However, once I started to consider the idea of painting them, I realized I had several options of colors I might like them in. Then I got cold feet. The piece is already so large that it felt intimidating to paint it a color I would end up regretting! I went back and forth, then the school year came on and I ran out of motivation and time.

As much as I love DIY projects, tackling this project was definitely going to require a commitment. I knew I would need to love it before I was ready to get in there and do the work!

Deciding on a color

My first choice for color was to paint it the same color white as we have on the walls in this room so that it would recede and give a more cohesive look to the room. I also liked the idea of having them in a light shade so that the decor would pop more on the shelves. But, then I saw a black built-in picture on Pinterest and got derailed again! (We had painted a planked wall in our office black and loved it.) I even considered some colors! Shocker! I finally realized after some deliberation and Pinterest pinning, I was going to like the white the most and likely for the longest.

I realized that the bookshelves are not visually pleasing, so drawing more attention to them with a bold color wasn’t as good of a design choice. If they had more architectural interest it would be more worthy of a bold color. Since, I realized we needed to just make it blend into the room more, I should paint them a color to help them recede not pop. They really just loomed large in the room and made the space feel smaller, so a light color would help shrink them and also give cohesion to the room’s color palette

We chose our favorite white, the same one in the room, Sherwin Williams Pure White. If you wan to try this color in your home, I suggest painting it on several places where the light differs so you can get a good idea of how it will look.

The process

The first step to prep this hutch for paint was to take out all of the shelves and hardware for the shelves. I actually put them on a bakers rack we picked up used that we’ve had for years we use for projects such as this!

Next, I cleaned them with TSP really thoroughly. Then I sanded every nook and cranny with a sanding sponge. After wiping them down, I primed them with one coat of Superblock primer by Sherwin Williams. I used a roller for the flat surfaces and a paintbrush for cutting in the corners and edges. Finally, I was able to paint the first of 2 coats! After I would paint a coat on the base, I would paint a coat on the shelves switching between them.

My only setback was a windstorm that blew my shelves over on my patio where they were drying on their last coat! My hubby had to come to my rescue and fix one that had cracked. The rest I was able to touch up after we reinstalled them. Overall, it wasn’t too big a deal.

Finally, after curing for a good 2 days, they were ready to decorate! I really love how the decor pops with the contrast now! I am more excited to get to decorate these with the seasons now.

Our final step in this makeover was to paint the fireplace with a matte black spray paint. After a thorough cleaning, and light sanding with steel wool, we taped off the bookcase and glass with painter’s tape and plastic. Then we used this paint by rustoleum and did several fine mist coats on the metal and tile at the same time.

I am so thrilled with how this turned out! Not only is it much more updated, it is my new favorite decor piece in the house! It’s going to be so fun to decorate this for the seasons!

The steps for this oak built-in bookshelf makeover

1. Remove bookshelves and hardware (when possible)
2. Clean all surfaces with TSP or degreaser
3. Sand surface area with a sanding sponge
4. Paint with 1 coat of primer with a roller, using a brush for cutting in the corners and edges
5. Paint 2 coats of paint
6. Let the paint cure for a minimum of 48 hrs before decorating on the flat surfaces
7. Prep the fireplace- clean the metal and tile with a degreaser. Lightly sand the metal with steel wool
8. Tape off and plastic around the fireplace and cover the glass with painter’s tape and plastic
9. Using spray paint, paint several light coats around the surrounding tile and metal frame
10. Let dry most of the way before removing tape and plastic
11. DECORATE and enjoy your new modern bookcases!

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I hope this post gives you the inspiration to try a makeover on a piece that you feel is the big ugly elephant in the room! Who knows, it could become your new favorite area of your home!

More budget makeover posts you might enjoy:

• Powder bath makeover
• Renter friendly bathroom makeover under $300
• Homeschool room makeover
• How I decorate on a budget and plan my design

Until next time! Thanks for joining me here in my little corner!

The post Oak Built-in Bookshelf Makeover appeared first on A Legacy In Days.

