Bedrooms, of all the rooms in the house, are the most personal – and the most easy to change. That said, change no longer comes with a big price tag. Why? Because the bedroom, like any room that is personal, should have a "collected" look. You will achieve a look that you love, that is yours alone, by mixing high and low, old and new, and being resourceful as you shop. So while you don't have to spend a lot to get what you want, you do need a strategy. Begin by going through your room, feature by feature.




Fabulous Fabrics

The vibrant mix of saris introduced to a white-on-white backdrop (walls, rug, matelasse) dress up the room without dominating it. The sheets and throw pillows are cotton florals in the same color medley.

A wonderful, and wonderfully affordable, decorative option, saris can be found for as little as $25. Use them in easy sewing projects and change colors as you like.




Vintage Finds

Second-hand or vintage items are inexpensive to resource, easy to spruce up, and lend a lot of personality to a small space, such as a guest room. Make the space happy and fun, and invite guests to feel at home.




Color and Paint

Paint can yield the largest change for the least money. The transformation of this boxy master bedroom was realized with a mix of pastels on the floor and walls. The furniture is mostly painted, too, including flea-market finds that benefited from a couple of coats.




Keep Your Dresser Top Orderly

The dresser is a receptacle for all those odd personal items. Keep it orderly and stylish with a mirrored tray corral jewelry taken off at day's end. Personal luxury is a daily necessity, too, so include a bottle of perfume a candle, and, oh, yes, a dependable alarm clock.




Romantic Environment

To establish a soothing and romantic environment in the master bedroom, begin with soft-looking finishes and tone-on-tone colors.