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MAKE IT CUTE
Room
The ultimate guide to redoing your room (with stuff you already have)
FILL YOUR SPACE WITH THAT NEW-NEW ENERGY—USING (MOSTLY) WHAT YOU HAVE ON HAND.
IN middle school, I used to spend boring Sunday afternoons moving around the furniture in my bedroom. Like...weekly. I’d get inspired by an image in a magazine or a cool arrangement in a friend’s room then quickly take matters into my own hands.
That meant I was perpetually pushing my bed to an opposite wall (with my parents’ help, ofc), carving out new nooks for my stuffed animals and even trying new ways of organizing my closet.
I just loved the thrill of waking up the next morning to everything feeling the same but different—and, as far as I was concerned, a little fresher, happier and more exciting.
Moving things around in your room transforms the energy of your space *and* helps you view what you have in a whole new light. Which is why, when we’re spending more time at home than ever, it’s so fun (and so necessary) to shake things up.
Here’s your starter guide to redoing your room and translating all that inspo into action—with stuff you’ve already got.
1. RESTYLE YOUR SHELVES
A rainbow bookshelf is never a bad idea— and helps elevate your fave reads to highlight-worthy status.
2. ADOPT SOME PLANTS
Swipe a succulent from somewhere else in your house. Even the basil plant from the kitchen will sit pretty on your bedroom windowsill. (Just know that they're now yours to water!)
3. CARVE OUT A SPACE FOR YOUR BEST SKINCARE
Whether you have an actual vanity or not, displaying your cutest creams, toners and primers on your dresser will add a layer of TikTok-approved luxe to your space *and* keep your skincare routine front of mind.
4. SPRUCE UP YOUR BED
Fold down your comforter a different way, change around your pillows, toss on a throw blanket, pop a sheepskin rug or a bathmat by your bedside and string up some lights on your headboard. Now all you need is turn-down service.
5. MAKE A READING NOOK
Or a meditation zone. Or an art corner. Carve out a small space where you can unplug and devote your energy to something relaxing/creative. Make it ultra-cozy with cushions, pillows and mood lighting.
6. CURATE A MOOD BOARD
Break out the bulletin board you’ve had forever or use the back of your bedroom door as your canvas. Then grab the scissors to create a collage of pretty magazine pics, inspiring quotes and your own sketches and musings. Add to it over time with anything that strikes you.
7. MOVE YOUR BED AND ALL THE BIG STUFF
Before you get to pulling and pushing, be sure you have a parent’s permission. It can be helpful to draw out your new arrangement with a ruler and some graph paper, or even just in a notebook.
8. CRAFT SOME NEW ART
All you need to create @dwellaware’s textured masterpiece? A canvas, some spackle and...a humble fork!
9. TRY THE KONMARI METHOD
A major purge can feel *so* good. When you have the time, take some moments to pass on anything that’s no longer sparking joy. Don't forget to thank it first!
10. CREATE A PHOTO ELEMENT
Got some old postcards or photo prints? Break out the embroidery thread and a needle to embellish them into mini art.
11. UPDATE YOUR HARDWARE
Scour the home store for chic new knobs and pulls to upgrade your dresser or nightstand for a sleek, modern look to suit your mood.
12. BREAK OUT THE PAINT
Give your nightstand a face-lift with a coat of fun paint or pick a feature wall to cover in your fave hue.
NO SWEAT STATEMENT MAKERS
Pick one or a few of these shiny, soft, squishy things to add a li'l makeover magic—no manual labor required...
Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that a version of this story originally ran in our February/March 2021 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.
POSTED IN MAKE IT CUTE, Room, room redo
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