For some, styling their homes means countless shopping trips, expensive online purchases and pricey bespoke designs.
But Brisbane mother Samantha Tolley, 31, has proved it’s possible to give each room a stylish makeover without breaking the bank.
The Addicted to Bargains founder recently partnered up with Grand Plaza shopping centre for the challenge where she made over five different rooms with items from department stores – and they all cost her less than $200.
Brisbane mother Samantha Tolley (pictured), 31, has proved it’s possible to give each room a stylish makeover without breaking the bank
The Addicted to Bargains founder recently partnered up with Grand Plaza shopping centre for the challenge where she made over five different rooms with items from department stores – and they all cost her under $200
OUTDOOR SPACE
TOTAL SPEND: $192
For the outdoor area, Sam managed to convert a bland, concrete area into an enjoyable, colourful space for entertaining.
First, Sam went to Target where she purchased a $25 mirror before heading to Kmart where she bought a $20 ottoman, three $8 cushions, a $70 two seater chair and a $3 faux plant.
She also purchased a sea grass basket for $12 and a rug for $29 from Big W.
Before: For the outdoor area, Sam managed to convert a bland, concrete area into an enjoyable, colourful space for entertaining
After: First, Sam went to Target where she purchased a $25 mirror before heading to Kmart where she bought a $20 ottoman, three $8 cushions, a $70 two seater chair and a $3 faux plant
MASTER BEDROOM
TOTAL SPEND: $187
Sam then made over the bedroom which started began with a colourless, daggy bedspread, two old school lamps and a children’s toy for decoration.
But for just $187, Sam was able to inject some life and style back into the space.
To do so, Sam headed to Kmart where she purchased a $4 candle, three $3 faux flowers and a $20 lamp.
She also bought a $10 vase from villa, a $25 on-trend ladder from Big W and a $59 quilt cover set and three $20 cushions from Target.
Before: Sam then made over the bedroom which started began with a colourless, daggy bedspread, two old school lamps and a children’s toy for decoration
After: But for just $187, Sam was able to inject some life and style back into the space
CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS
TOTAL SPEND: $99 FOR BOY ROOM AND $92 FOR GIRL ROOM
Sam created two separate children’s rooms – one for girls and one for boys – using the one space and each of them cost under $100.
Despite both starting off incredibly drab, the final rooms were warm, colourful spaces that most young kids would adore.
For the boys’ room, Sam used items from Kmart and a hamper from Big W to create the look.
For the girls’ room she used $15 unicorn fairy lights from Big W, a rainbow nightlight from Kmart and a playful rainbow pencil holder costing just $3.
Before: Sam created two separate children’s rooms – one for girls and one for boys – using the one space and each of them cost under $100
After: For the boys’ room, Sam used items from Kmart and a hamper from Big W to create the look
After: For the girls’ room she used $15 unicorn fairy lights from Big W, a rainbow nightlight from Kmart and a playful rainbow pencil holder costing just $3
LIVING ROOM
TOTAL SPEND: $199
This room started with two blue sofas, a clashing side table and intense candle decorations.
But after redecorating, the room had some elegance and warmth once again.
From Target, Sam purchased a $29 versatile tray table and a $39 pom pom throw which brought some cosiness to the space.
From Kmart she added a $45 rug, $12 canvas, $29 scandi coffee table and a small faux plant which cost a mere $3.
She also headed to Big W for two $20 cushions and a $12 sea grass basket and bought a clock from Stacks Discount for $10.
Before: This room started with two blue sofas, a clashing side table and intense candle decorations
After: But after redecorating, the room had some elegance and warmth once again
She headed to Big W for two $20 cushions and a $12 sea grass basket and bought a clock from Stacks Discount for $10
KITCHEN/DINING ROOM
TOTAL SPEND: $196.89
Despite this being more like two rooms in one, Sam was still able to keep it under $200.
Some of the standout purchases for this room included gold cutlery from Big W for just $16, an acacia board from Villa 9 Homewares for $39.95 and placemats from the same store for $24.95.
Other popular items from this makeover were gold servingware from Kmart for $6 and four $3 wine glasses from Kmart.
Before: Despite this being more like two rooms in one, Sam was still able to keep it under $200
After: Some of the standout purchases for this room included gold cutlery from Big W for just $16, an acacia board from Villa 9 Homewares for $39.95 and placemats from the same store for $24.95
After: Other popular items from this makeover were gold servingware from Kmart for $6 and four $3 wine glasses from Kmart