Wednesday, March 4, 2009

$300 Cinderblock Cottage Bedroom Re-design

Last week I blogged about a local re-design I was working on, and today, I have the "before and afters" to prove it! :-)

The makeover took place inside a small three room cinderblock cottage.

Just inside the front door is the bedroom, which is the room we worked on:


This is a rental, and my client doesn't know exactly how long she will live here, so she wanted to keep the budget under $300, spending the largest portion of it on things she could take with her if she moves.


Right off the bat, I didn't like how the TV Unit blocked one of the only two windows in the room:




...and the old, wobbly TV Unit really didn't offer any concealed storage space. Sure, she could have filled every single shelf with a million baskets. But I think that would have been just a liiiiiittle visually overwhelming in this small space. And it definitely wouldn't help our problem with the window being covered up.

So to make the best of the way this wall works, I visualized a set up more like this:



...so that we could let that window "do it's thing". I'm a hardcore natural light advocate, and I love to try and capture every single bit of it I can. It does wonders for the soul.


Our desk and bookcase search began at the Salvation Army. Where we spotted this bad boy, priced at just $5.00:




It doesn't look it, but it's probably the single heaviest piece of furniture I've ever attempted to lift. And my client and I shared moments together that no woman should ever have to experience while loading it in and out of the bed of my pickup truck.

After some light sanding, priming and a couple of coats of "Natural White" paint by Behr, it cleaned up pretty nicely...



...and new satin-nickel pulls on the drawers really freshened it up too.
I used faux grasscloth wallpaper as a liner on the bottom shelf to add some texture and durability to the piece.

The cute little baskets, with the navy and white stripes are from TJ Maxx. They offer so much bang for the buck. At $9.00 a piece, they add a huge amount of "coastal cottage" charm...




The two long baskets, on the floor underneath the desk, came from a flea market. They were $7.00 each, and work perfectly for holding CDs...



Some fresh flowers, purchased for $2.50 at Walmart, added a nice little pop of color to the desktop...



The lamp, purchased at HomeGoods for $29.99, helped reinforce our "stripe theme", and the little navy blue linen-covered box came from TJ Maxx for $3.99...



The effect a handwritten note can have on someone can be hugely therapeutic. The phrase on this one I left for her makes me smile every time...



The over-sized paperclip is from Pottery Barn.

Off to the left side of the desk, sitting on the floor, I placed this $4.00 wicker hamper, to hold a $2.50 navy blue throw blanket from Target, and my clients umbrella.
It's covers up an unsightly outlet...pretty sneaky, eh? :-)




On the window above the desk, we used a $7.00 bamboo blind from Target. We hung it way above the actual top of the window, to create the look of a taller window. We cut a $9.00 Walmart brand, king-sized bed sheet in half to create two curtain panels...



Right after we spotted the desk at the Salvation Army, we were fortunate enough to spy this guy, for $20:



It was hard to get one great shot of it, so I pieced this one together...


It fits so nicely behind the front door!
I filled it's shelves with some of my clients things, some "feel good" accessories, electronic equipment and a couple more of those baskets with the navy and white striped liners...


By the way, the Pottery Barn "Bathrooms" book is on clearance over at their website right now for $4.99. :-)



The old headboard and footboard were pretty much just taking up valuable inches in the room, and I thought we should take them back, pronto...



To create better symmetry, we covered the off-center window with a pair of old shutters my client bought for $20 at a Flea Market, flanked by another king-sized bed sheet, cut in half, as curtain panels...



Ideally, I'd love for her to go back to the Flea Market these came from, and buy another pair so that they can sit, side by side, in front of the curtain panels. Four of them would be the perfect width to act as a queen-size headboard. Maybe I can twist her arm. :-)



All of the bedding was pieced together from Target, Walmart and HomeGoods. We bought new sheets, throw pillows, pillow inserts and a duvet. Total cost: $74. Fresh, new look it gives the room: priceless.



The closet used to be a total eye sore...



