This article explores various strategies for minimizing home decor in small rooms, including furniture placement, storage solutions, color and lighting choices, streamlining decor, organization, and visual illusions. Small spaces can be difficult to decorate, but they can be filled with potential with the right strategies. To make the most of a small bedroom, consider how the room functions and use multi-purpose furniture like sofa beds and storage ottomans to reduce clutter. Utilize vertical space with high shelves and wall-mounted furniture to create a cozy, stylish retreat.
To maximize natural light, use sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily opened to let in natural light. Mirrors can also reflect light and make the space free from clutter. To minimize visual clutter, try floating pieces like shelves and nightstands to keep the ground clear of obstacles and create extra storage beneath if needed. Use a tiny table with a substantial drawer to store and hide unwanted clutter, and style the tabletop with a simple lamp and carefully chosen lamps.
In addition to furniture, consider adding shelves above doorways, banishing room-darkening shadows with additional light fixtures, and placing glass shelves across deep-set windows. To reduce visual clutter, it’s important to blend design elements and find balance in colors, patterns, and textures. By following these tips, you can transform your small living room into a cozy, stylish retreat.
📹 Small Bedroom Makeover & Organization Ideas
Are you looking for some small bedroom organizing and decorating ideas?! I recently gave my daughter Izzy’s bedroom a mini …
What pattern makes a small room look bigger?
Stripes, chevron prints, and murals are all ways to make a room appear larger and more visually appealing. Vertical stripes stretch a room, making it feel taller, while horizontal stripes make it appear wider. These stripes can be used as accent walls or even as faux wood planks. Chevron prints offer depth and depth, making walls appear taller and adding a focal point. They come in various colors and can add a pop to neutral rooms.
Murals, on the other hand, draw the eye outward and give a room more visual space. They make it feel like a small wall opens up to a completely new world, making the room appear larger. Murals work well in home offices or bedrooms, as they transform a room and transport you outside of your home. For a truly transportive effect, opt for a photographic landscape like the Aspen Trees, Grand Canyon National Park mural.
How do interior designers make small rooms look bigger?
To magnify small spaces, use vertical elements such as installations, cabinets, artwork, decor, and textiles to create an illusion of extra space and depth. Paint on walls and ceilings, layering furniture with height, and breaking up sections with different colors are effective for open-plan homes or defined boundaries. However, small spaces thrive with color consistency, as too much color-blocking can feel cramped.
Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors emphasizes that a continuous color palette can elongate a space and make it look larger. Overall, color can make a significant difference in a room’s overall appearance.
How do you know if you have too much decor?
Over-decoration can lead to difficulties in moving around, a lack of focus, and a potential fire hazard. To maintain functionality, create clear pathways and remove unnecessary clutter. If your eyes struggle to find a focal point, simplify the design and strategically place focal pieces for a visually appealing space. Constantly adding new decor without thoughtful consideration can lead to an excessive accumulation of items that may not contribute to the overall aesthetic. Practice mindful shopping and only bring in new decor that truly enhances your space.
How can I make my small room look nicer?
To make a small room look bigger, clear clutter, keep pathways clear, choose soft, light colors, use a neutral color scheme, coordinate wall and furniture colors, let in light, use glass and lucite, and add reflective surfaces. Small spaces are easier to decorate, keep clean, and organize. To make a room look bigger without breaking the bank, consider simple fixes like clearing out clutter, adding reflective surfaces, and choosing neutral colors.
How do I minimalist my home?
To achieve minimalism, start by simplifying one room at a time, starting with furniture and only focusing on essentials. Clear floors, surfaces, walls, store items out of sight, and declutter. Start with a clean kitchen, with a dining table, chairs, counter stools, high chair, and step stool on the floor. On the counters, only the toaster, coffee maker, and microwave are essential. Store items out of sight and keep the space clean. While it may not be completely minimalistic, a clean and clutter-free home is possible. By removing unnecessary items, one can create a more organized and functional space.
How do I arrange more things in a small room?
Ideally situated in close proximity to the bed, these storage solutions can accommodate a range of items, including a mobile phone, small trinkets such as earrings, or a glass of water. This configuration ensures that all essential items are readily accessible at all times.
How to make a small room look less cluttered?
Matching furniture to your wall color can minimize contrast and make the room appear less cluttered. Light-colored furniture that matches your walls is also a good choice, as darker pieces tend to make small rooms feel more cramped. Light floors are popular for their appearance and spaciousness, making rooms feel more spacious than darker ones. Adding a rug can make the floor feel warmer but also make the space appear smaller. Keeping floors bare makes the room look larger.
When arranging furniture in a small space, it’s best to move furniture away from the walls. Placing furniture against the walls may give you more square inches but may make the room look more cluttered. Floating furniture a few inches from the wall and keeping corners clean and clutter-free can make the space look more spacious. Avoid placing furniture in catty-corner arrangements, as this can look like you purchased furniture too big and decided to push it wherever you could fit. By following these tips, you can create a more organized and functional living room.
How to organize a small room?
To create a clutter-free small bedroom, consider the following tips:
Think minimalistically: Keep your nightstand clear, use the space under your bed, establish a decluttering routine, use vertical space, keep shoes in one place, install wall shelving, and put the dresser in the closet.