I want to share with you 5 ways I decorate for less and bring the most impact for the least amount of money when decorating. With a large family and living on one income, there have been plenty of times I have had to decorate on a very limited budget. With 11 people to feed, clothe, educate and care for, paint and decor can feel like unnecessary expenditures. However, when my home feels cozy and cohesive it lends itself to creating an atmosphere of calm and warmth I want for my family. I am no expert and our current home still has a long way to go, but I’ve been creating this atmosphere for our family with limited cash for years now and I want to share a few tips with you today! I hope it helps you feel confident to jump in there and start where you are and with what you have, too.

Utilize the power of inexpensive paint

A little paint can go a long way to yield a high impact. You can paint half a wall, just one wall or even some furniture to acheive a cohesive look with a little paint.

If you are a DIY-er or have painted a room, you likely have some leftover paint or paint sample quarts laying around. A little secret is you can use those paints pretty much anywhere as long as you invest in some prep and primer! I’ve even used the sample paint pots mixed with some acrylic craft paint to get a color I like!

Also, did you know you can get inexpensive discount paints at your local paint or hardware store, as well as your local Habitat for Humanity? With paint currently upwards of $50-$70 it can get expensive quick, but these discounted paints will often be less than 50% off. I’ve scored gallons for $5 before! Look for white or light colored paints that you can then have tinted darker for free. But, don’t shy away from a bold color! It might be just the thing to add a fun element to a space by painting a piece of furniture or half wall somewhere!

Once again, paint can be your friend when you are looking to achieve a cohesive look for less. I have painted everything from lamps to shelve decor all the same color to get the look I want for almost next to nothing. You can paint ceramic outdated decor pieces all white or black or another neutral color and have a coordinating display for very little time and cost. Think out side the box when you are shopping at second hand stores or even looking through old decor pieces you already have.

Use the rule of 3

When decorating a space, I prefer to keep a neutral base and add color with the rule of 3. When you have 3 things in the room that are similar colors that is all you need. Remember that greenery and woods have their own “color” so try to create a harmonious look with fewer “colors”. If you have a dark couch and furniture that you can’t change, then add a lighter feel with textiles and maybe painting some larger pieces a lighter neutral tone. If you have light couches, rugs and walls, you can bring in some color by adding 3 elements. For example, pillows, shelf decor, and a lamp. Of course, you can add as much or as little color to your own preference, but this little “rule” finally helped me achieved the balanced feel I was after.

Update old hardware

Old hardware doesn’t need to be tossed out. You can spray paint it and it will last until you’re ready to either repaint or update when you have more in your budget. It is very easy to get a great look by spray painting all of your hardware the same finish. Even some outdated pieces can look modern with a black matte paint. Painting everything to match gives a high impact look with minimal effort or money.

You can also age your brass hardware to achieve a cool vintage aged gold look with brass ager. Rustoleum makes a great warm gold spray paint and matte black that include primer and bond very well. I used both in our current home updates to match the existing hardware in a new space.

Look for alternative textile options

I buy large amounts of fabric inexpensively and have used them to make pillows, curtains, slipcovers, bedskirts, and even throws. Sheets and tablecloths are a great way to do this! You get more for your money, even quality, this way. Check your thrift stores or local decor discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx and Homegoods. You can make a lot of pillows from 1 flat sheet! Vintage tablecloths, and even placemats can make great pillows. Try a no sew method if you don’t know how to sew a pillow. Also you can use hem tape and a sheet and VOILA! quick curtains for little of nothing!

Drop cloths are another favorite way to get a linen type look for much less. You can bleach your dropcloths to soften them and even dye them! I’ve used drop cloths in lots of ways and even as a room divider in our previous home!

Create your own art

I don’t mean paint your own art here, so don’t shy away from reading this if you’re not an artist! Although, you can certainly use your own art on the walls by all means! I am talking about using picture frames you already have and repainting or staining them to match a look you’re trying to achieve. You can frame anything form black and white photos, magazine pictures and coffee table book prints! Think outside the box and get creative. You can find free images online as well as some beautiful vintage paintings and prints. Etsy sellers are selling digital downloads, as well. Create a fun text print in a document software like google docs even. The sky is the limit really, not your wallet!