But with the help of another king-sized bed sheet and a shower rod, all that visual chaos went bye-bye...

Some cheap frames from Walmart, showcase some of my clients black and white photos and give this place a pulse. Before, it was hard to tell who even lived here.

And on the last wall in the space, well, it was pretty non-descript before...



But there wasn't any more room in the budget to deck it out with shelves, or a bunch of art or accessories. So I mixed up some left over paint I had and created a huge amount of visual interest through vertical bands of two different colors of paint...



A $12 flea market find mirror was the final touch...



It was a whirlwind 2-day makeover, and I became best friends with my heating pad in the process, but I'm really happy with the improvements. I hope my client is too, and finds the space to be a more refreshing place to wake up, and a more calming place to end each day!

Layla

PS...My local one hour consulting fee is $95, so if you live close by and need some help- I'll be there in a jif! :-)

105 comments:

Kat said...

Layla you have created a delightful retreat. Your client has to be thrilled with your work.
I do love a thrifty makeover. Great job.

Kasey said...

Wow, what a pretty room now. Nice work!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

And I have been wondering where you have been! That transformation is harder than any large room-hands down! What an incredible job, Layla. Kudos to you, girl! I bet they are forever grateful.
~Mistil

Puttin' On The GRITS said...

Wow! Great job on such a limited budget! Such a cozy redo...

Unknown said...

Incredible!! It doesn't even look like the same room.

Amazing Job!

Darija said...

am I first? I love makeovers like this that do so much with so little. wonderful job. I'm sure your client is thrilled to pieces.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! The difference of night and day!! Beautiful and calming...great place to start and end each day!

Sharon

Laura Lynn said...

Layla - I can't believe how inexpensive (although a lot of work) this was and it turned out so great. Very inspirational, thanks!

Coty said...

Oh my, I lOVE it...you're amazing. I love the colors you picked; they really helped to brighten the room.
I love your blog...huge, huge fan!

Renee said...

Beautiful job, Ms. Layla!! Your client should be overjoyed.
drf :)

Amy Platon said...

WOW!!!!!!!
Bravo Layla!!
You REALLY were born to do this.
I think I'm gonna have to break down and get your feedback on my kitchen.
Nice work!

greenpenguin said...

Wow!
I really love this! Especially the desk/bookshelf makeover.

theveryflowers said...

This is awesome! What a makeover! I hope you gave yourself a pretty big pat on the back. :) My favorite things: the bed area, the stripes on the wall, and the cohesive palette. Well done!!

introspection said...

Great job...!

Love your blog.

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR LAYLA,
WOW! I JUST DISCOVERED YOUR BLOG. I AM JUMPING UP AND DOWN DOING A HAPPY JIGGLE. YOU ARE AWESOME...THAT EXPLAINS WHY YOU HAVE 700 PLUS FOLLOWERS.
I HAVE ONLY BEEN BLOGGING FOR A MONTH OR SO AND I HAVE MET SOME AWESOME WOMEN...
WELL, I AM GOING TO GO FINISH READING THE REST OF YOUR BLOG
BLESSINGS
debbie

Katherine said...

I love the design. I love that you did it on such a small budget even more. It is so nice to get some reinforcement that you don't need huge amounts of money to live in beautiful spaces.

Funky Junk Interiors said...

What a fabulous makeover, Layla! Thanks for some wonderful ideas!

The one thing that stood out for me was the way you hung the curtain inside the closet. I would have thought on the outside. I love how the mouldings frame it. Perfect!

Donna

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Another fabulous re-design, Layla! I'm loving all your clever touches, such as bed sheets for curtains and the stripe effect on the wall from the left over paint. And I totally loved that large silver paper clip - wherever did you find that? You are my style guru!

oxox
Jennifer

Three Birds Inspired said...

Great job!!

Painter's Place said...

Oh how your mind works. This is so inventive. It doesn't matter the size of the room as long as it's pretty. You did a wonderful job!!! I bet they are sooooooo pleased.