Use vertical space: Use vertical space under your bed, keep shoes in one place, install wall shelving, and put the dresser in the closet.
Keep the bedroom clutter-free: Keep the bedroom clean, organized, and clutter-free by focusing on the bed, bedside table, and clothing storage.
How to maximize space in a small room?
Small bedroom storage ideas can help maximize space and reduce headaches. Consider using bed storage boxes, storing items high, choosing a narrow wardrobe, using multipurpose storage, utilizing corner space, hanging up items, installing a folding desk, or hanging a wall-mounted bedside table. These space-saving ideas can also help decorate the room to make it appear larger. Strategic placement of mirrors and choosing a silky finish paint can make the room feel more spacious. These small bedroom design inspirations can help breathe life back into cramped bedrooms and make them feel more spacious. Keep reading for more space-saving bedroom ideas and inspiration.
Why do rooms look smaller without furniture?
The absence of furnishings in the room, coupled with the presence of doorways and a modest fireplace, may evoke a sense of spatial constraints and a lack of clarity regarding the optimal arrangement of the prospective buyer’s belongings. Stephanie ingeniously establishes a seating area by strategically positioning furniture around the focal point, thereby eliminating any ambiguity on the part of the prospective buyer. This allows the room to appear to have a smaller and more spacious feel.
📹 How to Maximize Your Small Bedroom Layout (DIY ideas to try right now!)
How to Maximize Your Small Bedroom Layout (DIY ideas to try right now!) Your bedroom isn’t as small as you think! Contrary to …
I can see Abby is just like her mom! As far as a slow sale of your home is concerned, get another couple of real estate agents to walk through your house and give their opinion on what needs to happen. Then also invite people you know to walk your house and leave anonymous feedback messages on cards or have them answer survey questions that will help you to improve your chances of selling. We moved 4 years ago and our agent was brutal when it came to telling us what we needed to change. But in the end it wasn’t that much. We thought we were going to have to invest $10000 or more to sell our house. We ended up only spending $3500 and that was with doing a few extra things that we didn’t have to do. Also try walking your house as if you were the buyer. What would you be looking at that isn’t quite right? Don’t just think of it as the “blackness” of it. Somethings may not be able to be changed (like the size of the room). Also poll your agent to see if they know what type of buyer is interested in your type of house. Our first house we sold, the agent said that our buyer would be the xyz type. Sure enough, that was the type of buyer who bought the house. The second house was the same thing and we used a different agent. The more feedback you get, the easier it is to show and sell your house. Make it appeal to the buyer, not the masses. Rant and advice over.
Izzy’s room turned out fantastic! I think it might be considered cottage core? So many ideas I want to use for my daughter’s room. Cass, I think Abby might be gunning for your job.. she’s hilarious! Fingers crossed the house sells… black is really on trend right now, so deep breaths I’m sure it will sell soon!
We’ve been in our home 25yrs and I’m getting ready to make big changes. During all my research, refinishing my wood banisters, railings and ’80’s oak furniture in a black or almost black stain seems to be on trend. Just hang in there the Ontario housing market is very tricky right now. Don’t too quickly make any decisions. I’m sure it will be sold shortly. PS I see Abby got your sense of humour 😂
This turned out so cute and Izzy is awesome and should be your assistant in articles 😂. Great job ladies. My husband is out of town this coming weekend so I recruited a couple friends to help me make over our master bedroom ! He hasn’t wanted to do it or make the time so perfect time to do it and I can’t wait to surprise him!
I eagerly await your weekly articles, and have started to watch your podcasts as well! I love design, and have usually been able to figure things out as far as organizing goes. But the trauma of my husband’s sudden death has really thrown me, and now I have the huge task of digging myself out of the pit, literally! Learning that I am a quintessential Butterfly is helping me make sense of it all. I don’t have to put all of my micro-organizing-color coordinating way of living behind closed doors if I don’t want to!!! It was really nice to see one sister doing something so sweet for the other! You’ve raised them well! As for your house, I love the black! I’ve never felt that it seemed “Addams Family-ish”! You’ve done a great job of working with the light and dark, and and it feels very balanced! The real estate market is absolutely nuts right now, and the middle of the summer is not an easy time to sell. Try not to worry. Things will get better! I’ll pray that the Lord will send just the right family to make your beautiful home theirs!
I’ll bet ya it will sell in the autumn. Summer is often a dead or slow time for real estate, as folks are focusing on playing outdoors, taking their summer holidays, etc. People don’t start getting antsy about moving until around back to school and the onset of winter. But particularly this year…my friend who is a real estate agent said it is really slow right now, like, she’s hearing crickets slow. Hang in there, or take it off and re-list it in the fall.
You are so talented with the way you know how to declutter a room and consolidate space! I watched your articles on organization styles and I’m a bee and butterfly. After I watched a article, I was able to clean and organize my linen closet! Thank you for all you do and keep the articles coming. I hope you’re able to move like you want to.