Well, I hope these few tips have inspired you and not overwhelmed you! I hope you are feeling ready to tackle a fun diy and jump into creating a space YOU love and that blesses your family! The beauty of decorating for less is that it becomes much less daunting to take on a project that costs little- so jump in there and try something new!

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As always, thanks for stopping by my little corner here today, friend! If you want to see more content like this and stay updated be sure to subscribe below for updates!

Take care and have fun,

The post 5 ways I decorate for less appeared first on A Legacy In Days.

Budget Moody and Masculine office makeover- the plan

I have a passion for creating the general look and feel I want in a room on a very small budget. Actually, working with what I already have helps me. I have to be more creative, resourceful, and less wasteful. Plus it saves us money!

This makeover is special, as I’m doing it with my husband. Which means I have his builiding skills to work with as well. Our budget for this makeover is to keep it under $300. We already have the main components for the room- desk, chair, and shelves. However, there are still some smaller things I will need to make or source as well as one larger piece of furniture. It will definitely be a challenge to keep it under that!

As you can see from my bathroom makeover post, our plans for updates in our current home is to take it in stages. We are doing what we can on a tighter budge while saving up for more extensive makeovers. In the previous post I share how I make decisions on design while still working with what I have. Without compromising on the look and feel I desire in a particular space. I am excited to take you along on the journey this time with some behind the scenes info!

Our plan for this room is to achieve a moody and masculine feel with a dark accent wall. We hope to accomplish this while utilizing the basic elements and furniture we already have in the room.

Some money saving tips

In order to stay in budget here are the general guidelines I stick to:

1. Use or repurpose what we already have (furniture, paint, hardware, rugs)
2. Focus on a feeling I want to create rather than specific items
3. Create a design board from those
4. Shop my home for extras
5. Make my own artwork or print for free
6. Paint any furniture, frames or hardware to create a cohesive look
7. Buy used, if able
8. Paint goes a long way for big impact

Budget Moody and Masculine office makeover- what we have to work with

For this makeover we currently have the following items to work with:

A dining room chair we repurposed for the office from Facebook marketplace last year.

Desk we bought used off of Facebook Marketplace last year.

Black paint from a previous home renovation.

We also have original ugly oak wood shelves that we removed when we first moved in. Originally they were on some clunky hardware. But, we realized they are already solid and cut to size. If we paint them to match the wall, they will give the cohesive built-in look we are going for.

I also have a lot of miscellaneous leftover shelf decor and artwork from our last house that I haven’t even put anywhere yet. I’m excited to dust them off and finally give them a home.

Budget Moody and Masculine office makeover- diy and sourcing

Some things we are planning to DIY:

• An accent light feature
• Shade cover for our current flat ceiling mount light
• Roll up canvas and leather window shade
• Wood plank accent wall– with pallet boards or cedar fencing
• Black “built-in” shelves
• Repurpose a rolling cart we have to a printer caddy

Items to source used or inexpensively

• Loveseat hideabed or fold out bed (we want to be able to have guests stay in here if needed)
• Large faux tree (these are hard to come by inexpensively!
• Neutral toned area rug to put over the light beige linoleum flooring
• Seagrass basket, preferably with a lid, to hide routers.

As you can see, I have quite the challenge to keep within my budget parameters!

The Home gym side

Another aspect of this makeover is making the opposite wall into a space for all of our home gym equipment. I have some ideas for repurposing what we have as well as coming up with some creative design elements. However, I have’t quite nailed down the official plan yet. Here is the board for what I’m inspired by for now, though.

Elements to include:

• Storage for weights and various equipment
• Workout bench
• Mirrored wall area
• Fun aesthetic wall feature?

I hope this post has inspired you to create a space you love no matter your budget! As always, thanks for being here with me today in my little corner of the interwebs!

The video below shares some footage of what our office currently looks like!

The post Budget Moody and Masculine office makeover: design board appeared first on A Legacy In Days.

