How a Decorating Duo Would Spend $200 to Update a Bedroom

Written by

Caroline Biggs
Caroline Biggs
Caroline is a writer living in New York City. When she’s not covering art, interiors, and celebrity lifestyles, she’s usually buying sneakers, eating cupcakes, or hanging with her rescue bunnies, Daisy and Daffodil.
published Sep 12, 2017
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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(Image credit: Courtesy of Studio McGee)

We’ve heard it time and again: the bedroom is often the last place you tackle decorating because it’s behind closed doors (and it seems more practical to devote your energy and dollars to the more public areas of your home). However, just because you’re not ready to take a deep dive into reimagining your sleeping quarters doesn’t mean there isn’t something you can do to spruce up the place in the meantime…sort of like a pre-makeover.

Known for their refreshing palettes and an ability to put together spaces that are both comfortable and Pinterest-worthy in terms of inspiration, we called on Syd and Shea McGee, the husband-and-wife design duo behind the Salt Lake City-based Studio McGee, to help us do a little virtual shopping (after all, they’re not just designers but are also the proprietors behind McGee & Co.—a drool-worthy online decor shop). We asked them how they’d spend $200 to bring a dash of newness to a tired bedroom, and here’s what they had to say (teaser: it’s all pretty neutral, so their picks would work in just about any existing color palette and design):

(Image credit: Jenny’s Print Shop)

Hyacinth at Jenny’s Print Shop, $20

“Artwork, mirrors and other wall decor are a big way to make an impact on a room,” says Shea. “This print has a high-end feel, but it’s only $20. You can update what’s already in a frame you have or if you don’t have a frame, this would look amazing in an IKEA RIBBA Frame in black.”

(Image credit: Etsy)

“We’re always in the market for a good basket!” says Syd. “Decorative storage is one way we love to keep clutter to a minimum in the bedroom. The warmth of the leather detailing gives this basket a luxury feel while still being unfussy.”

(Image credit: Target)

“Greenery is a must in just about every room,” Shea explains. “It adds a clean and lively element. While we are huge fans of the real deal, this artificial succulent is surprisingly realistic and takes zero maintenance if you have a black thumb.”

(Image credit: H&M)

Cotton Cushion Cover at H&M, $5.99

“Throw pillows are a quick way to switch up the look of a bedroom,” says Syd. “The organic dots in this throw pillow have a lot of fun movement.”

(Image credit: McGee & Co.)

“We love the old school look and quality of this alarm clock.” Explains Shea, “It really elevates your nightstand styling!”

(Image credit: Zara Home)

Striped Two-Tone Shawl Blanket at Zara Home, $29.90

“The raw edges and stripes in this throw make it a versatile addition to drape across the bed,” says Shea.

(Image credit: Target)

Audrey Collection Desk Lamp at Target, $39.99

“We love using task lamps on nightstands,” Syd adds, “and this one has a high-market look that’ll add a little depth to your design.”