Here’s what do expect from our Complete Guide to Creating Spaces Series:

Part One: Inspiration

Part Two: Realization

Part Three: Implementation

We will discuss how each of us find our inspiration, how we take it from dream to realization, and finally how we make it come true – implementation.

Decorating spaces can be difficult when you do not know where to start.  This is the last post of a three part series I have written (with some amazing other bloggers) to help you find simple ways to decorate your spaces.  After INSPIRATION and REALIZATION, it is now time for IMPLEMENTATION.   Make sure to check out each of these blogs and the amazing tips they share.  Each image is pinnable to save to your Pinterest page as well!

Grace In My Space | Aratari At Home | Citygirl Meets Farmboy

She Gave It A Go | Midcounty Journal

I have discussed ways to find your design style and how utilizing Pinterest can give us tons of inspiration (read that post here).  Then I offered ideas on how to find exactly WHAT you want and HOW to make it possible (read that post here).  Finally, I am sharing ideas of gaining the courage to actually implement the decorations you have dreamed of.

DIY FARMHOUSE SIGN 

Step One – Project Supplies

Now that you know WHAT project you can afford to do, it’s time to figure out the exact things you NEED to make it happen.  If you are not used to doing DIY projects, I would recommend finding a blog who has already done your project and given step by step instructions on how to do it.  This will be extremely helpful and give you confidence. Some of the blogs I love are:

Shanty2Chic – This is my number one go to blog for DIY projects

Ana White

Sawdust 2 Stitches

Pretty Handy Girl – She also has an amazing list of DIY Blogs here

If you are handy and have done projects on your own before, you may feel ready to figure out the project on your own.  Here are the steps I follow:

• Figure out all the supplies you have
• Measure out all the supplies you need
• Take all your measurements
• Purchase the supplies

DIY LAMINATE WOOD WALL 

Step Two – Plan Your Day

It is hard to work on a project 5 minutes here and five minutes there.  It can be done but it does make it more stressful.  I like to plan a day that I am able to focus my energy completely to getting the job done.  It is usually when kids leave for school, and I stop working when they get home.  Often I keep working on it once they go to bed.

DIY MINI BARN DOORS

Step Three – Build It

Are you ready to go?  You have done all the prep work and now it’s time to make or build your project.   You might be nervous, but you don’t need to be.  Mistakes along the way are the best learning opportunity.  Most of my DIY projects have “issues”.  I don’t care, I learned something with each “issue” I had.  And it made me a better builder.  Almost anything can be fixed my friends!

1. Gather all your tools and supplies in one place

2. Make sure you have "messy" clothes on so they can get dirty

3. Have all of your directions ready

4. Don't rush the project - take your time

5. Ask for help if you need it

6. Youtube can be your best buddy

Safety Notes: If you are doing something with the electrical wall jack, make sure you turn the power off.  Always unplug your power tools when you are not using them.  Always wear safety goggles.  Cover your carpet before you paint.  And stop if you are frustrated.  You can always go back in when you are ready.  Getting frustrated usually makes for a messy project.  These are all things I learned the hard way my friends!

Now just get started.  Make the first cut.  Paint the first wall.  Nail the first piece of trim.  YOU GOT THIS.

Once your are done, celebrate!  You should be so proud of yourself!

Step Four – Decorate It

This is the funnest part!  Once again, this can also be overwhelming.  Make sure you go back to your Pinterest boards and get the inspiration you need.  Your budget may have dwindled by now, and I do not believe decorations need to be expensive!

FIRST THINGS FIRST – Shop Your Home.  What do you have in your home that can be moved around or put somewhere else?  Try fiddling with the decor you have and see if it is enough to make a difference.  Feel free to find a photo and copy it.  There is no copyright to decorating!  That is why decorators share their ideas, so that we all can benefit.  I often do this with a mantel or small area.  Once I copy the image, I then can move pieces around to make it my own.  It’s a great first step.

If you do need to shop for a few things, I am adding my favorite budget shops for you to check out.  I always SELL BEFORE I BUY.  Meaning, I get rid of things in my home and sell them on social media before I go out shopping.  It makes your new items basically free!

Shopping Time

• Deseret Industries
  • A Christian owned thrift store, all over the country
• Antique or Thrift Stores
  • Be careful because some stores are way over priced
• Amazon
  • They have so many deals on home decor and free shipping
• Kohls
  • They have higher prices but when you have the 30% off coupon and get Kohls Cash, it’s a good deal
• Ross Dress for Less and TJ Max
  • They get great decor in all the time (Ross is usually cheaper than TJ Max, but more picked over)
• Joann or Michaels
  • I always use my 40% off coupon on their apps when I shop (they have tons of fun home decor)
• Kirklands
  • They have really great sales and you get coupons if you sign up for their newsletter
• RC Willey Clearance Center
  • If you have an RC Willey by you, see if they have a clearance center – their prices are so awesome!
• Costco
  • They have such good deals on furniture, wood flooring and appliances – with the best return policy ever!

Once you are all done, stand back and admire your work.  You did it.  You figured it out.  I hope you like what you see.  Often I will close my eyes and open them again just to see my work.  Then I walk away and then turn around really fast to see it again!  Decorating and creating can bring so much satisfaction to your soul.  I hope you are proud of yourself!  Send me photos so I can see your work too!

Love, Kelly

PS – Need more ideas on how to create an entire room in 6 weeks?  Come read my One Room Challenge Project from last year, and see how I got from this:

to this: