Trading Spaces $2000 Challenge

This bedroom is inspired by the TV show Trading Spaces, specifically the challenge of decorating an entire room for only $2000. My favorite type of design shows involve a strict budget so, with this room I assigned myself two specific parameters: 1. The entire room had to cost $2000 or less (including paint) and 2. Each item had to come from a different store (otherwise I could have easily decorated an entire room from Target). I'll admit there are some instances here and there where rule number 2 was stretched a bit. I have two of the same side tables from Walmart and I have two different, but similar, tree prints from Etsy. Also, my own bedroom has two windows so I counted two curtains from Urban Outfitters in the total (one large curtain would swath across each window). And the glass vases are both from Crate and Barrel.

When I assigned myself this challenge I imagined host Paige Davis handing me the cash and saying, "design a room you would want for yourself!" So, that's what I did. This is the bedroom I would design for myself if all I had to start with was a queen sized mattress, sheets, pillows, two thousand dollars and nothing else. The main problem with designing a room from scratch using only brand new items is the lack of personality that is usually achieved with thrifted or inherited items.

If pressed I would probably describe my design aesthetic as contemporary with a bit of vintage and quirkiness thrown in. I tried to incorporate the vintage and quirky elements with the squirrel portrait and slightly wacky throw pillow. I love the portrait because it's a painted squirrel on one piece of wood carved to look like an ornate frame. I think everyone should have at least one whimsical item in their bedroom. The pink and green pillow goes completely off the color scheme grid and therefore adds a touch of interest to the room.

And now for cost breakdown:

Pastoral Portrait in Western Gray from ModCloth = $27.99
Hypno Pillow from CB2 = $14.95
Round Side Table from Walmart = $59.88 x 2 = $119.76
Sycamore 2 Photography Print from Etsy = $8.00
Sycamore 1 Photography Print from Etsy = $8.00
DAX Solid Wood Frame, 5x7, Black from Kmart = $9.29 x 2 = $18.58
DwellStudio Bloom Bedding from Target = $79.99
Grid Tufted Headboard from West Elm = $369.99
Damask Grey Wool Rug 5 x 8 from Overstock.com = $179.99
Gramercy Chair Black Stripe Linen from Ballard Designs = $395
Stacy Garcia Countess Stripe Giclee Pendant Chandelier from Lamps Plus = $199.99
Flocked Medallion Curtain from Urban Outfitters = $48 x 2 = $96
Matilda Vase from Crate and Barrel = $29.95
Cali Vase from Crate and Barrel = $6.95

Hemnes Mirror chest from IKEA = $299
Cast Iron Fluted Iron curtain rods from Restoration Hardware = $59 x 2 = $118
Behr Paint in Ionic Sky = $23

Grand Total = 1995.14