If you’ve ever had to decorate a room while being strapped for cash, then you know just how confusing it can be to try make it look great with a mishmash of styles, textures, and colors. Luckily, we’ve got some great tips for you today on how to make the most of your living space on a tiny budget.

For this particular project, our host ClutterBug truly had her work cut out for her! She explains at the top of the video that this room makeover was done for her best friend who had just upgraded to a larger home. Her pal Jessica wanted to create a toy room for her daughter that could be easily transformed into a sophisticated living space.

We know—the idea of “toy room” and “sophistication” don’t usually go hand-in-hand, but you’ve got to hear the YouTuber out on this one. She certainly did come into the project with laser focus!

This is what the living room looked like when our host first got her hands on it.

She explains that she initially identified the need for a “focal point” in the room. It was then that she spotted the great big window, and decided to use its adjoining wall as both inspiration and a guiding light, so to speak, in the decorating of the room.

The family had moved a donated couch into the room, without much thought as to how it would affect the overall look of the space. In regards to the couch, ClutterBug says, “It’s in amazing shape, but it’s super ugly.” Ok, we’re not going to argue with her on that one!

A blue floral painting that Jessica had already owned served as the inspiration for the color pallet of the room. She also found some used, inexpensive furniture to match the black entertainment center.

So, let’s get back to the big pink elephant in the room—that UGLY COUCH! How did our interior design guru manage to integrate it into the space? The answer is maybe more simple than you would think. She just covered it up! A $40 muted gray couch slip cover was fitted over the original sofa to help tie together some of the brighter blue hues in the room.

Jessica had also had some hand-me-down lamps prepared for the space, but the discolored shades simply wouldn’t do. That’s when our host decided to spray paint them that gorgeous blue color to match the painting above the couch. She also switched out the shades for darker ones that would match the newly-covered couch a bit better.

Can you believe how GREAT this room looks now? Amazingly, this project only cost the homeowner about $200. It’s true—creativity and a little bit of elbow grease can spruce up just about any space!

Watch ClutterBug’s video below to see her fabulous living room makeover!

What do you think about this design? Have you ever embarked on any similar projects? If so, how did you go about achieving them? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!