Mrs. E said...

I thought you made the Washington Post and then deserted us. It was worth the wait. Thanks for sharing ideas that are affordable. (A requirement in this economy!)

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Layla- great transformation. I know your client must be so pleased!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I love it!

Shay said...

WOW! you know your creative when you can take just 300.00 and completely change a room!!

Kelly said...

Beautiful work!! When are you coming to Maine? I have a small New England, Cape Cod style home that is filled with people...would love your touch but not sure I could do it even "virtually".

I'm hooked on The Lettered Cottage!

Kelly

Anonymous said...

LOVE it!!

Tina

Kelly said...

Beautiful work!! When are you coming to Maine? I live in a small New England, Cape Cod style home that is filled with people. I'd love your help with it - but not sure I could do it myself "virtually".

I'm addicted to The Lettered Cottage!

Kelly

Susan said...

Wow what a difference. Looks great!

Courtney Baker said...

Wow girl you did that with $300? You are good.

Anonymous said...

Wow..Wow...Oh my Goddness...Wow. I know that somewhere out there is one happy camper! Great job!!!!

Anonymous said...

Layla
This is absolutely beautiful!!! What a great transformation. I love how the desk and the shelving unit are rounded on the edges the same way. You have a great eye for repurposing items.
Keep up the great work!
Amy

Anonymous said...

You did a wonderful job! Cant beleive the didfference.
Lorri

Shaina said...

Wow - I am so impressed! You do the most gorgeous work on a super tight budget. Amazing and inspiring to the rest of us!

Deb said...

All I can say is OMG!! What a transformation. I'm sure your client was truly impressed by how those not so attractive Salvation Army finds were transformed into some fabulous pieces for that room. It all came together wonderfully and at a price that is less than most comforter sets... you can't beat it. Great job!

Michelle said...

I LOVE it!!! You are so talented and I am VERY jealous! I need you to do my very challenged living room, you want to take a vacation in MA???

Mrs. J L said...

What a difference! It came out awesome!!!! You are very talented!

Natalie Meester said...

I love the room redo all for $300. WOW. What you didn't say though, was if her budget included your design fee. What would that cost?

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is fantabulous!! What a transformation!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Layla. It is amazing how you transformed those Salvation Army pieces with white paint and new hardware. I wish I could import you to NC to my 100 year old farmhouse. You wouldn't have to do any heavy lifting! Awesome makeover.

Emily Dykstra said...

Layla-- You rock. You just do. Great job on this room...

Debbers said...

Absolutely outstanding!!!

I am still waiting for hubs to get all the measurements of our living room to send to you.....after my payment - I cant wait to see what you are going to do with my living room / dining room.

You are truly so talented!!

Leslie said...

Wow!!
You are awesome :)

Decor To Adore said...

Fabulous! Perfection! A job well done!

MsKitty said...

I am continually astounded at the magic you can create with cast-off furniture, a bit of paint, and tons of imagination. You and your blog are truly an inspiration. I'm new at this blogging thing, hope to one day create something as fascinating as you have done. Great job.

Dana and Daisy said...

I am totally flabbergasted.

Chris said...

Your client has got to be head over heels in LOVE with this room! What a transformation! You're brilliant, Layla!

Jenny said...

Ok..next paycheck I'm sending in my request for my living room. You are awesome!

mariela said...

what a transformation! i absolutely love what you were able to do with this room. Very creative Layla!

P.S. love your blog!

Sweet Caroline said...

Layla:

Do you know how many times I walk past furniture pieces like that at thrift stores and can't get the vision...?

Just a little side note on the room you have designed for me: I am so grateful for the advice you gave. You are able to design around an awkward space and make it look like that area is perfect that way.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Beautiful! I love the crisp, tailored look of the bedding and the coastal charm of the baskets . . .they play counterpoint to one another in a very interesting way! Very fun!

Kathy said...

