Thursday, September 9, 2010

Extreme Budget Makeover

This summer (per the request of three crazies), we moved all the boys into one bedroom. I sold a few things from the boys room on Craigslist to make room for Gray and that's where my budget came from. Brilliant.

Brace yourselves.




And once more...just to lock in the ugliness:
Now soak it in:


If you click on this pic, you can see Gray's artwork is starting to take form...not bad for a kid who's not yet 3. (His are the vertical clipboards.)


The run down:

  • Paint - $0 (It was leftover from the living room. I paid for it once, but leftovers count as free.)
  • Striped fabric - $8 (IKEA had a duvet cover on clearance and I turned it into curtains, pillowcases and pennants. It was genius. There is no way I could have got that much fabric for so cheap otherwise.)
  • Curtain rod - $2 (IKEA)
  • Fitted sheets - $8 (IKEA 2 @ $4)
  • Metal book bins - $13.98 (Target 2 @ $6.99)
  • Clipboards - $12.96 (Walmart 9 @ $1.44)
  • Fabric for shelf slipcover* and pennants - $0 (scrap fabric, same as paint-it counts as free.)

Everything else was already in their room.

GRAND TOTAL: $44.94

* This was not my ideal color scheme, but I had to work with that army green. It was the only fabric I had on hand with enough yardage for the slip cover.

Gray is currently sleeping on his toddler mattress that we slide under the bed. We're planning to buy a real trundle bed. And I think they need a picture or piece of children's art over the dresser. And I'm still contemplating this rug. The good news is I still have money leftover. I'm sure the room will evolve over time. And although I could dream up something better, I am happy with the results. Especially considering the price.

15 comments:

Lauri said...

You never cease to amaze me. I'm so glad you posted this since you've been telling me about it. I can't believe that the most expensive items were the book bins. You go girl!!!!

Eric said...

I love it! You are so creative. And your boys are such artists. I'm putting my boys together too. I just bought them a bunk bed and need to figure out how to decorate their room. So thanks for some great ideas.

Genn said...

Wow! You really do amaze me. Great job. And money leftover? You're amazing. That never happens to me.

I say get the rug. It's really cute.

jeanine said...

I love it! Good luck with all the boys in there together. I love having the 3rd bedroom free... but it's sometimes a pain at bedtime! You did an amazing job... as always!

Michelle said...

That is awesome!! Now come do our kids room!

Kelly said...

You rock!! Great job!!

Cynthia said...

You are brilliant! Love the clipboard art displays. How smart is that?

Traci Elizabeth said...

It looks great katie!!! Looks like a fun boys room!! I'm sure they love it! I love the curtains!!!!

Amanda B. said...

Very cool! I wish I could do that sort of thing!!! :) Love it!

Kris said...

Wow...I am impressed!! Great job Katie. I love it!!

Autumn said...

The price is fantastic. I love blue and yellow. What a great way to hide the toys. I love the clipboards and esp the pennants. Do they love it?!

Nice job on the artwork, artist #3! Definitely little Michaelangelos at your place!

J, E, S & L said...

Katie-Will you move in with me?

Heidi said...

MY GOSH! you are good! and I LOVE LOVE the yellow curtains! we really need our ikea to open out here in CO. Well done Katie, but I expect nothing less from you, and the flags... LOVE THEM!!

Nicole said...

Looks fab!

Kipn n' Sarah said...

You are amazing, it looks great!!! Such a creative woman!