With several strokes of a paintbrush, a bedroom can be just like new.

"Paint can give a whole new look to a room," said Eileen Smalley, an interior designer for 26 years.

By making a few key interior design choices, a bedroom can take on a whole new look for about $300.

Before picking a color, Smalley, who is also the owner of New Creation Interiors in Brunswick, Ohio, said it is important to consider the natural light in the room.

For rooms that have a lot of light, use a more subdued color. In rooms with less natural light, the colors should be "brighter and deeper so it doesn't make the room feel like a cave," she said.

In addition to natural light, it is important to consider the coloring of the furniture that already occupies the room. If it is a mahogany wood, a gold or mustard-colored paint would accent the room perfectly, Smalley said. Red or green tone wall covering also look good with maple-colored furniture, while light or crème colored furniture will look best with darker walls, she said.

Although there is a lot of focus on the walls, Smalley said there has been more emphasis placed on painting the ceilings in bedrooms in recent years.

"If you are going to look at any ceiling, it is the bedroom's ceiling," she said, adding that she usually suggests using a lighter shade of the color used for the walls.

While a $300 budget does not allow Smalley to work her interior design magic like she is accustomed, she said a new coat of paint, an area rug, a new comforter and new lamps will provide any bedroom with a new look.

Scent Matters

The bedroom is a perfect place to make more comfortable and inviting by using the sense of smell, said Laeh Wilson, owner of Twin Aura Essence, the candle division of L.T. Squared in South Euclid, Ohio.

"For couples, we definitely suggest something that will enhance their senses towards each other," she said. "Those fragrances that excite and prove to be sensual."

Wilson said the scents are even given names to indicate how they may affect one's senses. The names include love spell type, rose petals, sensual blends and exotic. Other calming and relaxing scents are called Baby Powder and Lavender.

Wilson said it important to provide client analyses to determine scents that will be preferred.

"By asking the client a few key questions, we can determine if they prefer sweet smells compared to citrus fragrances," she said. "Our sense of smell is as unique as our fingerprints, so what may be appealing to one person may not tickle the nose of another."

Budget Pieces

If more than candlelight is needed in the bedroom, lamps that fall within the $300 budget can be found at estate furniture stores at a fraction of the cost.

"Lamps provide a cheap and easy way to do a room," said Marie Whalen, owner of Refurnishings, an estate store in South Euclid, Ohio.

Whalen also pointed out that all rooms should have an accent piece.

"It could be a chair, an unusual chair, interesting table, sculpture or artwork," she said. A visit to an estate furniture store can also net other unique items that can be used to decorate a room.

Whalen added that it important to keep in mind other accessories that can add a special touch. This would include figurines, framed family photos, hatboxes, antique clocks and radios.

"It' all in the little things," she said.

Score Bedding Deals

Affordable bedding with all of the accessories to completely change the look of a bedroom can be found at stores such as Bed Bath and Beyond ranging from $59.99 to $199.99.

Sean Conwell, district customer service trainer, said in addition to "bed-in-bags," duvet covers also provide another alternative to giving a bedroom a new look.

"We listen to customers and assess their needs. We can tell customers about thread count and different blends," Conwell said. Conwell added that mirrors, artwork, sheers and candles offer the perfect accessories for any style.

"Candles and mirrors are nice accessories to any bedroom," Conwell said. "It's just like adding accessories to that little black dress." More Resources

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