Just relax Cass. The right person will come along and fall in love with your house. Don’t bother to paint because whoever buys your house will come in and change everything no matter what you do or how much you spend. If you are trying to sell it your self you may want to bring in an agent to list it so you are not stuck with two houses.
Izzy is adorable and I love the upgrade! It turned out amazing! Doesn’t look so dark anymore and it’s more “breathable”!! Oh Cas, don’t beat yourself up about cosmetic things in your house! It’s just surface things someone can easily change! I wouldn’t spend a lot of time and definitely no money on trying to make the house what you think someone else is looking for, because guaranteed they’ll change it anyway!! I’m not super religious or trying to sound “preachy”, But 10 years ago when we were going to move, my aunt bought me a little statue of St. Joseph. You are supposed to bury him upside down with his face facing towards the house or area you want to move. We did this and sold our house in 32 hours!! I’m not saying that was what did it, but before we moved we dug him back up (you’re supposed to!) and he had a special place on a shelf in our kitchen for years!! Good luck Cas, I know it’s frustrating, but it WILL happen!! It only takes one person!! They’re out there!!
The bedroom was amazing! Selling a house is a major stressor in the first place, second guessing your choices is raising the stress to another level! Personally I think the lack of offers isn’t decor related, most home buyers are focused on other factors! Price, room for family and essential items and location! Check with your realtor to see what is selling in your neighborhood! Blessed days!
Love the makeover!! I wouldn’t assume the black is the issue…seen plenty of homes sell like that. The only thing that comes to mind that as agents we do in our area is hold what is called a brokers open house ~ only real estate agents allowed. During that time, agents come through with their feedback regarding conditions, price, etc. It helps give a different perspective. Sometimes that alone will help put your home to the forefront of an agent’s mind when thinking of their clients. But, like others are saying “don’t stress the timeframe” ~ it’s not easy but things have a way of working themselves out. Also, have the agent post the pics of the room re-done as it opened up the space to look bigger.
About your house, I honestly think it is the time of year. Things are slow in my area too. People are going on vacation. It’s really hot here, nobody wants to go out. Next month, people will be thinking of going back to school, start planning for fall and such. Things will be better towards the end of the month, into August.
I don’t usually leave comments but I absolutely loved this article and enjoyed it. I loved that your daughter got involved and your husband too, thought it was so sweet that everyone is helping make it special for Izzy. Abbey is super fun to watch too, you two are a bit of a dream team and it’s sweet and funny to see the dynamic between you both 😅 plus the room looks fab!! Well done 🎉
Love the makeover! 🙂 I wrote a loooong comment about staging/selling your house, but deleted it again. But watch the tv show ‘unsellable to sellable’. The episodes are 20 minutes, and there are tons here on YouTube. 🙂 The basic concept is, they take the house off the market for a week, and for a budget of 5.000$ (tops), they do some key renovations (depending on what the specific house needs). Often some painting and decorating, but also other things. Then they put it back on the market, and often, the interest spikes – sometimes, the house is sold very quickly after. It is pretty old, so some of the design tips you might need to tweak, to fit 2023. But the overall principles (neutralise/tone down, cater to the type of people who your house/neighbourhood appeals to, etc.) are still good advice. 🙂
Patience Cass! The right family will come along and know that paint is a small thing to consider and easily changed to personal likes, and more important is the ‘bones’ and location. It’s just July and people are out traveling and camping not so much house shopping. Plus you’re famous! It will catch someone’s eye soon!!
The combination of black and white is amazing. Are your walls white? Maybe just paint the cabinets white and get light carpets for different spaces, it will brighten the house but keep the dramatic look of the black. And you can always do a house tour and let your followers make suggestions, who knows maybe there will be good suggestions….
Such beautiful transformation..🙏🙏🙏 that it sells. When the right person come through you can negotiate a lower price if they don’t like the black…istad of putting a price on ask for expression of interest and then you can get a feel. Also get a quote from a painter wo much it would take to paint it white then you’ll know how much yo can drop your price by.
I worked for realtors previously. They said if you don’t have showings on your house in the first two weeks, it is over-priced. Also, the other thing is market timing — people are on vacation in the summer . As Eric Stewart a Radio Realtor says, when the fireworks go up (Fourth of July in America) the prices go down. But there is a bump in the market about mid August when people want to move before school starts. Good Luck, a buyer will come.
I understand the stress. I put mine on the market for cheap. It sold in a week, but…but there is a TON of messes. I am also trying to finish the downsizing from my parents’ 50 years of collecting stuff, and I am an academic, wanna-be writer who loves books. So maximalist trying to downsize…um yeah stress! I wish you the best. I did see the new house article, it is beautiful! I will not be buying, I will be renting for a bit. Wish us both luck!
Hi Cass, could you do a article on organising stuff for someone who just gets stomach clenches at some of the things that most people recommend for organising? For instance; the hangers stuff for the back of doors, things hanging on the inside of kitchen doors and so many many other things, essentially everything that can be seen! I get shudders when I watch them!!! Help please!
I would love a house where someone had stained all the wood black or dark! Sick of looking at generic oak and orangey colored trim on everything, white painted is ok but it chips and scuffs so easy, stain is so much more natural looking. If you post photos of rooms your internet followers would love to give you ideas. I would start by adding in white things- plush white throw rug somewhere would be good. The space behind you looks great. Lots of white, pops of color, and some pale color accenting. And stick on motion battery operated lights in dark spots.
