5 Tips for Refreshing a Room on a Budget (Hearth Room Reveal)
I am so, so happy with how it turned out! We spend most of our time in this room since it’s adjacent to the kitchen and has a big picture window, so I love feeling so relaxed and inspired in here.
First, I’ll tell you about this couch. It is so, so comfy. It is the most expensive piece of furniture I’ve ever purchased (more on that later) and it was well worth it. It is plush and deep and makes me feel like I’m sitting on a cloud.
It is the Montgomery Sofa from Joss and Main in Griffin Pure White Twill (also available through Birch Lane if it’s not in a Joss sale currently).
I knew I wanted an English roll arm sofa, and wanted it to be white, which in turn meant slip covered. I really love having slip covered furniture you can just throw in the wash. This one is technically dry-clean only, but I’m taking a chance with it!
I can’t believe what a change this room has gone through. But we didn’t do anything major. This room is proof that a bit of paint and some new furnishings can go a long way. Here are my best tips for refreshing a room when you’re on a budget.
1. Paint…something
Even if you don’t paint all your walls, a little paint can make a huge difference. The only thing I painted here was the fireplace (see the before and after here). It’s a night and day difference! It cost me $20 and two hours of my time…absolutely worth it! If you’re looking for a refresh, start with paint. Maybe it’s a piece of furniture you need to rethink, the trim around your windows, or the back of a bookshelf. Even a little paint goes a long way!
2. Sell what you don’t love
…and put that money toward the room. Remember how I said this couch was the most expensive piece of furniture I’ve ever purchased? That’s because I didn’t have to spend “our money” on it. I sold a ton of decor I wasn’t loving or using (a lot from this room) and was able to make enough to purchase the new sofa. I use local Facebook swap sites, but there are tons of apps and websites now meant to sell your items. It’s a no-brainer!
3. Look for low-cost impact pieces
This rug is an 8×10 and really anchors the room, but it was only $130! Look for items that make a big impact but won’t cost you tons – it’s definitely possible. The round sconces above the fireplace, which I think make a big statement, were on sale for just $27 a piece. There are some things you don’t want to skimp on, but things like rugs and statement accessories are usually available at a good price.
4. Shop your house
I know this piece of advice is part of every budget decorating discussion, but I admit I’m the worst at it. Once something has a “home” that’s where I like it to live. But I did pull a few accessories from other rooms and it ended up working perfectly and saving me so much money. For example I was going to purchase a new lamp, but then I realized I liked the lamp I had but didn’t care for the shade. I pulled the black linen shade from our guest room and immediately loved it in here! And the fact that it was free is even better! (I’ll be honest that now our guest room lamp is shade-less, but we almost never go in that room and spend most of our time in the hearth room, so it’s probably worth it to use the shade here and take my time replacing the one in the guest room).
5. Take your time
This is a hard one for me. Once I decide on a look, I want it done yesterday. But it pays to shop slowly and collect a room over time. Not only does it make the room look more collected and unique, it also allows you to purchase a few things at a time so you don’t break the bank. I often wait til I have gift cards or money from a birthday or holiday, then make some key purchases. It’s not so easy when you’re impatient, but I do think it pays to decorate slowly in the long run. (It also means you can keep an eye on bigger pieces and wait for killer sales.)
So what do you think? Was this little refresh worth it? I can’t believe the transformation with just a little paint, pairing down, and a few new items.
Paint Color: Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore
Fireplace Paint Color: Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Arched Window: Vintage | similar
Frames on Mantel: Ikea Ribba
Blue Art Print: Minted
Magnolia Print: Magnolia Market
Round Sconces: World Market
Aqua Glass Bottle on Fireplace: Joss and Main | similar
Magnolia Branches: Tuesday Morning | similar
Gold Boxes: Home Goods | similar
Ruffled Bowl: Pier 1
Black and White Street Signs: Vintage
Upholstered Bench: TJ Maxx | similar
Zinc Wall Clock: Hobby Lobby | similar
Candlesticks on Mantel: Hobby Lobby | similar | similar
Coffee Table: Purchased through Joss and Main | available here
Sofa: Montgomery Sofa purchased through Joss and Main | available here
Rug: Purchased through Overstock | available here
Rosemary Topiary: Available here
Gray Wicker Bar Stools: TJ Maxx | Similar here
Black and White Tray: Tuesday Morning | Similar here
Grace Changes Everything Pillow: Aedriel
Diamond Throw Blanket: Target | Similar here
Leather Chair: Craigslist
Gray Ottoman: Target
Gold Side Table: Ross | Similar
Gold Mirrored Tray: Target
Most Other Accessories: TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning
Throw Pillows: TJ Maxx | similar velvet
Lamp and Shade: Target | similar lamp | similar shade
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Great job, Court! I can hardly believe the before and after photos – it's just incredible. You're so talented!! 🙂
Painting the fireplace just pulled it all together… love the coffee table too!
Is the sofa really a bright white (not cream or off white)? It's been hard for me to get a straight answer from Wayfair/Birch Lane. I know colors show differently on computer screens. Thanks for your help.
By chance do you know the name of your coffee table? I can't seem to find it online and thought a name could help. Thanks!
Unfortunately it's no longer available : (