Three Cheap and Easy Decor Ideas That Will Change Your Space

Today I thought we would have a little chat about three cheap and easy decor ideas that will change your space and maybe even change your life.  Okay, okay, changing your life might be overly dramatic, but in essence, these projects changed my life in a big way (more on that later).

1.  Line a tray with wrapping paper

I love my converted Lego tray (this used to be my boys’ Lego play tray I converted into a coffee table tray).  It was such an easy project to build and paint, but if you don’t feel like doing a little DIY you could simply look for a square or rectangular tray in any home decor store.  I simply measure and cut wrapping paper to lay in the tray for the seasons.  When the season is over, I cut a new piece of wrapping paper and lay it in the tray.  It’s a cheap and easy decor idea with a big impact.   Plus, a big bonus is that you end up always having cute wrapping paper on hand when you have to wrap up a gift so it’s like a two-for.  I look for cute wrapping paper all over, but my best hunting spots have been T.J. Maxx, Target’s dollar spot, and Michael’s “dollar spot”.   You can see what I did in the different seasons below.

Summer

Spring

Fall

Winter

2.  Pillows, pillows, pillows

I’m currently in a love/hate relationship with pillows.  I love how they can change a room quickly, but I’m not a big fan of pillows all over my floor.  My kids use the pillows daily to lay on, build forts with, and use as pillow bombs.  Sometimes I even catch the dog moving my pillows to a more convenient spot for her to rest her little head on.  But at the end of the day, I don’t think a space looks complete without them.  Sort of like a necklace for an outfit.  My favorite way to use pillows is to only use pillows that have removable covers.  I’ve invested in some good down inserts and can change the look of the space with a yard of fabric and a few 16″ zippers.  Storing pillows can be a problem, but if you just you pillow covers, they’re easy to store flat and take up very little space.  I find ready to go pillows that usually have a zipper at T.J.Maxx quite a bit.  Other place to pick up pillow covers are West Elm, Pottery Barn, and even Hobby Lobby.

Before 

After

3.  Flowers

This is my favorite go to tip to change my space in a hurry.  If I have company coming, the first thing on my list is to pick up some flowers.  Flower arrangements or potted plants can really add texture to a space.  If you aren’t a “flower” person, think about displaying a seasonal plant.  I am a firm believer in the power of adding something living to every space.  Here are some ways I have used and displayed flowers and plants in my space.

For me, all these little projects has added up to a major change in my life.  I recently made a huge decision for myself and couldn’t be happier about it and really felt like I wanted to share it with all of you.  I stopped writing my dissertation.  I quit.  That’s right…quit.  I’m not embarrassed or ashamed though, because I decided to quit so I could really start pursuing my dream.  My dream of working in the field of interior decorating.  I share this with you, because you may find yourself stuck.   For me, I didn’t follow my dream of becoming an interior designer way back in college.  I was too afraid to move so far from home and instead went to a local college and majored in education because I was good at it.  I taught Sunday School and coached gymnastics and moving into education seemed like the “safe” decision for me.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy teaching and really love the work I do with kids.  But I’ve always found myself laying in bed at night dreaming of paint colors, furniture, fabrics, molding, flower arrangements, rugs, and hardware.

I’m here to say, “It’s never too late”.  I was trapped in a decision I made years ago.  How could I abandon a dissertation after I have spent so much time going to grad school and working on it?  Not to mention the money spent.  Would people think less of me for quitting?  What would my family and friends say?  How would I tell them?  In the end, my fear of other’s perceptions couldn’t compete with the passion I felt for living an authentic life.  It’s my life.  It was time I started living my dream.  How could I encourage my boys to live their dream and pursue their passion as a career when they grow up, if I don’t?  I want to be able to say to them, “Live the life you have always dreamed of, just like I did”.  Amazingly, my family and my boys have been so supportive.  My oldest has really taken an interest in my blog and my budding design business.  It’s an amazing feeling to have your child proud of you for your accomplishments.

I’m going to continue to teach.  Twenty-one years of teaching isn’t something I’m willing to just give up.  But, I am pursuing my design business in the local Amelia Island area on the side.  Living my dream doesn’t mean giving up everything else.  I’m just fitting my dream into my life.  It’s about time.

I hope in some way, sharing my story helps you in some way.  What is your dream?  Are you living it?