The pillows that turned into paint samples

I've found it very easy to turn around a space that has just become tired with only a few items and not a lot of money. For someone who doesn't have a large budget, I'm always excited to find new ways to update my apartment within the legal realms of the lease, which includes painting rights and leads to our next story. Exciting!

Today was one of those really relaxing "Sundays" thanks to the Labor Day weekend, and after a fun weekend with family in the city to go see Mama Mia and eat some great food, I made it back to the apartment and the dog.On my way home, when I was actually knitting on I-95 because of stand-still traffic, I decided that I needed to clean my apartment and attempt to simplify my life. Those who know me are now laughing at me because simple really isn't in my vocabulary. Well maybe it is, but only when I'm saying "it's simple" followed by how i think i can do something easily or better than someone else (usually followed by something not so simple). Hence - simple and I are not synonymous.



So back to the attempt to simplify. I decided the best way to do this was to start decluttering the house. So I began this morning by throwing away multiple, different items that I have been hoarding - including paperwork from undergrad, a candle holder I've had since grade school, and numerous other random items that I don't need and I know it, but kept because I have a hard time parting with it (for no reason- might I add). I find that it's best in these times of purging that you take hold and let the feeling move you - throw that stuff away!! Goodbye placemats that I never use - Sianara ugly candle holder, etc. The more often you allow yourself to get rid of, throw away, or donate items you don't need, the more you realize that you really can survive with less.

So what does this have to do with pillows and paint samples? Well during my simplifying I decided that my family room needed a long-time-coming makeover ( as long as one year can be). So I headed to TJ Maxx intent on purchasing pillows. Only pillows, and maybe a basket for my knitting needles and yarn. I left with a throw, some vases, a knitting basket... oh and pillows.

Recently, I've been hoping to add an accent wall to brighten up the room, so I headed to the Home Depot with my pillows. I don't know if you've seen the purple dinasour commercial where the paint experts match any color for any item, but let me tell you, it works! I got the opportunity to paint match my pillow and only spent $10 bucks buying samples to test out on my walls. Very budget friendly and really fun actually. I was a little nervous applying the paint samples to the wall, but after getting over the initial anxiety of "messing it up", I realized there's no "right way" to throw samples on the walls, so I just did it.

Long story short - it's simple and easy to make the cosmetic changes that you want to make to your space. And it's key to note that I did it all in a couple hours! Don't feel intimidated by it! Just go out and try it out. You can always repaint and you can always return the pillows (as long as your Dog hasn't slept on them!). And really, it's a pretty rewarding experience for your first time. Who needs a designer?

The Twist this week? Pick out one item that you really like at your nearest discount home store: Homegoods, TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. Once you have that item, you can purchase other items to decorate your room focused on that piece. Just like I had to work around my red recliner (the pillows had to match), you can work around a vase, a couch, or even a picture.

Happy Homemaking!