Cass, I’ve been perusal your articles for years and I always learn so much. Right now I’m at a breaking point. I have two young kids, work full time, and my youngest is almost 2. Our house is a complete mess. I barely have time to shower. How do I get started on a complete decluttering? When I see a messy closet I get overwhelmed and give up quickly. But I know I have to get to it. Somehow I try, but when i finally put the kids to sleep I end up falling asleep on the couch. How do I break out of this rut? Help!! Maybe you have a article for or blog to help me get started – please let me know!
😂 I’d be glad to have a room that big! My bed takes up more than 1/3 of my room alone. Plus, I have what loosely translates to a roof ceiling, I forgot the actual English word for it but 1/4 of the space in my room is taken by a sort of angled “wall” connecting my ceiling to the outter wall, if you get what I mean.
I live in southern Manitoba and land and houses don’t seem to be selling very quickly here either now. They were though. It seems to me that a lot of people like homes with the black. Younger people for sure. I don’t think you should repaint anything because as you have it now, it all matches. I am no expert so that is just my uneducated opinion. Haha Good luck with things, Cass. I am sure all will work out as it should.
I rearranged my furniture about 50 times😂😂😂😂. But recently i haven’t had the urge maybe it’s all perfect now!😉😅. Two days ago a changed the printer cartridge and yesterday i saw that the wall behind it has some blue sprinkles on it. I don’t know how i did that. Honestly no clue😂. I need a magic eraser now! Abbey and you are a really cool team!!!😍 And it’s looking great!🤩🤩 Well done!🙌
Dear Cass. Don’t panic or break about the house selling please. Or have you bought a new house and HAVE to sell right now? There is inflation and unsecurity all around the world. Most people don’t buy a house right now and it doesn’t matter what colors it has… I Loved to see Abby as your assistant. She is fun! Hope to see her as your sidekick soon again ❤
Hi Cas. Where does Izzy keep her clothing now? As for the house, what does your realtor advise? (S)he would know best what buyers in your area and price range are looking for. If (s)he tells you that you need to paint your wood white, you should hire that job out to get it done quickly. A professional painting company would send a team to your home and do it all in one day. Then arrange a second open house to showcase the changes. Good luck!
I am sure that your home is being presented in it’s best light, because you are so tidy. There must be another reason why no one has put in an offer yet? Did you ask the estate agent to give you feedback on what the viewers truly thought of your house, as this would be very helpful for you. I would love to move things around in my home, but it is tiny, and everything is in place where it has to be to work for me. I am a butterfly, so have a lot of my treasured possessions out on show, which is the way I love it. But it does make it hard for keeping things dust free! I wish you were in Devon, England, because I would get you to come around to mine and sort it all out! 🥰 I have a spare room downstairs full of things from my many house moves (yes, I know it should have all been sorted out way before now) and also from my 4 shops I have had, selling local makers arts and crafts, along with my own – I am a pottery painter. I cannot afford to get anyone in to help me, and I live alone with my rescue greyhound Madge. Due to my severe anxiety, I only go out of my house to walk Madge, so this makes it difficult to try and sell things, as I have no one to take things to the post office to post to folk. If you, or anyone has any suggestions for me on how I can sell my lovely arts and crafts, without being able to go out, I would be soooo grateful?! Thank you for your great article, as always, you are a true inspiration to us all. Love from Jilly & Madge, from a rainy (at last) West Devon, England.
Instead of repainting things you could use removable vinyl to brighten things up… I found the you tuber youduvh to be inspirational.(most of her ideas are renter friendly aka easily changeable ) A white and black toille on your upper cabinets would easily brighten the look. Oh my I hope my phone doesn’t auto correct back to what it auto typed it had put toilet instead of toille. Now that would take a really unique buyer.😂damn it did it again ok I think I changed it back again😅
In regards to the house sale, you need to market it properly to get those offers. Spin it as a classic modern design. Not traditional, because that would feature more white. Classic is black and white. Chic, even. And trendy. Make it a trend. Find ways to highlight this to attract the person out there who will love your home. And seriously, if paint is the only fix, it can be talked about when it is being shown. Bake those cookies and have another open house. You got this!!!
We have a black and white themed room it’s got zebra pictures and black trims and handles everyone loves it, the right person just hasn’t seen it yet, the market is also slow as the economy is a bit of a bouncy ball so don’t be too concerned yet, if your really worried get your realtor to give you feedback from the people who come through new open house and see what is going on, also is there a lot for sale in your area ? We are selling soon so you need to scope out what is on offer around you and compare
When I sold our house we did the for sale by owner, I had two open houses on Saturdays. Within the two weeeks a girl stopped by told me what they had been pre approved for. We lowered the price and I sold it within two weeks …I’d say the price with higher interest rates may be the issue. We did redo all carpet, interior doors etc. they bought it and took up the carpet …lol we didn’t get what we wanted but I sold quick and we were ready let it go. It was a young couple starting out and made us feel good they would be living there. We did make money off of it just not as much as we probably could have but I didn’t wanna spend all my weekends there having open houses.
