We recently became new homeowners! Our little family moved in just over a month ago and already there are so many thing we love about it.  Perhaps the thing I love most about our new house is the potential each room has in becoming a space of our own– a space where we will rise our children, welcome guests, and call home. The problem? With so many options and things to choose from, I’ve been getting so lost as to what it is I want to do with each space, and with a limited budget where should I even begin? New ideas and updates on the house are continually being added to my list and somehow I needed to find a way to get started.

Like me, I’m sure many of you have a growing wishlist that is just waiting to be tackled. Whether you’ve recently moved like me, or have lived in a place for years, I want to share a few tips I’ve learned on how you can start checking off some of those things on your list and finally create the space you’ve always wanted. Surprisingly, it’s quite similar to Sara’s steps in building a wardrobe. Who knew?!

1. Start by pin-pointing exactly what in your space isn’t working, what needs to go and what needs to be updated and/or fixed. I’m not talking about a major renovation here! Simple updates/fixes might include: organizing or rearranging a space; adding more personality and color with a coat of paint; or getting rid of an old piece of furniture and replacing it with something newer and of higher quality.

One of the first things on my project “to-do” list is our guest bathroom. There really isn’t anything horrible about it, but its a little out-dated and not really our style. I wanted something clean and sleek and something welcoming for guests.

2. Once you’ve identified the issues, start looking for inspiration and ideas for things you like or that would work in the space to fix the problem. As many of you already know, Pinterest is the #1 place to get great inspiration! I also like to look through different clips from magazines that I am always saving (ex. Do It Yourself, HGTV magazine, Better Home and Gardens). When using Pinterest or whatever else you use for inspiration, have a separate board/folder for each room to keep everything organized and easy to access.

3. Now that you know what direction you want to go in and some of the things you would like to get, start complying a shopping list and figuring out how much everything is going to cost.

Here is the board for the guest bathroom.

4. Lastly, figure out which project or space is at the top of your priority list and start there, working you’re way down the list until everything is eventually done.

 I like doing things this way because a) I have a clear vision of where I want the space to end up, and b) I can get things I actually want by taking the time to look around for the best deals even if it means getting things a little at a time. Sooner or later you’ll finally have the space you’ve always wanted that works!

Now just a few things to keep in mind:

Maybe the inspiration for your space would cost a lot more than you would like to pay, no worries! There is always something that looks similar or gives the same feel for a lot less if you’re willing to take the time and look around. Another option is to do it yourself.

As I mentioned above, having a laid out plan takes away the stress when it comes to buying the pieces and materials for the space your are creating; however, the big lesson is having PATIENCE. One thing I am still struggling to learn is that it’s not always realistic to have everything now. Over time a beautiful space is created.

I hope this post has inspired you to go tackle some of those awaiting projects! As for me, I already have the walls painted in the guest bathroom and plan on finishing up with the rest in the following weeks! Make sure to check back for the after photos!

I would love to hear some spaces you’ve wanted to revamp or projects you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet and what you’re plans are!

Linked To:
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/100-share-projects/
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/01/220th-penny-pinching-party.html
http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2014/1/14/what-we-love-wednesdays-22