1915 House

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room makeover featured

$100 Room Makeover – Home Office

It’s HERE!!!! I’m so excited for this day – the big reveal of our $100 Room Makeovers!

My blogging friends and I have been plotting and planning for this day over the last few months and it’s finally here! It all started when we found ourselves a little frustrated with these “room makeovers on a budget”. We’d be so excited to read about this fanTABulous room makeover the homeowners managed to “keep under budget”…only to read and find out they spent thousands of dollars on their one room. Sigh….

The Idea is Sparked

What about the rest of us? Those of us who DON’T have thousands of dollars to make over one room?

After some discussion, we decided that most people who are looking to update a room probably have $100 to put into such a project. And so the budget was set at one hundred dollars. The challenge was on….what all could we DO in a room with just $100 in our pockets? We knew this amount was going to really make us think outside the box, and we fondly dubbed it our “Champagne Taste on a Kool Aid Budget” challenge.

Check out these amazing bloggers for major inspiration on room makeovers on only $100!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure here.*

Let the Games Begin

I’m going back to the very beginning for this room reveal to show you just how far it’s come and where it began. I’m warning you now that these photos from the room as it was when we first bought our house may make your eyes hurt. They certainly make me cringe. Let these photos just be an inspiration as to how much you can do with a little vision and some DIY. Ok…brace yourself.

Behold.

The Horror.

Ugly before 2

These two photos were taken just a couple days after we moved in. You can see we had randomly placed boxes of toys in here and out of the way.

ugly before...

A circus tent just seems to fit with the mayhem that was this room, yes? Please also note the double border, sponge painted walls and teeny tiny ladybugs cut out of wallpaper and pasted onto the walls and ceiling. We had to peel/scrape off every single one of those ladybugs. Lord have mercy. My Aunt Judy was my saving grace in this room.

Room Makeover #1

After removing the two borders and every. single. wallpaper. ladybug. (insert eye rolling) I chose a stormy blue/grey for the walls. This was before I dove headlong into my love affair with white. While the blue was an improvement, it still lacked creativity and inspiration.  And so it sat. Still so sad, still so…blah.

still so sad and uninspiring

just. no. this room needs help

But that couch? I refused to give it up because it came out of my parent’s house when they moved and it’s where my brothers and I had long talks with Mom; it was where we opened Christmas presents every year, and it just holds so many memories. And it’s still solid as a rock. So it stays. You’ll see what I did to it below.

The Office gets Painted. Again.

The first thing I did was paint the room white with leftover paint from a previous project. Yay for leftover paint!

Then the light fixture had to go.

Bless.

However, with only $100 in the budget, I knew buying one was out of the question. So I shopped the house! 😉 After a quick walk-about, I decided to ask my Dad to help me move the chandelier from the guest room (which hardly gets used) to my office. And she’s PERFECT. While it’s hard to find chandeliers like this anymore (this one is quite old) there are still lots of gorgeous options to be found.

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

Here she is, the crowning glory of this room makeover. This chandy also has a story. You know I love pieces with a good story. She hung over our dining room table most of our growing up years and when my parents decided to switch light fixtures, I got her! These kinds of hand me downs are my favorites.

slip-covered-couch-in-office

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

The Couch

Here, you can see the couch again – with my vintage metal tv tray. When I got an estimate to have the couch recovered, it blew my mind. Over $900 to have it recovered! Well THAT wasn’t going to happen, so for now, I just purchased a drop cloth and tucked it into the couch – pushing it deeply into the back and sides. By tucking it in this way, it doesn’t scootch like it would if I just draped it over. *whispering: I didn’t even wash the drop cloth first. Straight out of the package and onto the couch*. I know, I know. For shame. Lol!

I didn’t want to lose the shape of the arms, so I folded pleats into the curve and simply pinned them to stay in place.

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

I love having this couch in my office. It’s where my boys come to sit and chat with me; it’s where I snuggle my littles when they wake up and find me working early in the morning, and it’s where we sometimes read our bedtime stories.

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

In the above photo, you can see that I’ve brought in a lot of my DIY projects. From left to right: My birch stump side table, the drop cloth covered chair, the faux fur footstool, and the chalk-mix painted side table.

And that rug? I painted it. I’ve painted a lot of things – even kitchen floors – but nothing has made me question my sanity quite like painting this rug. I almost gave up on it several times, but in the end, I’m so glad I persevered. Get all the gory details here.

The Clock

One thing I knew I needed in this room makeover was a clock. But again, clocks are so expensive! So I made this one – and I love it. You can read all about how I made the clock here.

New clock got a MAJOR upgrade on a dime!

DIY your own sunburst clock with less than $10 of materials!

Where it all Happens

Lastly, here’s my “desk” – the old formica table that I painted a while ago. The paint is holding up brilliantly! On the left of the table sits my thrift store lamp that I updated.