Amazing job! I just love how quickly and beautifully a little paint can make such a BIG difference. Don't you need to step over the border to TN and see what you can do to my place!?!

The Pampered World said...

I LOVE IT!! I cannot believe the before and after. I'm loving those stripes on that last wall with the star. So pretty and refreshing...how can she not love it! You are the bomb!

Emily said...

Wow, it's incredible what you did with this space! Wish I lived closer, so you could help a sister out.

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

Bravo! You did an amazing job. I'm stunned by that desk redo. I see those all the time and never thought they could look that fantastic. Great job!

Barb said...

Hi Lyla..
You did such a great job, my sister who was just laid off wants and needs to redo her little bitty room. Your makeover just modivated me more so to think I can also help with her mini makeover on a small budget. Cross your fingers for me.

SoBella Creations said...

What a great transformation! I know they must be excited in the changes you have made. And all on a budget.

Meghann said...

Oh My GOSH! I can't believe $300 went that far! You have given me hope that my house will not forever look like we just graduated from college (it's been over 5 years), and that we won't have to sell our house to afford to decorate it.
You are incredible!

Erin said...

Wow. that's all I can say....you are amazing!

By chance, you're not neat san Diego, are you? :(

it is everlasting said...

That is absolutely amazing. What an incredible transformation! I really really wish you lived near us!!

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

Wowee! This is wonderful!! $300 for all of that?? You have such a talent! I am bookmarking this post too for ideas for my house. I have a tiny bedroom with an off center window. I think that I'll start keeping an eye out for a set of four shutters. Clever, clever!

Anonymous said...

Great job on a small budget.
OK,,,I have to have the paper clip for my desk! Is it Currently at PB?

tiffany said...

what a nice makeover! nice job..

Anna said...

Layla!! Everytime you don't post for like a day I think that you have become famous and left us! One of these times it will be true because you do such an AMAZING job!! Loved the redo! Way 2 go!!!

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

The room looks so great! I was wondering what did you do to paint the book case and desk? It looks like the furniture that has a laminated coating and I know paint doesn't stick to the wood very well at all. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Inspired Kara said...

This is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!

I wish you lived in the STL and could come makeover my room!!!!

Anonymous said...

GREAT JOB Layla! Oh I did not realize you could paint laminate BUT I guess you can. My cheap desk just might have 9 lives after all BUT that is on down the road. I have other rooms to do first Room By Roo, LOL ;o)

{{Hugs}}

Cathy

Anonymous said...

Oops..Room by Room, LOL. If I had any sense I would be dangerous :o)

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

FANFRIGGINTABULOUS...What a great makeover. You are good, girl!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

FANFRIGGINTABULOUS...What a great makeover. You are good, girl!

100 Thoughts of Love said...

awesome redo...do you do online consults using photos or is that too impossible without 'feeling" the room?

BellaLinda said...

I am so impressed. You are wonderfully talented.

Bella Linda in Georgia

Cyndi said...

This is beautiful. I am really impressed with how you fixed up the desk and shelf. I couldn't believe they were the same pieces of furniture!

WhisperWood Cottage said...

This is an insane makeover! That painted furniture took on a whole new life!

Jennifer said...

That's an amazing transformation! I know you client must be thrilled.

LillyB said...

great job!!!!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

This looks beautiful. I love budget friendly makeovers!
~Michelle

Meghan said...

Such a stunning makeover!
WoW!

Kristen said...

Wow Layla - what a difference you made in this space! I'll bet your client feels so might lighter and happier just by walking in there now! Fantastic!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Yet further evidence of your creative genius. So, it's $95 for a local consult. If I pay your airfare and put you up in my guest suite and let Chef Stu cook all of your favorites, how much is it for a Delaware interior design? Don't think I'm joking. :)

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe what you were able to do with that room!!

queenbee said...

WOW!!!!Wish I lived close to you. I have seen so many of bookcases similar to the one you redid and I left them in the store because I thought it had no way of being made better, boy was I wrong. With the nice weather we are expected to have this weekend I think I will try to hit up some garage/yard sales.

