Q: My daughter is starting high school in the fall and has sadly outgrown the princess room of her youth. I would love to be able to buy her everything off of her dream decorating list, but things quickly add up and it just isn't in the budget. How can I help her feel older in her room without breaking the bank?

A: Thanks for your question and the good news is that in life (and decorating), timing is everything. Summer is a great time to make updates and changes to your decor for one reason alone ... GARAGE SALES! You can find them every weekend in every subdivision. The key is to keep an open mind and look for things that you can re-purpose for other reasons. A cool vase can be transformed into a base for a side table, a pen holder, a waste can or even a cool lamp by adding a lamp kit that can be found at a hardware store. There also always seems to be an abundance of old furniture for sale. Just look for the shape and size that you like. After that, all you will need is a little elbow grease, some sandpaper and paint, and within a day you will have a custom piece to call your own.

Another tip is that fabric is your friend. Not only can you cover pillows or make a simple duvet for your existing bedding, but you also can take two to three yards and make new curtains for the room. Or you can make a drastic change by applying spray starch to your walls and then hanging fabric like wallpaper without damaging your walls. 

But the absolute cheapest way to make a change with minimal cost is color.  Invest $25 on a gallon of good, quality paint and go to town on your walls or your existing furniture. Even a fairy princess can feel like a sassy socialite with a quick color change.

Good luck – and remember that you have all summer to be searching and creating a masterpiece for your daughter to call her own.