8 Ways to Brighten Up Rooms on a Budget

Sometimes when rooms are too dark or dull, it can almost seem like an energy drain when you walk in. It's time to rejuvenate with our 8 ways to brighten up rooms on a budget!

1. Add a bright accent wall.

Accent walls are a great, easy way to brighten up any room without painting the entire thing. One pop of color is all you need to take your room from drab to fab.

2. Placing mirrors behind twin night stand lamps.

This simple trick helps to reflect the light through out the room, making it seem brighter and more open.

3. Painting the inside of a bookcase.

If you're not ready to commit fully to a bright color being on your wall, simply pain the inside of a bookcase for an immediate added brightness and personality to your room.

4. Fresh flowers.

Fresh flowers are one of the least expensive and simple ways to brighten a dull room. Look for some with bright colors that appeal to you!

5. Sheer curtains

Try replacing your old vertical blinds with sheer curtains. The curtains let in a soft light and give the room a very open and breezy feeling, instead of stuffy and dark like the old blinds.

6. Bright trinkets

Bright accessories for the room are easy to find, but not necessarily easy to splurge on when you're on a budget. For a fresh look for less, try finding cool things from the local thrift store and spray painting them to look like the designer decor!

7. Bright light switch frame

Find an old picture frame that fits well around  your light switch. Paint it a bright color and you've got a nice, unexpected pop of brightness!

8. Colorful pillows

Whether in the living room or bedroom, colorful pillows are perfect for livening up a dull space. Just find patterns and colors that speak to you and mix and match your favorites!

13 Awesome Home Gadgets We Need Right Now

Sometimes you see a design for a new home gadget that is so clever you just want to throw your wallet right towards it. Today we bring you 15 really cool home gadgets that will make you want to tell the makers to shut up and take your money already.

1. The Voyager

The Voyager is a smart treadmill with scene selection, including game mode! "The Voyager is a smart-treadmill that features a large screen and interactive system that together simulate the user’s favorite places to run. Pairing with your smartphone, you can even play games or challenge your friends in an endless library of programs and settings."

2. Smart Hydro Bathtub

Not only is it sleek and stylish, but it's also self cleaning and keeps your bathwater from getting cold!

3. Coffee Table with Built In Touch Screen Computer

It's a coffee table! It's a touch screen computer! It's... both?! Spill proof and completely up to date, this coffee table computer will make sure you never miss an email at home again!

4. Smart Door Knob

This door knob was created to save you money on your utilities by making sure you can turn off all the power and gas in your home with the click of a button right before you walk out the door.

5. Sleep Pods

Sleep pods are for those quick afternoon power naps, or really any time your eye lids feel heavy! They are designed for optimum comfort and many of them were created to fit the curves of the human body.

6. "Muwi"

"Muwi", Automatically Cuts Grass and compresses the clippings into shapes to play with. Why don't we all have these?!

6. The Hamper/Washer/Dryer

After you fill it up, an automatic wash and dry cycle initiates. It’s even Wi-Fi enabled to help you monitor it remotely. Once it’s finished, it’ll alert you via email or text message to your phone.

7. Node Electric Outlet

This outlet eliminates the need for power strips and can comfortable fit a dozen plus plugs. Imagine that!

9. The Almighty Board

The Almighty Board is the ultimate kitchen assistant. This smart-board will simultaneously serve as your cutting board, display your recipes, provide step-by-step directions and weigh your ingredients out for you. After you wash it, it will even tell you if it has been cleaned enough to avoid cross-contamination or food poisoning.

10. Balcony Windows

Balcony windows not only ensure a great view from the inside of the house, but the outside as well! They are designed to slide out and open with a solid bottom to stand on as well as rails on the side to ensure your safety.

11. Handheld Iron

Designed to fit right on the palm of your hand comfortably, this device enables you to iron out wrinkles on the spot without having to take the clothes off first.

12. Soft Rockers

"Soft Rockers" are solar-powered lounging chairs that recharge your electronics. Very cool!

13. Couple's Alarm Clock

This clever alarm clock is designed for couples who have different wake up times and are tired of being awoken too early by their partner's alarm. Just slip the ring on and it vibrates enough to wake up the person wearing it, without waking up anyone else.

Top 20 Places to Shop for Affordable Home Decor

The time of year has come around when people begin saving for the holidays (trips to see the family, Christmas gifts, winter clothes, etc.) and stop spending on home decor. Fortunately, just because you're saving doesn't mean you can't afford a few new pieces that add a little "oomph" to your home! Here are our top 20 favorite places to shop for affordable home decor.

1. Thrift Stores

The most obvious and affordable places to find great decor for your home are thrift stores. From trinkets that can be spray painted to furniture that can be repainted, thrift stores should always be your first stop when trying to save a buck. Just keep a creative eye out for diamonds in the rough!

2. H&M

H&M is a fairly new up-and-comer in the home decor scene, but they're full of great looks and styles. Widely known for their inexpensive but great quality clothing, they're sticking to what they know and now offering great quality linens and decorations for the home at a low price.

3. Ross

Ross is another great go-to for a home decor update! Their strengths lie in their wildly inexpensive comforters and linens, bathroom decorations, curtains, and miscellaneous odds and ends.

