2 Year Blog Anniversary + Guest Post by Nicki Morrow-Winkles

I celebrate two years of blogging on April 5th, 2012! To celebrate I'm having my first guest post! If you don't know Nicki Morrow-Winkles, you need to check out her blog! This chica knows her stuff when it comes to budget decorating!

Read all about how to lighten and brighten your room on a budget after the jump! Also, if you'd like to guest post or have a project featured, drop me a line--I'd love to hear from you.

Nicki shares her secrets on:

How to Lighten and Brighten a Small Room on a Budget

 

First don't be afraid to get rid of things....look around your room and decide what are your favorite pieces? Ask yourself does it have good bones? If it it's not a favorite then sell it! You can use the money to pick up items that you will love more. I sold most of my dark furniture on Craigslist and turned around and purchased the pieces I really wanted most from Craigslist, yard sales, and Goodwill.

TIP: Clear out unneeded clutter. Keep the pieces you love and group collections together.

(Before)

(AFTER!!!)

TIP: Always remember paint and fabric are cheap and usually easy fixes. I adore my French style sofa I found at the Goodwill for $17, but the fabric was U-G-L-Y! I'm not an upholsterer so I just put a pretty ruffled blanket over it with some vintage pink pillows and a fluffy throw.

TIP: I can't say enough about mirrors, really. If you place them strategically they can make a room look larger and bounce light around the room making it brighter.

TIP: Chandeliers with crystals are another great way to reflect light around a room. It doesn't have to be expensive! I found mine on Craigslist for $25.

TIP: Don't be afraid to bring the outdoors in with garden elements.

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WOW! Thank you, Nicki for the fabulous tips and the lovely photos of your home! Please pop over to her blog and tell her hello for me!

If you would like to guest post or be featured, leave a comment, contact me on Facebook, or shoot me an email! I can't wait to hear from you!

Check back very soon with lots of new goodies on the way!!! PLUS Spring and Easter merchandise is 50% off in the online store!

~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage