10 (Cheap!) Ways to Make Your Bedroom Your Sanctuary

If you're like me, when you think about winding down after a long week, or luxuriating on a lazy Saturday morning, you're picturing yourself in your bedroom. But often our sleep chambers fall short of Pinterest-worthy loveliness. But not for long!

Your bedroom can be an absolute haven to rest, relax and feel at peace. And it doesn't need to be expensive or time consuming. Just follow this 10 step plan to the bedroom of your dreams.

Step 1:  Make it a "joy only" zone.  
Price: Free!

In her wildly popular book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," Marie Kondo introduces us to the idea of only keeping items in your home that "spark joy." I love it.

So pretend you're doing inventory and every item in your bedroom must be accounted for. Every item of clothing, every piece of paper, every book, piece of artwork and even your bedsheets. See if you can remove at least 10 items. Today. And then notice how lovely you feel when you enter your room and are surrounded by only your absolute favorite things.

Step 2:  Clear the floor. 
Price: Free!

Photo: Vintage Revivals

My mom taught me this one! A room is instantly transformed and feels more spacious, pristine and inviting when the floor is clear. Sometimes you're too exhausted to launch into a full on Martha Stewart sized deep clean. But you can clear the floor of every item sitting on it and feel an immediate sense of loveliness (and accomplishment) sweep over you.  Plus, once you've done Step 1 and you've removed items you don't love, there'll be less to pick up off of the floor!


Step 3:  Make your bed.  
Price: Free!

I saw a great video on Facebook the other day where a man with a background in the military talked about why making your bed is the most important step you can take to have an incredible day. Moments after waking up, you've already accomplished the first thing on your list (yay!) and your room looks instantly more beautiful.

You don't need to wait until you're on vacation in a hotel to experience a gorgeously made bed every day ... treat yourself by doing it at home!



Step 4:  Get Outdoorsy. 
Price: Less than a burrito!

photo: photo: http://www.thesill.com/blogs/theplanthunter/7498222-plants-in-the-home-bedroom

Plants bring life. They purify the air you breathe. They're beautiful to look at. They add texture. And happy vibes.  And it doesn't even require an extra trip to a nursery.  Just stop by the plant section of the hardware store, or check out the lovely potted plants outside the grocery store next time you're out running errands, and bring one home. For $6 or $7 you can transform your bedroom by bringing in something that's alive!
Step 5:  Add a simple, stunning headboard.  Price: Less than a nice dinner

A headboard can be the most important piece of artwork in your room. The bed, after all, is the focal point. Why not infuse some personality? Whether you hang a gorgeous tapestry above your bed, create a rustic DIY salvage wood headboard, or even just add a fresh coat of paint to your existing one, paying a little attention to your headboard will totally pay off.

This one made (above) my heart skip a beat! Thrifted books, a cheap piece of wood from the hardware store and a few nails are all it takes. Check out the full tutorial here.

Step 6:  Candle Light Price: $1 per candle!

I like to think of dollar store candles as my secret weapon. Skinny ones for crystal candelabras, chunky round ones to group together, lightly scented ones for ambiance ... when candles are $1 a piece, there's no excuse to have less than romantic lighting in your boudoir. Oh! And want a pretty glass container to reflect the sparkle and contain melting wax? The dollar store has those too!


Step 7:  Get Grownup Window Treatments 
Price: $20-$40

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Nothing feels sensuous and relaxing like bright white office mini-blinds, right? Wrong. Ditch the blinds that were there when you moved in and upgrade to a sleeker, more grownup option. Not sure where to look?  Start at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond or Ikea. For $20-$40 you could finally have grownup window treatments!


Step 8:  Pamper yourself with textures.
Price: Up to you!

Photo: http://www.lindsaymarcella.com/

There are so many fun ways to add texture to your bedroom. Imagine a giant, soft beanbag chair to read in ... or a cozy throw to snuggle you during a rainy day nap ... or fuzzy rug to plop down on when you're journaling.

Step 9: Tickle your ears. Price: Free!

Many decorating experts will tell you to remove all technology from your sleep space. And I agree ... almost. I'm an advocate of having a calming playlist of your favorite songs playing softly in your room. Switch off the music when you're ready to head to sleep, but until then, why not give your relaxation a soundtrack?

Step 10:  End that awkward moment.
Price: $20 / Up to you!

Photo: http://blog.havenly.com/how-to-style-your-bedside-table/

You know the moment I'm talking about ... you've just read a few chapters of an awesome book, you're feeling so, so cozy - and you're ready to doze off. But then you realize ... the light switch for the overhead light is on the other side of the room. Part of you contemplates falling asleep with the light on. But another part of you knows you need to turn it off. So you sigh deeply, throw off the covers, letting out all of the warmth, and flip off the switch.

The solution? A reading lamp on your bedside table. Brilliant.