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

Cost Breakdown

  • lamp – $7
  • paint for lamp – free/leftover
  • lampshades – $19.96
  • white shelf in corner – $25
  • chandelier – shopped the house (STH)
  • table – shopped the house (STH)
  • rug under the table – already had
  • dresser – STH
  • clock – already had (updated for $9)
  • floor lamp – STH
  • drop cloth for couch – $17.98
  • couch – already had
  • pins for couch arms – STH
  • rug under couch – STH
  • paint for rug – leftover/already had
  • tiny black wooden pear on shelf – $1.40
  • All remaining items in the room were from shopping my house/things I already had.

Total cost of Room Makeover: $80.34

I truly hope this inspires you to know that you CAN do an entire room makeover on a super tight budget. You *don’t* need thousands of dollars to create a space you love! Shop your house – it’s already full of things you love – and find new ways to use the stuff you have on hand.

Be sure to Pin for later!

With only $100 and a little DIY, any room really CAN be completely transformed!! Click to see the eyesore that was the "before" - and see how to transform a room with *only* $100! It CAN be done!

Be sure to hop on over to these blogs to see what they did with $100 in their room makeovers! There’s so much inspiration to be had with these women!

tph_bloghopsmallhomesoul_bloghop sawdustsisters_bloghop savvyapron_bloghop raggedybits_bloghop nci_bloghop farmhousemade_bloghop anika_bloghop1915house_bloghopthmd_bloghopmythriftyhouse_bloghop

Comments

  1. Ivory says

    Wow, you are great. I love tge makeover you did. What a beautiful transformation. I love how you took items you already had, and improved upon them. I think it’s so sweet how you use this room to read to and snuggle with your kids. You rock!

    • 1915house says

      Ivory, thank you so much! How very kind of you to say so. I’m delighted that you love this makeover as much as I do! 😀 Thanks so much for spreading kindness and joy. I hope you have a great day! 😀

  2. Nellie says

    Wow, good job! It looks very cozy and comfortable and lovely, inspired and unique.
    Love that you love the sofa you had as a kid………great job making it look great again.
    Bet your kiddles love it too.
    Blessings,
    Nellie

  3. Patricia Krank says

    This is one of the most dramatic makeovers I’ve ever seen and it is beautiful! The makeover is the best part of buying an old house with ugly rooms. LOL! Good for you, keeping your parent’s couch, and you’re now making memories on it with your own children. SO sweet. Visiting from 21 Rosemary Lane 🙂
    Patti

    • 1915house says

      Oh, thank you so much, Patricia! I’m so happy that you liked the makeover! And you’re so right – there are few things I love as much as making over an ugly room in an old house – and the challenge of doing it under $100 makes it even more fun! 😀 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to say hi! 😀

  4. Nancy says

    Amazing!
    Great great great job.
    Love the white paint…you’re right the other color just didn’t work….but the white opens it up!
    And yes, the chandy is perfect….just the right flare! What a delightful office! (so much better without ladybugs!)
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

  5. Kelly says

    This room is freaking awesome! That chandelier is to die for – I can totally see why you were so excited to hang on to it. You did a great job on this room and that budget can’t be beat!
    Best,
    Kelly

  6. debbie says

    I love the travel through the transformations! How you have taken pieces from your life that hold meaning to you are even more precious and far more valuable than anything purchased new. Your office makeover is magical and to know you use it for even more…cuddles and reading! A really great thing is your kids are building new memories on that drop cloth covered sofa.

  7. Sheila DelCharco says

    Wow! Just wow! Wow on the before picture (but you know, someone went through a LOT of trouble to make it just how THEY wanted! Good for them! But I feel for you…) Wow on the after picture. I love it with the white. Great job “covering” your couch in that way! That’s brilliant! Maybe you can recover it yourself with dropcloth to match your chair? I mean you did a chair! What’s a couch except for a bigger chair?? Right? I loved hearing the story of how it all came together. You’ve inspired me to SMH!
    ~Sheila
    makingthemostofeveryday.com

    • 1915house says

      Sheila, thank you so much for the kind words! I agree – someone DID go to a lot of work to make the room what *they* wanted it to be – and I love that. I’m a firm believer that everyone should make their homes suit THEM, and no one else. I’m also thankful this home is mine now, so I can make it mine. 😉 😀 Maybe I will tackle recovering the couch one of these days! 😉 Have a wonderful day!

  9. Nikki Gwin says

    I love how clean and fresh it looks even though you didn’t really use anything “new”. Great job! I love shopping in our own stuff.
    🙂 gwingal

    • 1915house says

      Yes – that is the fun part – just re-using and repurposing things we already have. 😉 Fun to hear that you like to do the same! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment! 😀

  10. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    Sarah all that white paint really transformed the room. It is now bright and airy and serves as the perfect backdrop to show off the few colors you have and the textures and tones. Brilliantly done and I love that chair with the gold frame it really stands out now.

  12. Julie at icanlivewithoutsugar says

    Oh, Sarah! How gorgeous is your makeover?
    Every piece, unique and amazing, works with the next, to form a stunning eclectic union.
    What a vision. Inspires me to look at my office with fresh eyes! Wow!