Ask your Realtor about offering a 2/1 Buydown. The interest rates are scaring off buyers, but that’s only bc they dont know about this new product. Lowering the price by 20K saves the buyer 20K. But buying down their rate for 2 years, with however much 20K will buy it down, will save them exponentially more. GL Cass!
Super random, but can I ask what projector you have on the ceiling? I have a room about the same size that I am transforming into a media room. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone down the rabbit hole trying to figure out which one to get, only to wander out hours later with my head hurting and my eyes spinning – no closer to a solution. HELP, CASS, HELP!!
Painting everything a highly personal colour, like black, is a great lifestyle choice, but it narrows your market down to just one buyer, ie you. People pay more money for a blank canvas that they can personalise. So either put the price down or repaint. It’s probably cheaper to repaint, get a quote and choose one or the other
Great job Abby, Cas and Joe!! It looks amaze balls!! ❤Abby maybe you should be in acting…..I think you’re mother missed her calling!! 😂 but you girlfriend you go girl!!❤ Cas don’t panic….honestly! Don’t lower the price just yet….! Redo some pictures!! Especially of Izzy’s room. Get some fresh vantage points!! Especially of the river!!
Maybe I’ve been in the UK too long, but 9×10 isn’t even a small room, let alone tiny. My sons room is about 7×7. 😂 The master bedroom is about 8×10…and part of that has built in wardrobes (which I’ve grown to loathe, like I REALLY hate them). I also definitely couldn’t even dream right now of spending nearly £300 on redecorating a room. That may be small things in US terms, but not in UK! 😂 Oh well. The room turned out cute.
I like black, but if you are worried or have gotten feedback from your agent just do a cash credit (cash back) at close to the buyers. Like a 5k (or whatever) painting credit. They get to pick whatever they want after they bought it and you don’t have the headache of changing it 😊 Also, Izzys new room is super cute!
That room is literally inches larger than mine. You: 9×10.5 Me: 8.5×10. the only thing in my room is my bed, a night stand, and a jewelry curio. My dresser has to go in another room! The limitation in my room is door and outlet placement. Because of where the bathroom, closet, and entry doors are furniture placement is nearly impossible. 😭 I wish I could send your pictures!
The housing market has been WEIRD this year. We are also selling our home and moving. It took way longer than I wanted to get an offer that was lower than we were hoping for. This room is beautiful! I actually took screen shots to send to my 18 yr old for ideas on what she might like for her new room at our new house. We move in 3 weeks. Eeeek! Thanks for sharing!
I like the black, I don’t think it would deter an interested buyer. The right person will fall in love with your home, knowing that painting is actually the least expensive “fix”. Most people know to look at the “bones” of the house, the layout and things that cannot be changed (vey easily), and not the paint colors. Good luck 🍀
When I sold my Home for sale by Owner, I asked the viewers if they had any suggestions that would make my home and yard more appealing. My suspicion is that your home is in a higher price range where there are less buyers. Also keep in mind that when you have an open house, most of the people are just nosey, not actual buyers. Keep the faith, the right family will come along. I’m sure you and your realtor did your research into the comps that have sold in the last six months and priced your home accordingly. I wouldn’t be too quick to lower the price as sometimes it makes people think something is wrong with the home. Be patient. Good luck to you.
Hi Cass, Thank you for always motivating and teaching us in such a cheerful, warm way. I learn so much from you! Do you have professional photos of your home? They make a difference! Maybe add lighting in areas where it is a bit dark and/or just repaint certain areas for a lighter affect. Make sure to review property comparables so that you are priced in a good way. Sometimes, when you are priced a little low, you can have a bidding war among customers. Seller motivated may be a good phrase to use also. Most of all, emphasize all the additions of your home and the surrounding area. You will sell!!! Look at your home from a Buyer’s perspective to give balance, as well. All the best!
To truly appreciate the after, would you linger a bit more on the before? I needed to keep hunting for it in order to do a pause on the ‘before’ – you lingered plenty on the after- nice work, too! Lingering on before helps to get a good view of the ‘changes’. Does anyone else agree she was way too quick?
Painting everything white is how I got 50% more for my tiny house than the going rate. Think of it as an investment. I used the whitest white (glossy) I could find, after sanding off any previous colors or bumps. My house was one of over 200 attached small 2-bedroom homes. Just paint one thing at a time, so the working mess can be picked up quickly. You have a lot of rugs, but my wooden flooring was waxed repeatedly. I never ‘said’ it was urethaned but it looked like it. The result was a very shiny house that sold quickly.
Maybe off set your house with white walls 🤷♀️. My house was oatmeal beige with 80’s wood trim and I was really drawn to the black trim, but because all of my furniture is dark, I did white walls, it’s so much brighter and clean feeling. Then I would focus on making the kitchen brighter and more current kitchen color choices. Maybe watch Sell this house for tips.