I knew there were a lot of problems in the space to solve, not enough time to accomplish what my original vision was, and definitely not the budget for that right now either. But, we needed a more organized and functional space for all of our homeschool supplies, and we needed it soon. I had to overcome my dread and just roll up my sleeves and move forward with what I COULD do now.

How I was able to transform this room into a space that is both functional and beautiful in less than a week and for under $300 is what I want to share with you today. It is not my original vision, but it is so perfect for us right now. That is why I am excited to share it with you today. In hopes it will inspire you to make the most of the space you’ve been given even if it is not ideal or your dream, either.

Our homeschool room journey

When we moved into our home last summer, I had visions of what this tiled room in our basement could become. l saw the possibilities and potential just waiting to be transformed into a wonderful school area for us. This being a large tiled area, it would also make the perfect spot for all the crafting and creating our children enjoy!

Since moving in last year it remained a mishmash of random furniture and had a system that was not very functional or pretty, to say the least. I had grandiose dreams of built ins, creative stenciling on the wall and maybe a boys jungle gym in a corner! But as the coming school year approached I realized I needed to let go of those bigger plans and just create a functional space for us. I still had hopes of it being somewhat pretty, as well.

before

In years past we have done school around our dining room table, on beds, on chairs and couches, and we still do! I love the flexibility of homeschooling and the slow quiet mornings snuggled under blankets on the couch while we read the Bible together. What we were needing this year, however, was a home for all of our things. We definitely lost precious time last year trying to find misplaced books and papers!

With 6, almost 7, full time students this fall, there is a lot to keep track of! I knew our system from the previous year barely got us by and it was time to upgrade to a more functional system. One that would make our things easy to use and find.

Charlotte Mason’s 6th principle, that Education is an atmosphere, certainly rings true for me. In our home we learn in all areas, but what we were needing was a space for everything and a system to organize it. Doing so would hopefully create a smoother rhythm to our day.

When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child-environment’ especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.

Here

Even though I still have visions for built-ins and new flooring, a functional and aesthetically pleasing space was needed for now. I just was not sure how I was going to accomplish that on a budget.

Essential elements for the the design of our homeschool room makeover

I started by making a list of the needs we had for the room and pain points that needed to be solved.

Here was what I came up with.

1. Bin organizer for individual kids’ things
2. Lots of open storage room for books
3. Closed door storage for craft supplies and teacher’s keys
4. Easy access to map, globe and coloring things
5. Chalkboard or white board
6. Large table for older kids
7. Smaller table for younger kids
8. Paper filing and display areas

Finding the key component

The next step was to determine what I already had to work with. I had a large divided cubbie organizer that our TV was sitting on in our family room downstairs. I had used it in our previous home for homeschool book storage but the original canvas bins were not a sturdy enough option anymore. However, I did have some heavy duty plastic bins I had used on a different shelf last year that were very practical. Well, low and behold! They fit in the cubbies! It was a perfect match for the need.

It wasn’t being used for anything except storing DVD’s. I switched out all of our DVD’s into a small compact disc case which was awesome! Why I hadn’t done that years ago, I don’t know. Totally recommend that! Then we found a smaller TV stand off of FB marketplace for $100. Boom! Now that large unit was free for the using and the perfect piece to for organizing the kid’s individual books.

In any design process, finding the focal point or key component is the most important first step. Sometimes it’s a statement piece of furniture or a rug. Knowing the main thing you want everything else to flow and match with can springboard the rest of the design into place.

Now that I knew what I would be working around, I was able to begin piecing the rest of the ideas for the room together.

The design process

I already had a large oak sideboard hutch down there that was functioning very well for storing the craft supplies. But it was very outdated. There were two large white unused bookcases not being used in our upstairs office, as well. After I took the measurements I found they would fit perfectly on either side of the shelf unit.

Because the black shelf unit was the focal and pivotal point for the room I knew I needed to work from there with the design plan. It was in good shape but with all the angles I did not want to paint it a different color. Hence, I decided to paint the other pieces of furniture to match the cubbie instead. I opted for Sherwin Williams Iron Ore, a black color we’ve used in our previous home. I also found new hardware at Hobby Lobby to put on the other furniture. This gave the room a more cohesive feel.

