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As much as I enjoy tackling and sharing intricate and detailed DIY projects, I also like super easy, quick-to-do, and cheap inexpensive makeovers.

This simple redo that Im about to show you is the later of the two, but the outcome is truly sensational + uber affordable.

Check out my simple way of spicing up a bookcase.

What did I use? $5 Contact paper from Homegoods! Hello Gorgeousness

As an Brand Influencer for Apartments.com, each month Im put to the task of sharing useful, affordable, and easy-to-implement ideas for dwellers of rentals and/or small spaces. Last month I shared a fun Summer creation (that literally cost less than $10) for the indoors (or out) that yall loved. And this month, Im sharing another inexpensive idea to spruce up a space by using what I had on-hand and adding layers to it to create something totally new.

Even though I am a Designer, I am still on a slim budget. When Im in the mood to change things up, which is practically everyday, I turn to what I have on hand and move it around versus buying new. Moving something from one spot to another, makes it feel completely new and fresh. Give it a try & youll see!

Let me take y ou into my living room and show you around

crash more of my pad

This is my living room. Its a great space, but its a room that Ive been wanting to spruce up. Ive got ideas on the brain, but the funds arent there at the moment. So whats a girl to do? Work with what I have. And whats there to change? The large TV cabinet that houses the TV, books, and so much more. Dont see it? Yup, I know.

But here it is

well what it used to look like (keep reading)

The issue with this TV cabinet is a few things

So my quick and stylish fix?

$5 stylish contact paper, baby!

Contact paper has come a long way. Its amazing the patterns + designs that are available today. I picked the paper up from Homegoods and the geometric black & white pattern is gorgeous. You would never believe it was contact paper & cost $5.

So how did I do it? Check this out

1. I emptied out the glass cabinets + took off the doors.

2. Once they were rid of everything, it was time to install the paper to the back of the cabinet. Starting at the top. I peeled a small section of the papers backing and aligned the edge of the paper with the side back edge of the ca binet.

3. I then started to peel away the backing and smoothed out the contact paper on the surface eliminating bumps + bubbles.

4. The width of the contact paper was smaller than the width of the cabinet, so after putting up the first layer, I needed to add another 6 wide piece, but it was easy. I matche d up the design at the top and continued smoothing out the bubbles all the way. The design matched up perfectly and seamlessly!

Once the backs were finished and pretty, they were ready to style. Oooo, this is always my favorite part!

I love well-styled shelves.

Using old with new creates for a beautiful vignette. My newly styled shelves are filled with DIY creations (like my rope wrapped vase), Target + Homegoods deals (like the gold Nate tassel + the umber colored vase), travel treasures (like the maracas from Puerto Rico + seashells from our beach vacations), and personal keepsakes (like the model the Mister made when in college for Architecture).

Every element is a treasure. Every element has meaning. Every element reflects us.

As much as the newly styled shelves are pretty, they are also majorly functional! They not only hold books & keepsakes, but I added baskets in the bottom section, which hold DVDs, CDs, and snuggly blankets.

Overall, this is the new space

The entire room feels & looks so different. By removing the doors, the room feels more open & by adding the backing to the shelves, the room has more depth.

And to give you a peak into what is behind the middle section, its our TV and other things that arent as pretty

Hi! Thats me in the reflection.

5 Tips to take away from my $5 shelf redo

> Shop Your Home: When bored with what you have & no budget to buy new, go shopping around your home. Repurpose what you already own and move them to another place. The old items will instantly feel fresh & new again.

> Create Something: You know me, Im always DIYing something around my home. Why? 1. Because I enjoy making things / 2. Because I dont have a huge budget / 3. Because I can customize something to be exactly what I envision.

> Think Outside the Box: Dont like something? Well ask yourself how it can be better within the constraints you have, which can be budget or space. With my $5, quick redo I can probably get another year (or more) out of the furniture that I have. If I didnt make the change, it would haunt me everyday to do something. By making the easy + inexpensive update, my space feels v ibrant & new.

> Gather Inspiration & Implement: Search the web or pinterest to find inspiration. Feeling tired of your drear space, but unsure what to do? Look for inspiration. It surrounds you on a daily basis. Search for what you love and implement that into your home.

> Start from Scratch: When feeling the urge to redo any vignette, space, or room, its really a must to start from scratch. Remove everything in a space, so you can see the setting in a clear light and with a clean slate.

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