14 Ways to Hack CB2’s Latest Spring Decor

I’m a budget girly through and through and what I’ve found is that when done right, budget products look just as good as those designer labels. When it comes to your home, there’s plenty of tips and tricks to elevate your space from blah to banging and if you stick with me, you’ll find that your wallet doesn’t have to suffer in order to do so.

As you're making your house a home, consider these hacks to flex your home’s beauty without breaking the bank.

​1. Hang Your Curtains Like This

This seems far too simple to be true and yet, people are blown away by what raising your curtains up a few inches can do. Not only do longer, fuller curtains look more expensive and luxurious, they draw the eye up, making your space feel larger and grander.

Bonus points for a pinched pleat:

The “pinched pleat” style of curtains are often expensive and over-priced. You can create this same look with ordinary curtains and a little ingenuity. @ayeyiathome shows how a few simple supplies can take your standard curtains to the next level with this easy DIY project.

​2. Never Underestimate Lighting

Lighting is usually the last thing people think about in a space. Mostly because it feels so permanent and inconsequential, but it makes a huge impact on your space in reality. Adding lamps around your home, rather than using the overhead light creates a cozier, intimate vibe. Utilize lighting as accents and accessories to your existing decor, like highlighting art with a picture light.

Try this hack:

Upgrade your corded, plug-in lights for a sleek, “wall-mount” look sans all the electrical work with puck lights. These battery-operated (or sometimes rechargeable) lights work in any lamp to provide light without having to be hard-wired into the wall.

3. Swap Out Store-Bought Bottles For This Matching Set​

All of those perfect, Instagrammable homes we love are usually meticulously organized, but perhaps more importantly… nothing is ever in its original packaging. Swapping out your store-bought bottles of haircare or even pantry items, with matching containers will instantly upgrade your space for much less than you might expect.

4. Find The Right Size Rug

Odd are, your rugs are too small. Disproportionate rooms, even those that are decorated with expensive pieces, can feel a little off and disheveled. The right size rug for a room will ground your design and pull the entire space together.

5. Fill Your Walls With The Right Proportions

In the comments of this video, @katekerdiinteriors admits “design is a lot about math, whether we like it or not,” and decorating the walls in your space is a perfect example of this. It feels easy to add a piece of art or photo gallery to a blank wall, but using this simple math equation will help you pick art that makes your space feel more expensive.

Quick Math:

1. To find the correct size range of art for your wall, first measure the wall.
2. Once you have your measurements, you'll want to multiply both the height and width by 0.6 to get the lower end of the range.
3. For the higher end of the range, multiply the height and width by 0.75.

Bonus tip:

Utilize blank wall space to reflect light with mirrors. This will make your room feel larger and more airy without a huge monetary or time investment.

6. Look Up — Don't Leave Your Ceilings Hanging

Ceilings are having a huge moment right now. Just a quick scroll and you’ll find monochromatic paint jobs that include the ceiling, as well as textured ceiling treatments that are whimsical and immediately draw your eye. There are so many budget-friendly products on the market that can be installed easily to steal the show in any room.

I used wallpaper to upgrade my ceiling, but you can easily take yours to the next level with a fresh coat of paint.

7. Don't Forget The Outside

The very idea of updating the exterior of my home feels extremely daunting, but the truth is, there are so many affordable (and shockingly simple) additions to your home that will boost the curb appeal immediately. These rain gutter chains are like earrings for your home and look how pretty she looks! Other quick fixes like magnetic garage hardware or cedar shutters accessorize your home to enhance its beauty.

8. Incorporate Natural Stone

Luxury materials will always make a space feel high-end, but they come with a designer price tag. Incorporating small samples of those materials, like marble, travertine, and natural wood, is a cost-effective way to strengthen a room. Marble coasters, vases, and candlestick holders are low-cost accessories with an elegant impact.

Start With A Crisp White Paint

A clean canvas can accentuate the light in your space and give it a modern albeit fresh, coastal vibe. There is a seemingly endless array of white hues you can buy but sometimes they can look too hot or too cold, depending on your individual lighting. Christine's go-to white paint? Superwhite by Sherwin Williams. Make sure to test a sample in your space first.

Use A Minimalist Color Palette

Once you have your white down, add neutrals and coastal tones. "I would recommend whites, creams, greige, taupe and add in some soft blues and/or navy," says Christine. "Keep it really easy breezy with your palette."

Add Natural Textures

"Incorporate small doses of natural textures like hemp, wovens, rattans and jutes, which add a little bit of that organic, beachy feel without going overboard," says Christine. That goes for the rug too. Change up for something minimal and natural-looking. "Maybe it's a cozy shag, a jute/wool blend, or even a simple textured neutral," she adds.

Swap Your Art

Here's where you can score some beautiful beach-inspired prints that don't scream coastal '80s. "Coastal art, beach photography and tone-on-tone paintings can bring a really calming sense throughout your space," says Christine.

Add Faux Or Live Botanicals

Christine recommends adding eucalyptus or a palm to create an indoor/outdoor feel. There are plenty of realistic faux options (like this potted olive treefrom Pottery Barn) or make sure the real tree you find was grown to be indoors.

Go for Laid-Back Window Treatments

"If your budget allows, add wall treatments like shiplap or a grasscloth wall covering," says Christine. A fresh linen stripe also nods to a coastal classic.

Add A Pop of Blue

With coastal blues, almost anything goes, from crystal blue and aqua waters to the deep dark sea.

Welcome In Natural Light

Allow all the natural light you can to shine through wherever possible. "Use simple white linen drapes to frame windows and either French or sliding doors to let the natural sunlight pour in," says Christine. The blend of natural light, classic blue island and white on white in this kitchen is the modern take of our coastal decor dreams. Just lovely!

Photos by Sara Tramp for Christine Vroom Design

Find more home decor tips on our Pinterest page and sign up for our newsletter for home, food, and wellness ideas!

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!