How To Fix A Guy's Room In 10 Days

    For less than $250 we made over a recent college grad's pad. See the before and after, then take our quiz to learn how to give your own space a refresh.

    Jessica Probus
    by Jessica Probus

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

    Austin is a very cool dude (and a reporter at BuzzFeed!), but he's moved around so much that his NYC apartment wasn't quite finished (or furnished at all!). So we decided to give him some help.

    Before / After

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed
    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed
    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    The Problem: Austin didn't have any furniture or anything on the walls.

    Jessica Probus for BuzzFeed

    Like many young professionals, Austin has moved around NYC a lot since he graduated and he never really settled down. But now that he's in a place he wants to stay for a while, he needed help making his room seem a little less like a cell.

    The Inspiration: Austin took our quiz and learned that his style was minimal and modern.

    With a few days and less than $250 (not including the bed), we brought in a few things that every post-college room needs:

    1. Wall decor, $15

    2. A colorful poster, $15

    3. A snake plant, $3

    4. A cool lamp, $40

    5. Duvet cover, $29

    6. Makeshift nightstand, $15

    7. Retro clock, $13

    8. Rug, $36

    The Result: A colorful, functional space!

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    Instead of a nighstand, we used this awesome (and cheap) Ikea stool which tucked perfectly into the space.

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    The double steps are great for storing everything you need within arms reach.

    To save money, we DIY'd these pillow cases from (unused) dish towels.

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    The extra mismatched pillows made the bed feel a lot more finished. See how we did it here.

    Since we didn't have the budget or space for a headboard, we used this perforated metal sheet from the hardware store.

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    It doubles as a background to hold art and adds some texture to the bare walls.

    See how much better it looks?

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    To see everything we bought for this makeover, go here.

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    To see everything we bought for this makeover, go here.

    Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed

    To see everything we bought for this makeover, go here.

    Do you know someone who needs a little room refresh? Is it you? Take our handy Home Style Quiz to see how to help.