Luxury Design You Can Afford: Bedroom Refresh

When I first started staging homes in 2012, I can remember running all over town on each project and painstakingly searching for the right items on a budget specific to each home. I knew all of the local Home Goods stores by heart; I’d spend the week prior to installation on a virtual treasure hunt. The goal was to take the homeowners’ current belongings, no matter the type or style and make it look like a professionally designed home, with one big caveat, spend as little money as possible! To say I learned a ton in those first three years is a massive understatement. I learned so much and the most valuable thing I learned is how to transition almost any space on a budget. Now, I get to share it with you! Here are my tips and tricks for designing or updating a master bedroom.

When designing any space, I always take inventory on which items I need to save on and which items I can splurge on; sometimes spending a little more on certain pieces really elevates the space and is well worth it. And sometimes you won’t be able to tell the difference. Knowing which items to save on might literally save you thousands of dollars. Luckily, many of the items we think we need to splurge on are actually offered at affordable prices at various retailers.

Number one, item to save on: headboard. 

You’ll want to pick a nice, neutral headboard. I love this upholstered adjustable headboard from Overstock. The best part? It comes in four colors and it’s under $100! You can get that minimal, high-class look for less - not to mention it’s bound to fit your home decor style no matter any transition or trend. 

Number two, item to splurge on: comforter. 

You’ll want to invest in a good comforter and decorative pillows of different patterns and sizes. Pottery Barn has fabulous, high-quality linen bedding. Bedding is the #1 item I would splurge on in any bedroom. Obviously comfort is key as good bedding can dramatically affect our all-important sleep! Good bedding can also completely elevate the entire room, create texture, interest and set the tone and feel of the room as most of the time the bed is the main focal point. A neutral grey or white bedding set will give you the luxury look while a basic quilt or coverlet from Home Goods is an inexpensive way to create a layered, finished look and also have an option for a lighter blanket when you are sleeping. Also, don’t underestimate making your bed in the mornings! It can make the whole house feel well made. 

Number three, item to save or splurge on: window treatments.

You have many options when it comes to window treatments. For most windows, with the exception of windows with plantation shutters, I always add a curtain rod and neutral sheers. For a midrange purchase, I love this gunmetal curtain rod and these linen curtains from West Elm. The rod is under $100 and comes in a wide assortment of metal finishes you can mix with your decor style and the linen curtains feel luxurious without being wildly expensive. For a very inexpensive option, Ikea has fabulous options as well! I typically go with their black rod option and white sheers. These small changes will make a huge difference in any room!

Number four, item to save and splurge on: accessories.

My favorite part, accessories!  I always design a more timeless & neutral foundation so that as my tastes, styles and day to day life evolves, I am able to bring in accessories to edit the room as needed. To add some color and interest, I love adding picture frames. My favorite frames are these floating frames from RH Modern. They also come in chic glass frames too. Adding decorative candles is also a quick and cheap way to accessorize a room. I love the Diptique candles because they’re sleek and they smell amazing; you can purchase them from Nordstrom. Trays are also a great way to not only organize a space but add style as well. I love these trays from CB2. Beaded garland is an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your window treatments. This garland from Etsy is one of my staples. Last but not least, for that high-fashion look, you’ll want to get some nice coffee table books. You can find a great variety on Amazon. One of my favorite inexpensive coffee table book is Allegra Hicks: An Element of Design. 

If you can splurge, a great way to bring a personal element into the home is to purchase a book about the town you met your spouse or got married, your favorite place to travel, your favorite musician, clothing brand or home town. Next time you’re on a trip and see an interesting coffee table book or decor object that speaks to you, buy it! This would be a very valuable splurge. Bringing objects into a space that have personal meaning makes all the difference in the world. It takes your space from having “stuff” in it to being personally designed. It also gives you a curated, collected look which are some of the foundations of high design. 

By implementing these tips, you’re sure to elevate your space and save money while doing so! These days, with interior design being so transitional, it’s hard to tell what’s high-end and what’s not. The products and resources are out there, we just have to do a little digging! I can’t wait to see all that you come up with. Use the hashtag #NicholeStoryMakeOver for a chance to be featured on my social media and blog! 

Happy re-designing! 

Best, 

Nichole Story