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Lighten Up for a New Start!

Updated: Jul 25, 2019

Have you ever made a move, had a significant life event, or did you just wake up one day feeling like SOMETHING needed to change?

A friend in Mesa, Arizona contacted me with just such a situation. A family life change meant that she had less furniture than before and after some introspection, she felt like some fresh style could help.

She used her cell phone to take some simple pictures of the spaces that she felt could use the most help. Some words she used to describe her spaces were "dark," "bare," "plain," and "no sense of style." When I asked about her artwork, though, she said that it was the one thing she loved.

I used the artwork and a quick peek at joyful pictures from her FB page to get a sense for her "subconscious" style.

I used Adobe Photoshop to place the items into her spaces, and, although they aren't perfect 3D renderings, the sizes and perspectives are accurate enough to give a great sense of what some small changes can do.

Let's start with her Family Room. The total cost for this makeover is about $500! Art, a buffet cabinet, and a storage coffee table with a lift-up desktop for just $160 create huge impact for very little money! Artificial plants are a low-maintenance way to add color and class to a room. 4 foot tall potted plants frame the fireplace. Dollar Tree has vases and artificial flowers that can make a great impact. I chose the fill a glass vase ($1) with seashells ($3) and a variety of flowers ($6). See the room from a different angle below.

Original Front Room

Redesigned Family Room

Original Family Room View 2

Redesigned Family Room View 2



The exercise room/office includes a "bamboo look" exercise puzzle mat that will reduce joint fatigue and protect her floors for just $70! Inspirational Vinyl Wall Art is $40 on etsy, but only $27 on Amazon! and Canvas Inspirational Messages will help draw her into this sanctuary for loving on her body. Cling film on the french doors will let light in, and add high style beauty and privacy when she has guests. The bright paint subconsciously reduces stress and increases energy for just $40. Including new exercise accessories, this makeover costs less than $250!



Original Exercise Room/Office

Redesigned Exercise Room/Office

Every parent knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home. This space was one that she just didn't know what to do with. A 52" wide kitchen island was $330 on Amazon, but was on sale on Wayfair yesterday for $265! An armoire to hold extra kitchen wares is only $260 at Ikea. Adding some artificial potted trees, seating, and side tables make a great spot for her kids to relax and work on homework while she cooks dinner. The modern blue rug adds high class look, anchoring the space and tying it in to the dining room next door. Amazon is a great way to turn your memories into wall art! A 24"x36" mounted canvas of one of your pictures is only $40 (if you want editing or want a picture rendered to look like a painting, I do that for $20/image).


Original Kitchen

Redesigned Kitchen

Last, but not least, the dining room. This beautiful room is flanked with wall-to-wall windows, yet still felt "dark." When I asked her about the paint color, she said that it looked good on the card in the store. She hated the rug, though and felt like the colors belonged outdoors more than in a dining room. Drawing inspiration from her decorations, I found a modern rug at Walmart for under $200. Painting just 2 walls a lighter blue color actually helps her artwork stand out more and makes the space look larger. Sheer curtains that match the accent walls open up the space. Again, small and simple touches renew this room for under $250!



Original Dining Room

Redesigned Dining Room

Dining Room View 2

Redesigned Dining Room View 2

Do you like what you see?


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