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Ask An Expert: Decorating Your Bedroom On A Budget

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Morgan McCollum
(412) 512-4661
www.morganpeyton.com

A brief and "uninspiring" trip down real estate agent lane led our resident redecorating expert, Morgan McCollum, into the interior design and contracting field. Morgan loves the unexpected and always peppers her makeovers with pops of color, dashes of whimsy and a whole 'lotta love. If you like what you see here, just check out her website at www.morganpeyton.com for examples of her beautiful, inspiring work. In addition, if you think Morgan can perhaps help hone your eye for redecorating, or just add her own little flair to your existing digs, she can be reached via phone or email at (412) 512-4661 or morganpeytoninteriors@gmail.com.

Don't Buy a Bedroom Suite

"Being "matchy/matchy" is passé! In your bedroom, try to avoid buying a set of furniture. Yes, everything you buy in a set will go with everything else in that set, but you won't be gaining style points anytime soon. Collect your pieces separately. Purchase your bed from a showroom, and select other items, like nightstands and a dresser, from a different store or source. Generally, this way is cheaper and always the decorators' way of furnishing."

Shop Vintage

"Vintage shopping can be tedious, but the fruits of your labor will pay off (and save you $). I am always looking on Craigslist, or stopping by local antique stores in search of a fabulous find. Western PA is a mecca for vintage everything. In my own home, I have a Milo Boughman mid-century coffee table ($50 purchase valued at $3,500), a painted French dresser and two rattan sitting chairs. All of these items were sourced from Craigslist.com. A vintage chandelier that was sourced from a local antique store hangs in my dining room."

Related: Tips On Fitting A Swimsuit To Your Body Type From A Pittsburgh Expert

Get Creative

"Think outside of the box, or in this case, the bedroom. Get creative on your walls with different paints and materials. A stencil is a budget-friendly way to make your space look rich and custom. Painting an accent wall with a stencil will not only create depth and character, but is easier to change than wallpaper and more affordable (those of us who have ever removed wallpaper can appreciate this a little more). When wood is applied to a wall, it brings so much character, warmth and natural beauty to interiors. You can source salvaged wood or head to the local lumberyard."

Repurpose

"Repurpose, re-use, recycle. Grandma throwing away an old dresser? Grab it! A little paint can go a long way. Antique doors work great repurposed as a headboard, old suitcases make great nightstands or turn a wine cabinet into an armoire by adding a clothing rod. The options here are endless!"

Members Only

"Members only discount sites such as One Kings Lane, Ideeli and Hautelook are a great, budget-friendly way to add some higher-end touches to your space. I generally shy away from big furniture purchases on these sites, but they are fabulous for bedding, pillows, accessories, lighting, etc. Rugs can also be purchased on these sites, and overall I have been satisfied. If you have hardwood floors and you like the feeling of a carpeted bedroom, adding a large area rug can do the trick. The best part about these sites is convenience. Download the app and kill time in a waiting room. After all, time is money!"

Hot Tip: The Midas Touch

"Spray-painting accessories gold gives you the freedom to buy stained, old, mismatched items and know that they will look new and rich with a simple coat of paint. Mirrors, vintage items and even chairs can be glam in no time! I recommend using a clear sealer for durability."

Related: Ask A Pittsburgh Expert: Shopping For Home Decor On A Budget

Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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