Reader Space: Live Love DIY!

Today we are switching reader space gears for a really fantastic feature.

What is better than getting a project done on a budget?  Nothing!  We all do what we can to save a little moolah whether we are revamping a shoe box for storage or taking on an entire kitchen renovation.  Knowing that, I couldn't wait to welcome Virginia for the day.  This girl is the queen of budget makeovers and blogs about them over at LiveLoveDIY.  But even better, they look sweet and chic and all around fabulous.

Just check out this guest room that she put together for less than $200!

Isn't it ooh la la lovely?  I would pop by for a visit and then forget to leave! 

In this room update, Virginia made her own pillows and her own artwork.  She painted the free side tables, recovered a thrift store chair, spray painted some thrift store lamps, found the headboard on Craigslist and gave a thrift store mirror the Rub & Buff treatment.    You can snag all the specific details and links here. 

Sounds like a lot of work, but this is an example of how spending the time to get your hands dirty and play with paint, will get you a loooong way when making over a room.

I just had to know, how in the world does Virginia pull off budget room makeovers on such an extreme budget?

Tip Number One:

"My favorite way to get that high end look for pennies is to shop yard sales and thrift stores. I try not to be deterred by all the junk....it can be hard, but fight the urge to flee! I like to go frequently and have patience and can usually find some really amazing pieces. Plus, once you get the hang of it, thrifting can be sooo much fun! It's kind of like a really dusty treasure hunt! {My fave thrift store tips can be found in this really fun post}"

Let's take a peek at one of Virginia's recent thrift store finds.

Total cost: $1.

With a little paint, that tray now looks super chic!  Plus, I am obsessed with black and white stripes as of late so she gets bonus points.  Complete tutorial can be found here. 

Tip Number Two: 

"I try to ignore the current look of second-hand furniture and instead envision what it could look like with a little TLC.  If it has a great shape and is in good condition, you can always paint it a different color, reupholster it, or add something to it {like an overlay, stenciled pattern, nailheads, or metallic accent}. Even the worst pieces can often be salvaged with a great coat of paint, updated hardware, or beautiful fabric. {For example, all the sad old chairs I've brought back to life!}"

Let's check out another example of a piece of furniture that Virginia gave new life, thanks to the power of paint and an ability to see the potential.

Virginia actually kept the original hardware on this dresser, but the entire thing received some primer, paint and wax and now is a lovely feminine piece used to store her clothing.  Makeover details here.

Tip Number Three: 

"Keep the big ticket items classic, and test out fun trends with accessories. In most of my rooms, I purchase a few classic main pieces in simple neutral colors. Then, I can have fun accessorizing with fun pattern and color. This allows me to easily {and inexpensively!} change the decor of a room as trends change. For someone who is constantly learning and evolving when it comes to my decor style, it's great to be able to easily swap out different items in my house! {Like my glue pillows!}"

One more amazing room transformation for you to feast your eyes on.  Virginia started with a very typical and lack luster guest bathroom.

Again, on a budget under $200, her vision paired with lots of paint on the trim, vanity and walls, she went from drab to ultra fab!

Incredible eh?  It doesn't even look like the same space!  And those stripes... did I mention I swoon for stripes?  Snag every last detail here.

So much to heart right?  Room makeovers for less than $200!!!  Talk about designing on a dime!  And I adore that she finds most of her items at thrift stores and on Craigslist.  It not only gives her home a collected and unique look, but saves her so much money.  Super inspiring.  And stripes continuously prove to be an inexpensive bold impact to any update.  Yes please.

Virginia spilled her thrifty design tips, now it's your turn.  What tips do you have for DIY'ing and decorating on a tight budget?  What has been your favorite budget saavy project?  Mine is a toss up between our Craigslist entertainment center and dresser.

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!