Lynn Kellan said...

Dang, Kayla, this is the coolest makeover! I love that you did it for $300.

I really wish you lived out East. I doubt I find anyone who'd do such a great job for a room on an extreme budget.

Kudos!!

Lynn from forloveorfunny

Anonymous said...

wow... you absolutely amaze me with your energy and talent.. that was truly a makeover. I can't believe you did that in 2 days... wow! what a gift you have! Those local girls are lucky!

Anonymous said...

Layla- I love your blog- and am AMAZED at your makeovers!!! i can't tell you how many times i have studied your kitchen!- its beautiful!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Oh yes - thrifting and paint - what wonders. I've been enjoying your blog, even without commenting and so wish you would have taken Rhoda up on her offer to come spontaneously to Blissdom. We had a blast rooming together (with Kimba) and we sure did have an extra spot right for you in our room. :) So thrilled for your success.

Anita said...

This is totally F A B and the best part- it was all thrifted and really environmentally a good deal- as well as being super cool and so much more homey...I bet your client was happy- did she work along side you or do you create magic alone?

Clean and Classic Interiors said...

What an amazing transformation! Reading your post is like enjoying a candy bar for me. I love every minute of it. I have never heard of using a king sized sheet for curtains! What a great idea!! Thank you for your inspiration -- always!

LuLu said...

Layla It turned out fan...tast..ic!!!
Love it. the paper clip is so cute with the note, love it.
LuLu

Jlynn said...

As the girl who lives in the cinderblock cottage i just wanted to say that i LOVE my redo!!Words alone cannot describe how great it feels to come home to my cozy little cottage now:)I will be forever grateful to Layla for all her guidance and help in doing something i never thought possible.Her passion and love of design is truly inspiring!

Teacats said...

Brillant transformation!! All at a real-world budget too! Honestly -- you can do MAGIC girl!!! Well done indeed to all!


Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Gretchen said...

Wow! This is amazing!
I love the crisp white/navy combo!

I'm having a linky party and this room would be perfect. Come on over and join the fun!

Jen @ Sunshine4Teachers said...

Wow! That is $300 worth of beautiful! I've read your blog from top to bottom and it has inspired me to keep going forward with my small updates. And now I know where to send the pictures for those areas I'm stuck on... :)

Allison aka Half of VAMH said...

WOW

jo said...

Just love your ideas- AMAZING and so cute!!!
I am going to look for those baskets!

Anna said...

amazing transformation! you are so talented

Unknown said...

What a great transformation. You are very talented.

Cynthia

AnneHH said...

Thank you for sharing!! Very inspiring. I also love the way you hung the closet curtain--looks very clean and fresh. Great job!

DomesticDivasFancy said...

All I can say {with my jaw dropped} is FABULOUS!!!

angela | the painted house said...

Amazing, Layla! I am so impressed with what you did with that thrift furniture. Love your before & afters!

Sweet Soft Southern Thrill said...

A complete 180! I loooove the old shutters as a headboard! And sheets as curtains...brilliant!

adaelamoon said...

all of the elements are beautiful... is there a pic of the complete after?

Sarah said...

Wow, the redo is amazing! Much more creative, welcoming, relaxing! Great job!!

Unknown said...

I can't believe you did this for $300!!! This better than design on a dime! lol!

Carrie, The Modern Housewife said...

I love that you don't mind a small budget redesign!!! Let me know if you ever make it to Nashville. I would love to talk to you about a consultation if you ever come in town! we went through a major renovation, but now have a couple of rooms that we're OUT of money for!

lifewiththebrocks.blogspot.com

YVETTE said...

Oh Layla - I am so not kidding - if money was no object - you and Kevin would both me on the next plane to South Africa to re-do my entire house!
I love all your make-overs, all your junkyard finds - or your treasures! You truly inspire me!
As I'm new to this blog - I'm only now getting to look at each month - slowly! And savouring it all!
Yvette