3. Etsy

Not only can you find great deals on Etsy, but everything in the Etsy marketplace is either handmade, upcycled, or vintage. You can be sure to have unique decorations at a great price, and you're usually paying the creator directly and not just some name brand store.

4. TJ Maxx and Homegoods stores

TJ Maxx and Homegoods stores are another great 'in person' place for you to find some fancy but affordable items to decorate your home! You never know what you will find here because inventory changes so regularly, so keep an eye out!

5. Ikea

Ikea has saved so many people so many headaches with their inexpensive and easy to assemble furniture. They're known for their furniture's clean lines and a modern appeal, but they also have various other household items such as dish towels and rugs.

6. Target

While Target's home decor can sometimes be on the pricey side, their sales and clearance prices cannot be beat! The trick is to check back regularly for new sales and watch as you find really great decor items for even better prices!

7. Cotton On

Cotton On is another store much better know for their inexpensive but great clothing. They don't have the selection as the other stores on this list, but they have unbeatable prices on stylish accessories for the home office and a few more odds and ends.

8. One King's Lane

One King's Lane is a member's only (don't worry, all you need is an email address to join!) site that specializes in 72 hour deals from amazing homegood designers around the world. They also have an entire section for antique and thrift store finds that is updated daily.

9. Modcloth

Modcloth's home decor section is just like their clothes - quirky with a vintage twist! The prices are great and you'll almost always find something that makes you say 'I've got to have it now!'

10. Amazon

Amazon is a classic for those "I want it now and for less" moments. Their selection isn't extremely impressive, but they do have some great finds that ship right to your door.

11. Ebay

Similar to Amazon, another perfect place when you don't want to pay full price. Most home decor items are probably used and furniture is difficult to purchase and ship, but smaller items such as throw pillows and curios are easy and inexpensive. 

12. West Elm

A bit pricier than others on this list, but classic and splurgeworthy nonetheless! Stay on the look out for their great sales and you will fall head over heels with this site.

13. Urban Outfitters

Another store with great sales and quirky finds. Urban Outfitters is widely known for their clothing, but their home decor department shines with its interesting items and great quality of craftsmanship. 

14. Joss & Main

Joss & Main is another member's only home decor site. They have curated designer sales up to 70% off with new sales every day!

15. Overstock

Great deals can be found at Overstock, if you take a bit of time and look! Overstock is the home of low priced furniture with prices meant to sell, sell, sell!

16. Hayneedle

Hayneedle is the go to site when you want great style and great variety! The sales are great and the quality of the decor is as well.

17. Furbish

Furbish is a bit expensive without sales, but keep an eye out for lowered prices and clearance! Their items are style savvy and their variety is extremely impressive. One of the best!

18. Craigslist and other classifieds

Craigslist is filled to the brim with great used furniture and decor that are just waiting for a new home and possibly a little TLC. For the least expensive furniture, always check your local classified ads and find your diamond in the rough.

19. High Street Market

Interestingly enough, High Street Market is a store inside of our #3 best place to shop for affordable home decor. The store's owner has a sharp eye for vintage and thrifty items, and passes these great finds onto you!

20. Zara Home

Finishing up our list, this site is another extremely impressive store to shop for gorgeous home decor. With its classic style and quirky touches, Zara Home is 

10 Ways to Say Goodbye to Boring Painted Walls!

If you're tired of boring painted walls and are looking for a change, you're not alone! Today we're bringing you our 10 favorite ways to break free from the simple monotone paint colors and get a little creative.

1. Renter's Wallpaper

Yes, it is temporary and yes, it really does come off easily! Renter's wallpaper is a handy way for renters and homeowners alike to bring a little "oomph" to a previously boring room. For more information and where to buy, visit this link!

2. Patterned Paint Rollers

If you're not willing to put in the time and work for the wallpaper, patterned paint rollers are going to be your new best friend! Whether used to create an accent wall or on all four, your room will look stylish and sophisticated. Visit this site to purchase one!

3. Ombre Walls

Ombre is the newest and biggest trend right now with clothing, hair, nails, and accessories, so why not with walls as well? Visit this site for a step by step walk through on how to ombre your walls!

4. Decorative Tape for Patterned Walls

Foil tape and washi tape are especially useful for creating beautiful, geometrical patters to spruce up your boring walls. Inexpensive and simple!

5. Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard paint has become a huge hit in the past few years because of how useful and modern the idea is. Perfect for an accent wall in a kitchen or in children's rooms for hours of creative fun.

6. Wood Plank Accent Wall

This wall cost the creator less than $50 to build and looks stunning! For more information on this great project, click this link!

7. Vinyl Decals

Vinyl decals can help create a focal point in your room, without the hassles of having to primer and repaint the entire thing. 

8. Gallery Walls

Creating a gallery wall is a beautiful and easy way to fill a wall while showing off all your favorite photos and hangable belongings.

9. Faux Stone Wall

Bring a bit of nature inside with a faux stone wall, equal parts stylish and cool. Visit this site for more information and how to buy the supplies to make your own!

10. DIY Built Ins

Create your own built in furniture on blank walls, such as this DIY project created from Ikea furniture. For a step by step of this built in, visit this site!