Sourcing some new pieces

Now, I just needed to source a new better fitting table and seating. The middle larger table I found brand new in the box off FB marketplace for $100. I also found 2 metal chairs for $25 that I spray painted black. I really had hoped to build or source some matching benches for the table, but didn’t have the time or budget to do so. Instead I repurposed unused leftover chairs from our dining room set.

I struggled to find a small table option for the younger kids. Then I happened upon this inexpensive folding table at Walmart and realized that it fit perfectly in the spot I needed. Plus, we could also use it in other ways if we needed a folding table. The chairs that go in front of that were $10 each on FB marketplace.

Hobby Lobby had their wall decor and hardware on sale the same week I was putting all of this together! I was able to gather hardware, and some fun decor items on clearance in one trip!

Cost Breakdown of our homeschool room makeover on a budget

Items Purchased for our homeschool room makeover

Table- FB Marketplace: $100

Black metal chairs-FB Marketplace: $25 for the pair

Wood chairs- Craigslist: $20 for the pair

Black folding table- Walmart: $37

Wall map tapestry- Hobby Lobby: $35

Wall Clock- Hobby Lobby: $15

New hardware knobs and bin pulls: Hobby Lobby: $20

Misc. Decor (plants, sign)- Hobby Lobby: $25

Quart of paint- Sherwin Williams Iron Ore $20

Total purchases: $297!

I still can’t believe I was able to finish this room for less than $300 including furniture purchases! We are all so grateful to have this space completed in a way that can serve our family’s needs, but still allow for changes in the future. Keeping this makeover afforadable allows me to stay flexible with longer term goals, and still be able to enjoy this space in the meantime.

Homeschool Room Makeover Sources

Black folding table from Walmart

Similar cubbie

Similar antique brass bin pulls

Similar antique brass knobs

Map

Globe

Similar gold wall organizer

Faux plants

Bird poster

Wall Clock

More Cavellini posters on Etsy

I am so thankful for this space and how everything came together. Just a few weeks into school now, and our flow is noticeably smoother. We are not wasting time trying to find books and notebooks. Now we are able to better spend our time creatively learning together and enjoying the smooth rhythm of our day.

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The post Our Homeschool Room Makeover on a budget appeared first on A Legacy In Days.

This bathroom makeover took less than a week and cost less than I had budgeted! I had a lot of fun and love the results!

I’m so happy to be able to show you the details and include pricing so you can get an idea of how easy and inexpensive it can be to update a space on almost any budget!

Even though we’ve lived in this home for over 6 months now, with a newborn, homeschooling, and getting our other house ready for the market, we didn’t have time to do a full makeover on the house before we moved in. This home was built 20 years ago and has a beige and brown color palette. It was very cheaply done builders grade trim and paint, and just not our “vibe”. What we did decide to do is makeover the house in stages. Here’s the before pics. They were taken right after we moved in and you can’t properly see the countertops and floor, but you get the idea!

Makeover/ Remodel plan in stages:

1. Makeover each room with paint and budget decor and some hardware/lighting updates
2. Kitchen makeover with new appliances, countertops, and paint the original cabinets
3. Replace doors and trim in house; Update bathroom flooring and cabinetry.
4. Full Kitchen Reno with new layout, cabinets and countertops.

Budget bathroom makeover details

This bathroom was a blast to design! Deciding to keep the original countertops and flooring gave me some limits in my design which I think helps me make decisions. I don’t know about you, but I get easily overwhelmed when I feel like there are endless options!

Painting the counters and tile floor was an option, but with a newborn baby, just getting the walls painted took time enough! I might still get to that before we do a full on renovation in there, but in the meantime I’m super happy with how it turned out. The fun of these kinds of design projects are that they present a challenge to work around. Because there isn’t a ton of time and money invested upfront I don’t feel locked in to what I decide, becauseI know I can change it later if I want to. I used to be intimidated by what I would pin and feel overwhelmed that I would never be able to achieve my dream looks, but now I know I can pull off the main idea and feel of the spaces I am drawn to even on the tiniest budget.