Don’t blame Jo for not telling you not to paint it black. We both know that no one can stop us once we have a crazy idea in our head 😂. Also I loved the makeover. I’m guessing Izzie’s bed was parallel to the wall lengthways, or was it just a weird camera angle. Also if you have to drop the price so be it. You’ll earn that money back in no time xx
I love the shelf idea for behind the bed!! I’ve been wanting a new bedroom set because I’m so tired of mine but I don’t have the money to buy all new furniture…. I like this even better! If I can just remove the existing headboard and get shelves to match it would be perfect. And extra storage space is always a plus!!
Cas’s theme song: 🎶I see some light wood and I want to paint it black!🎶 Makeover looks amazing! Abby is super silly pants and it’s fantastic! Thanks for the tip on the bookshelves. Our middle son just moved out anf now our youngest gets to move into his bigger bedroom, so we are doing some serious shoestring redecorating. 💞
I think it depends on the age range of a buyer( buyers ) … some people like all the black … personally, I don’t. .. touches of black help ” ground a space ” but too much of it can feel…. ” depressing ” to some. I am older, so again, …it depends on age/ taste preference in decor/ etc. .. I prefer light, bright and tgat doesn’t mean that ” everything is white ” … but whites and Neutrals like Cream/ soft white / off white make things look ” fresh, clean”, etc . If You could paint one thing. I think at least paint your kitchen island to break up all the dark tones… you’d be surprised at how it will make a difference in the look and feel of the kitchen. …and not a stark white… but a pale, warm hued grey ( has a warm undertone) that is just ‘ a wash of a colour ” ..that can tie into other finishes around it. . and test out several colours on large ( 11×11 at least ) sample boards if you do decide you’d like to change that . That’s my suggestion, as a Professional Painter . :). I think the stair.thing is fine as is ( I think ‘ off black ” or almost black can be a better option for black paint) …, … but the stair railing is dramatic, grounds the space and looks chic,adds a touch of ” modern ” but not ” too much ” … there is a Balance. 🙂😊
I am not sure what your asking price is but in this market, you will sell soon. The right person will come along, just be patient (I know, easier said than done). Updating Izzy’s room will only help you sell it! Looks so great! I wish we could have seen her reaction but kudos to you for respecting her wishes. I am so excited to see your new home. I hope this house sells really soon so you can destress. Hugs!❤
Love the makeover! As far as the dark trim and cabinets, I wouldn’t try and change everything. There will be someone that loves it. It has only been a short time and with the holiday in that time I think it’s just the timing. This weekend could be the time. Again love you and thanks for brightening our day.
Hello! I just wanted to say I was a kid that survived having a bedroom in the basement (I’m 43 yrs. young now). My bedroom had awful red and yellow tile…I have no idea why. Anyway, I thought her bedroom was beautiful and the makeover is fantastic! I hope your home sells soon to lower your stress. I think your house is lovely <3
The problem is not the black, the problem is the high interest rates and high house prices. Lowering the price is a much better idea than painting things white. Despite the low inventory in many cities, the housing market is crashing. Too many people (myself included) cannot afford to sell their house and buy the one next door. That is a much bigger problem than black (which looks sharp, by the way).
Cass! I love you and have been perusal your articles for years now! You have helped me so much! Izzy is adorable! I just wanted to warn you that dabbling with witchcraft can open doors to the demonic realm and is dangerous. Dear Izzy, please take this seriously and get rid of all witchcraft stuff, the skull, possibly even the rocks… especially the spell book. If you are looking for the spiritual side of life and the supernatural I promise- Jesus Christ has all that you are looking for and more. When you really explore the Bible- you will see and learn how wide and deep the Father’s love for you is. God made you and He has big plans for you Izzy. Please turn away from that witchcraft stuff. I know it looks harmless – but that is how the devil makes everything look or seem at first. God bless you!🙏🙏🙏
Selling ones house is an extremely challenging time, I have been there a few times. It makes you feel insecure about your house when no one is responding. But, you have to keep in mind that there is someone out there looking for just that house of yours. They just haven`t found it yet. Better not start painting everything because that `s a big cost and the new owners will paint it anew anyway. Buyers need to look at the casco of the house, not the decoration. They will decorate it as they want to. Nice makeover of your beautifull daughter`s room. This way she`ll stick it out in the dungeon untill the day that you move to your new home lol.
Don’t worry about trying to decorate or update your home for a buyer… We did that a year and a half ago and the buyers bought it and gutted everything. EV.RY.THING! You can’t predict the desires of the phantom buyer. If the buyer is serious and wants you to do something then that can be worked into the contract. I would not do unnecessary updating or painting or such until that conversation is needed. Bide your time. Lord knows we had too 🙄
Seriously, I think you need to Sage the house. You can open all the windows and doors and start at the front door and move right . Set an Intention stating I release this home now. You can also use a Spray Sage. If after that no traffic then I’d have it painted white and move your stuff to storage and Stage it a bit…It probably has too much of your families personal belongings in it so hard for people to visualize themselves there. So much work I know, but worth it…
It looks beautiful and so functional. Did I miss where she puts her clothes? Sorry, my cat kept being needy, lol. I always enjoy your articles. The housing market is so odd right now. I’m sure it will sell as is. I can’t imagine it not. You’ve really worked hard with every room. Even the outside looks good.
