The New York Times had another timely article last week — $300 room makeovers. As with most articles of the sort, it’s a mix of good advice and head-scratchers. For instance, I recognize the need to do something with blank walls, but I’m really not a fan of the repeating “Morrocan-y” stencil in one of the homes. I am also a little exasperated that only one makeover even came in under $300 (two were nearly $500).

That being said, the audio slideshow in the left margin has good advice. First, the advice to just clean up! Sad, but true — a room where everything is picked up and put away looks a lot bigger and more inviting. Another was the advice to remove some items to make the space feel bigger. I did this in my 10-by-13-ft. home office recently to good effect. –Mary T.
Click for the before and after photos!

Before:

After:

Already a small room, my home office also serves as a guest room (that’s a fold-out couch) and clothes storage. After several attempts, we finally figured out an arrangement that works. We relocated a dresser to the laundry room, put the desk at an angle, stacked my shoe holders, moved the couch to the back wall, and also performed our previous trick of taking out the rug. Voila, instant space.

Top photo via The New York Times.