The design process for this bathroom makeover:

Firstly, I created a board on Pinterest with all the pics I loved of bathrooms that are a similar layout to what we have to work with. Pinning anything that struck me as beautiful and the feeling I wanted. After that I narrowed the decisions down to what I knew was staying and what I already had that I could utilize. The countertops, cabinet, and flooring were staying for sure. I also knew that I had some decor from my previous house that would work with the feel I was going for. Then I looked through my board on Pinterest to find pins I had saved that looked similar or would match with what I have.

Pins from my Pinterest bathroom makeover mood board

I chose the 2 main elements I liked that I knew I could work with. In this case, it was the shower curtain and the green cabinet. I knew if I stuck with a neutral palette I could work with the current beige countertops and tiled floors. Green was a color that was showing up a lot in my pins and I thought it could match with the beige to bring some more pop and draw attention AWAY from them. I then tried to source inexpensive elements that would create the feel I was going for. I narrowed it down to the components I already had that I knew I wanted include.

Components of the bathroom design:

• Matte black hardware
• Some rustic wood elements
• Boho minimal shower curtain and towels
• Neutral color palette to match current countertops and flooring
• Green painted cabinet
• Gold or brass cabinet hardware
• Caged farmhouse light fixture
• Gold accent decor

After this I was able to create a mood board by saving pics of items I sourced or already had. Then I used the app on Instagram called “Layout” to make a mood board to see if they were cohesive.

My mood board made with the app “layout”

Budget bathroom design details

What I used that I already had for this budget bathroom makeover

Cabinets:I then tried to find a way to work with what I currently had. The original vanity cabinets had fairly simple lines and were in good shape. Seeing that buying new ones would be a large expense, I decided to paint them and add new hardware. That way I would save money to work with in my budget for other things. Originally I had planned to shiplap the other wall, paint the floor and counter, and reframe the mirror. However, those are all details my husband is better at, and he was too busy getting our other house on the market at the time to be able to help me. We might still add those elements or save them for the full renovation.

Light fixture: The light fixture was outdated but would be a large expense to purchase new as well. I searched for “farmhouse bathroom light fixture” and that caged light came up. I thought I might be able to purchase a few things inexpensively to give the light an update. And I did! I found cages on amazon, spray painted the base and bought Edison bulbs. I really like how close it looks to the one I pinned for less than $50!

Decor Elements: I had decor items from our last house’s bathroom I was able to incorporate in here. I did spray paint some hooks on the hanging towel bar from black to gold.

What I purchased for this makeover

Decor items: Next, I found the exact shower curtain in my pins at Walmart and the matching towels! I loved the cream neutral color palette with the cute black boho elements, and it was very affordable. The black boho rug I purchased to cut down on washings! The darker color helps hide dirt and stains and washes up nicely! I have washed in my washing machine multiple times, and just hang it to dry.

Hardware: The faucet I found on Amazon as well for less than $40 and I love it so much I bought one for another future bathroom update. The updated matte black towel and toilet paper holder were the best deal on Amazon.

Budget bathroom cost breakdown:

Here is the budget breakdown and sources for everything I purchased

• Light fixture update: cage light covers $4.97 ea. on Amazon; Edison bulbs on Amazon $15.99 for 4
• New hardware: $28.99 on Amazon
• Matt black faucet: $42.99 on Amazon
• Wall paint: already had a gallon of the Pure White by Sherwin Williams
• Cabinet paint: Sherwin Williams Rosemary 1 quart $21
• Gold cabinet hardware: $14.99 for 5 on Amazon
• Shower curtain: $19.98 at Walmart
• Rug: $19.99 black on Amazon
• Towels: $7.88 at Walmart
• Gold and black spray paint for light and towel hook hardware update: $3.97 ea.
• Grand total spent: $186.55 !!!

Well, there you have it! I almost didn’t believe it myself until I did all the math! If you enjoyed this post let me know in the comments if it has inspired you to get in there and redo something in your house that you’ve been waiting to do because you thought you couldn’t afford it or didn’t know where to start! Just jump in!

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