Just discovered you today – how have I lived w/o you? This makeover was so fun to watch. You and your family are so entertaining and lovely. WHY DID YOU STAIN EVERYTHING BLACK? But seriously, I dont know where you live but wherever it is, I would just consider the basic styles of the typical buyer in your area and the style of the neighborhood and try to keep your house’s style as close to that as possible. If anyone can do it, its you. All it takes is one perfect buyer.❤
HOUSE SALE TIPS – simplify everything. Clear out as mich as possible. Especially Visual organizations… people need to feel like everything is big & open. Less on the walls, less in the rooms, 0 pictures of family. Have Dawn from minimal mom do a colab to stage your house! Her tips 100% helped me sell our bilevel, not ideal home too.
Blessings in an abundance of the faith. I salute you. 😘🙏👣🎚️🤲💌📬💕 Grace and peace be unto you and to this place. 🙏❤❤❤🤍🤍🤍🙏 😊Thank you. God bless you. 😊🙏 Wisdom thou art my sister, understanding, thou art my kinswoman. Thank you Father God for assistance. Will you believe and receive Jesus Christ as your LORD and personal saviour??? I do. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
The timing of this article scared da poo poo outta me….I kid you not, just yesterday I looked at my bedroom, sighed, and said this needs “Casified!!” Thank you for picking up my vibe!! 😁 No worries about the house, I have every confidence the right buyer at the right time will be there 😉 Love you Cas, idk what I’d do without your articles/inspiration/motivation/laughs!! 🤗😘😍🥰💕💗
Ok, real talk…if I was your buyer, I would LOVE EVERYTHING about your house, except the kitchen (and I’ve never seen your yard, so I can’t say). Maybe HIRE someone to rennovate the kitchen and film it so you make money on filming the transformation. It’s not just the black, it is the out of date granite and tile too. You can try doing it on the cheap if you cover over the granite (I’ve seen people stick marble vinal covering sheets over granite or paint it or smear cement over it or…??) WHITE, bright, light is a good idea. Kitchens are a big deal to buyers. Best idea: Maybe hire a youtube decorator who will transform it for free (minus materials) in trade for exposure to help them get subscribers. ? Keep us posted on whatever you do.
I dont think the lack of offers is due to some black trim, people buy a house and usually want to CHANGE a lot. My aunt put in all new carpeting in a gorgeous home with a pool they were selling, and the people who bought it CHANGED THE CARPET right away! The market is a bit softer, I think, and I am not sure where you are, but selling price and comparisons are usually everything – plus timing of the market!! Good luck.
My nephew wants to buy a bigger home sooo bad. Problem is they can’t find a home to buy that isn’t under $450,000 right now in their town that isn’t majorly outdated or is falling apart. Granted their house would sell but they can’t buy. It’s a crazy market I don’t understand. I would definitely repaint the kitchen cabinets if anything. Kitchens sell houses. My brother painted over my parents trim easily using Zinsser primer & cabinet paint. He didn’t even sand!! Came out perfect. Maybe just tackle the trim in the other rooms one window/one room at a time. (Joe or your daughter that is. We see how you are with paint Cass LOL.) Love how the room came out!! Great job & Abby did awesome!!
I love Abby! She is wonderful🎉 I am so looking forward to what she does with you in the next house. DO NOT PAINT THOSE CABINETS WHITE!!!! It is going out of style and reads like you are covering something up. Your buyer will either love your aesthetic OR will be looking for a kitchen they can gut to customize. I am a veteran mover (6 times in 37 years of marriage) and have been both buyers. The first time, we had settled on a model (the development was 25 years old) and made the offer on the house covered with wall to wall carpet in my favorite blue. That seller became a friend and later told me that she was panicking before I arrived like you are now. I bought my current house specifically because it needed a new kitchen and I wanted to do it my way. Both times we met the asking price. Paint those cabinets white and a vetran buyer like me I will assume there are other things you have covered up as well. Keep up your staging and consider a short tem storage locker to move out furniture you want to keep for the new house. I think what you did in Izzy’s room (minus the butterfly wall files–are the necessary btween now and when school starts? )is spot on for marketing. Love you Cas! Praying you through! 😊
Beautiful bedroom! If i could buy your house, i would. I love black!!! Saw you first when you had your surgery! You look wonderful!!! Ive lost 85 pounds and am loosing, Lord Willing 20 more!! You do fabulous work and as a fellow AADDer, i know the effort you put into all you do! Continued success and prosperity too! God bless you and yours!
Nice room refresh! FYI: That blouse looks great! As far as the black, maybe just do a few small things white? Like the railing? If there is black furniture; maybe remove it, and replace it with borrowed pieces until it sells? As I understand it, you are set on the new house. Try focusing on the happiness that has given you, and try to consider this house as a temporary “bump”, on the way to the new place! If you’ve ever lived through a large renovation while staying in the house, I think you know maximum stress on one’s marriage! Moving is stress on s shorter timeline!
I like what you did with the room. But what I don’t understand: Why do kids in Canada and the USA have such big beds? In Germany kids usually have beds that are not wider than three feet. Especially if their room is small. Although I don’t think that this room is small at all. My kids have rooms of 90 squarefeet. When I grew up my room only had 80 squarefeet.
