Wednesday, May 29, 2013

36 Reader Space: Live Love DIY!

Today we are switching reader space gears for a really fantastic feature.

What is better than getting a project done on a budget?  Nothing!  We all do what we can to save a little moolah whether we are revamping a shoe box for storage or taking on an entire kitchen renovation.  Knowing that, I couldn't wait to welcome Virginia for the day.  This girl is the queen of budget makeovers and blogs about them over at LiveLoveDIY.  But even better, they look sweet and chic and all around fabulous.


Just check out this guest room that she put together for less than $200!


Isn't it ooh la la lovely?  I would pop by for a visit and then forget to leave! 


In this room update, Virginia made her own pillows and her own artwork.  She painted the free side tables, recovered a thrift store chair, spray painted some thrift store lamps, found the headboard on Craigslist and gave a thrift store mirror the Rub & Buff treatment.    You can snag all the specific details and links here

Sounds like a lot of work, but this is an example of how spending the time to get your hands dirty and play with paint, will get you a loooong way when making over a room.

I just had to know, how in the world does Virginia pull off budget room makeovers on such an extreme budget?

Tip Number One:

"My favorite way to get that high end look for pennies is to shop yard sales and thrift stores. I try not to be deterred by all the junk....it can be hard, but fight the urge to flee! I like to go frequently and have patience and can usually find some really amazing pieces. Plus, once you get the hang of it, thrifting can be sooo much fun! It's kind of like a really dusty treasure hunt! {My fave thrift store tips can be found in this really fun post}"

Let's take a peek at one of Virginia's recent thrift store finds.


Total cost: $1.

With a little paint, that tray now looks super chic!  Plus, I am obsessed with black and white stripes as of late so she gets bonus points.  Complete tutorial can be found here


Tip Number Two: 

"I try to ignore the current look of second-hand furniture and instead envision what it could look like with a little TLC.  If it has a great shape and is in good condition, you can always paint it a different color, reupholster it, or add something to it {like an overlay, stenciled pattern, nailheads, or metallic accent}. Even the worst pieces can often be salvaged with a great coat of paint, updated hardware, or beautiful fabric. {For example, all the sad old chairs I've brought back to life!}"

Let's check out another example of a piece of furniture that Virginia gave new life, thanks to the power of paint and an ability to see the potential.


Virginia actually kept the original hardware on this dresser, but the entire thing received some primer, paint and wax and now is a lovely feminine piece used to store her clothing.  Makeover details here.

Tip Number Three: 

"Keep the big ticket items classic, and test out fun trends with accessories. In most of my rooms, I purchase a few classic main pieces in simple neutral colors. Then, I can have fun accessorizing with fun pattern and color. This allows me to easily {and inexpensively!} change the decor of a room as trends change. For someone who is constantly learning and evolving when it comes to my decor style, it's great to be able to easily swap out different items in my house! {Like my glue pillows!}"

One more amazing room transformation for you to feast your eyes on.  Virginia started with a very typical and lack luster guest bathroom.


Again, on a budget under $200, her vision paired with lots of paint on the trim, vanity and walls, she went from drab to ultra fab!


Incredible eh?  It doesn't even look like the same space!  And those stripes... did I mention I swoon for stripes?  Snag every last detail here.

So much to heart right?  Room makeovers for less than $200!!!  Talk about designing on a dime!  And I adore that she finds most of her items at thrift stores and on Craigslist.  It not only gives her home a collected and unique look, but saves her so much money.  Super inspiring.  And stripes continuously prove to be an inexpensive bold impact to any update.  Yes please.

Virginia spilled her thrifty design tips, now it's your turn.  What tips do you have for DIY'ing and decorating on a tight budget?  What has been your favorite budget saavy project?  Mine is a toss up between our Craigslist entertainment center and dresser.


ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!

36 comments:

  1. Hi Jen!
    Thank you so much for all your sweet words and thank you for taking the time to put all of that together! I sincerely appreciate it so much. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
    Virginia

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  2. So excited to find a new blog to obsess over. Beautiful makeovers!

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  3. LOVE this feature! Virginia's blog is on my must-read list. She is hilarious and SO talented.

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  4. Virginia's budget makeovers are so beautiful it's hard to believe they are done on the cheap! I get lost in her blog ~ she is talented, funny and sweet! There is so much to see and so many good tips and idea to be found at LiveLoveDIY. Thanks for sharing these!

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    1. You are so sweet Sherry! Thank you so much! xo

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  5. I love the pop of floral. I never would have thought of that! And you could change the whole look of the room just by switching those out. Too cool!

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  6. WOW, she is so talented. I am adding her blog to my Bloglovin list.

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  7. What a beautiful space and even better that it was done on a budget!
    The Grass Skirt

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  8. Holy goodness -- those patterns are ON POINT. Love em!

    XO,
    Samm
    www.dysfunctionaleverafter.com

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  9. Super beautiful space!! I am lalaaloove with the dresser & mirror :D Very inspirational post.

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  10. Virgina is a talented lady. To find something and envision the end result is a very serious challenge-not everyone can achieve that.
    I LOVE that tray.

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  11. I love the pained tray. I may have to make my own.

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  12. Loved this story just added you to my readers list :)

    http://jessielovesjake.blogspot.co.nz/

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  13. Beautiful space!!!

    Vera

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  14. Love, love, LOVE her style! Everything is so crisp and clean and so welcoming! Popping over to check her out now! Thanks so much for sharing, Jen and Virginia!

    ~Abby =)

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  15. I'm speechless!!! I can't believe she did all this in less than $200:-) Follower on bloglovin now. Thanks for sharing her space Jen.

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  16. It's results like this that fool me into thinking I'm a DIYer even though my best intentions never pan out. Great results!

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  17. Love this! Seems like no matter what I do, things still look cluttered. What can I say--its a gift. Love seeing what others can do!

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  18. Virginia's ability to envision and develop potential in her finds is terrific! She's a woman after my own "iheart". I look forward to reading her blog for more great ideas, thank you for sharing.

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  19. Love the refurbished dresser. Good call on keeping the original hardware. The white paint really worked to accent the intricacies of the pulls, whereas against the wood they got list in the mix.

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