming together! It’s been such a huge project, buying things here and there.
Full Budget Breakdown-
Materials:
Paint- $104
Paint supplies- $25
Airstone– Provided by Airstone
Airstone adhesive-$16.58 x3=$49.74
Plywood- $20
Custom mantle– $95
Total: $293.74
Decor-
20×20 Floral pillows– $19.79 x3= $59.37
Striped pillows– $11.99 x2 = $23.98
Lumbar striped pillow– $11.99
Curtains– $35.74 x2= $71.44
Pillow inserts– $28.99
Rug pad– $25.22
Rug– $139.99 -used coupon = $129.99
Bookshelves– $99.99 x2 = $199.98
String lights– $69.99
DIY Mirror– $14.99 x4 =$59.96
Total: $680.91
Grand total: $974.65
So we did it. We transformed the entire room for less than $1000 which still blows my mind that I could transform this huge room for under $5000.