My mom likes to paint too. She opens up a paint can, takes a brush and WOO-HO! rodeo starts. Repairing, sanding, filling, masking or just putting things off the work zone is for noobs. Maestro just paints by inspiration, time and paint fumes wait for no one. So she painted all the doors and doorframes (and partially the washing machine, my bathrobe, two bags, two cabinets, two chairs, an old swithplate, bits of wallpapers and floors). She painted all pistachio green. BTW she’s a butterfly.
So few years ago it was my family of 7 in a 1280 sq ft house ( at least 400 sq ft is needed per person ). Cape cod small upstairs and me and my brother were sharing a 81 square ft bedroom with 2 BOYS we could barely fit 2 NON bunk beds so we needed bunk beds. We lived in that house for about alittle over a decade. And … well I guess we survived in it .😂
The room is adorable ❤ Love the Spring Witch idea! With your house – ppl don’t want to have to remake anything when they buy a home. And Black is definitely not an in color for kitchens. Get some realtors opinions. Personally I suggest to start painting. Or pay for a painter. It’s probably cheaper than the cost of having 2 homes for a longer time. 🏠🏠😮
A few weeks ago I rotated the big double foldout ikea table in my livingroom and pushed it against the wall on the short edge, and simply doing that opened up an insane amount of space while also making it easier to hide my wires. Before that I was insane and had the table in the exact center of the livingroom with wires crossing the floor XD my robovac Hated that… Then I hung up all the art my friends gave me in the spot right next to my PC setup at the table, and bought an extra shelf lamp and over-the-door coat hanger to free up the backs of my chairs. I was so blown away and giddy about what a difference it made… XD while I was at it, I also replaced my apartment showerhead with a nice big rainfall + handheld setup, since installing one yourself is about the easiest plumbing job possible. I didn’t think it was possible to love my rented livingspace so much amdnns
I appreciate the small space makeovers. My own space is very small as I am living in my parents basement with my son (transitional period with a divorce)- so I have to kind of cram a lot in one small space. I appreciate this kind of input, yet this isn’t my space so I can’t do a lot of stuff, but removeable wallpaper is a good idea! <3
You paint the walls white and have black accent trim. I studied art. I come from a home designer train of thought/background. It’s difficult to make a study sight-unseen but here’s my thoughts. Please “think lighting” and do some pictures (that show the interior) at night, as well as the normal day-shots day. “It’s so comfy to live here.” Then you are ready for a new open house. Maybe remember that “people respond to stories”. I dont know where your place is or what that means in your case. What does your realtor say. Maybe it’s wise to switch? I dont know. You might be looking at other houses for sale and sold, consider their asking price and their selling price. Maybe see their open houses. I think there are alternatives to using a realtor on your end. Maybe reddit knows. I use it for my research too. All the best.
Just be patient…I know easier said then done. I put my house up for sale last August and didn’t get any bites until December. It will happen!! I mean the higher interest rates probably had something to do with it 😉 However, my boyfriend now Husband, we just adopted this mindset that we had to wait for a reason (because we can both be very impatient) If you can start moving into the new house, to help declutter. Also, just keep imagining living in your new house. All the cool projects you want to do, where your gonna put/organize things. All the things you may have wanted to do in your old house that you get to now do in the new one!! Sending you and potential buyers good vibes. Also, I love the black and your house!! Someone will fall in-love I have not doubt. 🙂
I had a tiny room growing up (even smaller than Izzy’s) so I understand that pain. I got to the point where I hated how cramped if felt with a dresser, that when I was a teenager, I put drawers under my bed to use instead. . .and even now, I have a bedframe with drawers that are the same concept so I don’t have a dresser in my bedroom. I really like how you guys transformed her space to looking so much more open. I am impressed. The colors and the headboard was a nice touch. The hidden closet desk is excellent too. How does she like it? I am sorry to hear that no offers have been made on your home. Stop stressing. It will happen in due time. The market it tough and a lot of people are having a hard time buying homes right now, but if someone really wants it, they will make an offer.
I’m trying to figure out a plan of attack on my livingroom closet. You can walk right in (when it’s not stuffed with junk) and it’s deep to the right side. We use it for mainly storage and it’s where I keep spare throw blankets and comforters. The roof is slanted and there’s a hanging pole going the length of it. I’m definitely taking the hangers out but after that idk what to do for storage. Maybe some shelving to the left to store my wrapping supplies I use to wrap gifts and plastic storage bins in the deep side to store the coats that were hanging that we don’t use? Maybe put the comforters on top as we use them? Suggestions welcome
❤ the makeover was great!!! When it comes to selling, I would definitely make things as neutral as possible. It may cost a little upfront, but the long-term investment will be in your favor. People want to imagine themselves living in a home they are purchasing, so sometimes we have to readjust the environment just a bit to get people interested in the home. I’m not a realtor by trade, but I’ve sold a few home a few times throughout my marriage. The greatest thing I did to sell quickly was to be minimal and clear out as much as I could highlighting the house so people could invision themselves living there comfortably. I wish you the best of luck.