012609-martha.jpg When you want to add a little impact to your bedroom with a minimal budget there often times isn't much to be said outside of keeping things clean. It can feel overwhelming when all you can focus on is a new duvet cover or curtains and nightstands. Instead, check out these three inexpensive projects to making your bedroom feel a bit polished, from who else, but Martha Stewart. Need a new duvet? What about no sew embroidery pillows? A bed skirt or dust ruffle? Click through to see how!

  • Making a New Bedskirt: Often times the thought of a "bedskirt" can make your head spin. Some are too fluffy, some are too square and usually none of them are in the fabric color or choice you are looking for. Instead, try this trick for making your own. By using a rectangular piece of fabric, it can be a sheet (use the same size as your bed), tablecloth or something else you have on hand, it's easy to add that last step to your room that you have been putting off.
    For a tablecloth or fabric, determine the correct width by doubling the height of the box spring and adding its width plus 6 inches. Calculate the length by doubling the height of the box spring, then adding its length plus 6 inches. This creates a rectangle of fabric that covers the box spring and hangs down an extra 2 inches all the way around, after you've sewn a 1-inch hem.

  • Making Your Own Duvet: Duvets are pricey... even when on clearance! If you are in need of something to match your space, look no further than a set of sheets. Often times sheets can be found on deep clearance across the web or in stores (or better yet, your closet!).
    Use a pair the same size as the comforter. Place them right sides together, and sew around the perimeter with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening along the bottom that extends to 24 inches from each corner. Turn right side out. To fasten cover shut once the comforter is inside, sew twill-tape ties, buttons and buttonholes, or Velcro tape along the two inside edges of the opening.
    For a no sew version try using a heat bonding tape found in most sewing stores. We suggest using a double thickness to help hold things tight!

  • No Sew Embroidered Pillows: Maybe you like monograms, maybe you don't. Either way, there is an easy no sew solution to getting that little something special into your bedroom or guest room. All you need for this project is cording, fabric glue, and a disappearing-ink pen, plus a marker and graph paper to map out a design. Once you learn the basic technique, use it to embellish bed skirts, drapes, and more. Click on over to Martha's site to see how it's all done!


    Thanks to     Martha Stewart for such wonderful tips that are a great fit for any budget.