Before and After: Small Changes Work Together to Transform a Basic Bedroom for $650

Breaking a large room that needs a revamp into small one- or two-day projects can be a great way to make a big redo feel less overwhelming. This kind of piecemeal makeover proves that a small project can make a big difference, too. Not everything needs to be complete all at once, and not every makeover requires demo.

Homeowner Victoria Haney’s (@visualeyesdesigns) bedroom revamp consists of several little projects that made a big difference all together: a shiplap ceiling, new curtains, new nightstands and wall lamps, a DIY chandelier, and a mounted TV, with more to come as part of the One Room Challenge. All of these different elements combine to make her once-boring bedroom a luxe-looking retreat.

Before, her bedroom “never felt like a relaxing space to come to at the end of the day,” she says. She wanted to add some contemporary, luxe touches to make the room feel serene and new.

Victoria started by adding some texture to the ceiling; installing and painting the shiplap took about two and a half weeks, she recalls. “If I could’ve done anything differently, it would’ve been having another person to help with the ceiling install,” Victoria says. “My neck and shoulders are still mad at me!” But her hard work was worth it. The freshly painted ceiling makes the whole space feel cozier and a little more bespoke, too.

Victoria’s old curtains didn’t reach the floor, so she also swapped out her curtains for something longer and lighter. In comparison with the old dark gray, the new new cream-toned curtains brighten up the whole space. Victoria’s mom, Denise, helped her hem them to just the right length.

Installing new sconces above the new matching nightstands helps give the room a touch of glamour, as does Victoria’s DIY chandelier, made from a brass stem pendant ($70 from Home Depot), a spray painted metal plant basket ($10 from an antique store), some glass ornaments ($200 from Overstock), and Gorilla Glue — a much cheaper option than her $3,000 inspiration piece.

And lastly, the mounted TV is something that has been on Victoria’s wishlist for five years, and her husband, Tyler, hung it for her for Mother’s Day. It’s a simple change that looks polished and frees up dresser space to boot.

“Overall I’m just proud of having a vision and making it a reality!” Victoria says of the changes she made to her space. “It’s so much more relaxing and inviting.”

Inspired? Submit your own project here.