Designing on a Budget.

I love decorating. In fact, I am pretty much a decorating junkie. I can't get enough of it. It makes my heart happy. There is only one problem. Here's a hint it has six letters. 

Budget. 

Often my taste is rather, um, lets just say pricey. I would rather shop at Goodwill for my clothes and spend money on decorating. I am learning how to actually do both. Nope, no raise. (It's been two years since this castle has seen any raises) Some call it an obsession, I call it a gift. I can look at something high end and figure out a way to cheap it down so to speak. Design on a budget lets say. 

I have been going at turtle pace getting my sweet little boys nursery done. Maybe it's because he is the third  penis that has had a nursery in our house. Plus, if I don't LOVE something I am not going to get it and I REFUSE to pay full price for it. 

Tonight I was out at Target, aka the place that I go in for formula and leave with a shower curtain. As I am cutting through the store I go down the bathroom aisle and I see the CUTEST shower curtain EVER. Immediately sirens start going off, I break out in a cold sweat and think what if I make this into my sweet angels curtains? Did I mention he has none? If you have ever shopped for them, which unless you have a designer or a penis you have, you have definitely seen just how expensive they are. Plus, they aren't very cute. So, I buy the shower curtain and the matching shower curtain hook. I then go and get a cheapo curtain rod.  At this point I am beyond excited. I immediately go home and start obsessing thinking about how I can create the look I am wanting without spending an arm and a leg. I remember I had bought 2 mirrors for $5.00 so I go and get them. I also have a lamp from Ikea that I love and oh ya 2 years ago I had bought a wall book bin. It was cheap and I knew I could use it at some point. Well, it's time for that "some point." 

Here is what the small space looked like before

      

and here is what it looks like now

Can you believe that's a shower curtain? Simply fabulous if I do say so myself.

Here are some tips I used with this small space:

• Think outside the box (i.e shower curtain) 
• If you are putting up new curtains put the rod up higher towards your ceiling. It will make the window appear bigger which will make the space appear bigger as well.
• Use mirrors. Not because you think your hot and like to look at yourself but because they also give the illusion of having a bigger space.
• Light. The more light the better. Look for different designs. They don't have to cost a lot. Don't be afraid to try something new. 

So, what do you think? Doesn't it look so cozy and sweet?