  13. Anika says

    I love the office!! It is so nice and cozy! And that drop cloth cover for the couch is brilliant! I love how you attached it with the pins!
    And are you SURE you don’t miss those ladybugs 😉 LOL!

    • 1915house says

      Aw, thanks, Kimm! I’m so glad you like the makeover! 😀 Those ladybugs can give you a giggle anytime you think of them now – 😉

  15. Susanne says

    Sarah this is amazing!! Such a lovely room, and the pins on the drop cloth cover for your love seat *swoon* I am planning a makeover on our master bath if I can get the hubby on board 😉

  16. Belinda says

    Sarah ,That is quite a transformation so airy and lighter looking, Love love the chandelier . remember that couch looks fantastic. Next trip to SC have job for you. Lol , can’t wait to see how u did the clock also, Love you

    • 1915house says

      Thank you so much, Aunt Belinda! It makes me smile to know you read my blog – THANK YOU! <3 The clock post is coming soon - 😉 Love you too!

  17. Lynn Spencer says

    Sarah…Wow! Well done. What a difference the white paint made to begin with and I love the simple drop cloth to cover the sofa. Anxiously awaiting to see how you made that clock too!

    I know you are enjoying that room this weekend. You should!

    Lynn

    • 1915house says

      Thank you, Lynn! I’m so happy you like it! The clock post is in the works – 😉 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!

  18. Caris M says

    Sarah, that was a great make over. Can I hire you? Oh wait, maybe I need to take care of all my clutter first. Ha-ha. you are so inspiring!

  19. Angie Miller says

    GASP! You have done it again!!!! Brilliance!!! Love, LOVE, love!!!! And that CLOCK!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see how you made over that clock!

    P.S. I’m now scared of circus tents and ladybugs.

    P.S.S. Your dear, sweet momma would be SO PROUD of you!!

    • 1915house says

      Lol!!! Sorry I scared you with the circus tent and ladybugs – LOL! Thanks for the kind words, Ang! And I think you’re right – Mom would love this room, too. 🙂 (hugs)

  21. Susanne says

    Sarah, I am totally in love with everything in this room!!! I especially like the pins on the love seat arms (swooning). Ever since hearing about your $100 room makeover I have been plotting one for my master bathroom, if I can get the hubby to go along with it 😉

  22. Susie says

    What a stunning transformation! It’s beautiful from top to bottom. I love all of it, but anxiously await your post about the how to make the clock. I hope you have many hours…..years…. of fun and productivity in your beautiful new office. Susie from Chelsea Project

  24. Sam @ Raggedy Bits says

    Love everything in your office!!! What a transformation! I have 3 drop cloths waiting to cover my couch and you have just given me the nudge to make it happen! It looks FABULOUS!! I bet you love hanging out in your office now!!

  26. molly says

    Sarah, girl, this is a triumph! It looks absolutely professional. While I love COLOR!, I cannot deny the beauty of your wonderful white office. Yay for you!

    • 1915house says

      Aw, thank you Molly!! That means a lot to me – I know how much you love color – and it totally works for you!! Thanks for the kinds words! 🙂

  27. Pat Lingner says

    I love your office! The chandelier is awesome and I love your desk/table! Everything about your room is so classy yet fun! Nice job! It’s very inspiring.

  28. Janice says

    I laughed out LOUD when I read your caption “the horror” because I had just THOUGHT the same thing, lol! Your house is thanking you right now!! I love all the white, bright , and airy feel. The clock is gorgeous.

  29. Denise says

    Sarah….this has seriously got to be the most impressive before and after. That before room was crazy busy and so not you!!! What you have done to the room is AMAZING!!! I love every single detail you have in this space. Bravo girlfriend!!!

  31. Lisa says

    I would like to be the first one to tell you that you have just won the unofficial award for “most dramatic $100 room makeover.

    There are so many things to love in this room. It is now a wonderful space to make memories in.

  33. Toni | Small Home Soul says

    Oh my, that original room, no words. Someone actually did that? On purpose?

    But wow, look at her now, that room is all grown up and sophisticated. You have a knack for taking the lesser than and making it more than. The chandelier is beautiful as is your new light. Let’s not even talk about that table/desk, no words for now awesome that is now. I love the seating area you have created in your office with all your cozy and beautiful projects. Your rug is awesome by the way 🙂 It’s so beautiful, now you have a sweet place to create and share your beautiful projects with us; great job 😀

    • 1915house says

      Thank you so much Toni! I’m so glad you like the makeover! I finally love this room so much now. Thank you for your kind and supportive words – you’re such a dear. <3

  34. Kim says

    Sarah, those lady bugs! My goodness, what a drastic change – it looks stunning, and I just love the sofa!! The pins are such a beautiful detail. I love how all your pieces have such a beautiful story and you keep them close to you and your family. Amazing job!!!!

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