Before and After: A Cramped Bedroom Gets a Space-Maximizing Boho Redo
For people fortunate enough to stay home and work from home, the design of your space matters more and more every day. Upgrading your home to feel more like an oasis isn’t always a small task — but often, a lot of slight changes can go a long way.
Take this bedroom redo from designer Jordan Miranda (Boho on a Budget). While her client started with a small, cramped bedroom, Jordan was able to give the space an airy and open makeover without changing its size at all.
The original bedroom was too dark and cluttered to feel relaxing — not ideal for a space meant for rest. Jordan knew the room needed to be lighter and brighter, with more floor space. Plus, there was the question of what to do with the long, awkward ledge in the middle of the wall that went from one side of the room to the other.
First, Jordan added a lighter, creamier paint color all over, which helps make the space feel brighter. Then, instead of removing the ledge, Jordan decided to embrace it. A DIY floating headboard made with strips of wood for a lattice effect hangs on the wall directly under the shelf, which now is the perfect place to display framed art.
In place of traditional nightstands, Jordan added floating shelves that are attached to either side of the headboard. Made with square cuts of wood, the nightstands provide just enough room for the essentials. And of course, mounting the headboard, nightstands, and reading lights to the wall freed up floor space and made this small, cramped room suddenly feel light and airy.
Next, Jordan replaced the old patterned coverlet with a simple camel-colored duvet, which helped reduce visual clutter. For a little interest — and to make the bed feel extra cozy — Jordan added textured throw pillows in a few complementary shades.
A new dresser helps keep clothing organized; the creamy color helps it blend into the wall, so it makes the room feel way bigger than the old dark wood storage that was here before.
Final touch? Live houseplants, which bring some green to the otherwise neutral-toned space.
The whole redo took about three weeks and budget of $2,000. Mixing DIYs with clever thrifting helped Jordan pull it off. “It takes a lot of time and effort but having a space you love is honestly one of the best things for your soul,” she says. “Just know that no matter what your budget, there is always room for transformation.”
Now, the room is brighter and feels bigger and less cluttered than before. “I love how bright and clean the room looks,” Jordan says. “And I love how the light comes through the window brightening up the wall art and bringing a soft boho vibe.”
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