Maybe it's true that kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms that sell houses, but when it comes to what rooms most directly affect the quality of your life, the bedroom has to be up near the top. If you aren't able to relax and enjoy restful sleep in your own bedroom, it won't take long before you find yourself discontent with the entire house and grasping for ways to improve your situation.

But don't assume that you're stuck with the bedroom you've got. There are ways to build a better bedroom, even if you're working with a tight budget. Read on for some tips to improve this private space without breaking the bank.

Focus on serenity

You want a better bedroom? Simplify the space. A serene and peaceful environment is key to getting a good night of sleep and being able to unwind in your room. Eliminate the television and stop using the bedroom as a multi-purpose room. Keep computers out of the bedroom as well. Instead, limit the space to reading, relaxing and sleeping. This will allow your body to unwind naturally, making restful sleep easier to achieve.

Consider different colors in the room

The colors of your walls and furniture could be subconsciously affecting your experience. If your bedroom is filled with bright colors, or colors that clash, they might not be effective in

putting your mind and body at ease. Consider warmer colors, such as burgundy curtains and other cozy colors that fit your preferences. And make sure your walls and furniture go together as a cohesive package; more than anything, this will encourage relaxation.

Invest in new bedroom furniture

Mismatched bedroom furniture may have served a great purpose at one point in your life, but if you're looking for ways to improve your bedroom, a bedroom set is the way to go. Shoot for solid-wood dressers, vanities and bedstands, and always keep the color scheme of the room in mind. Bedroom sets may not be the cheapest investment you make in your home, but keep in mind that most retail furniture stores offer installment plans that can let you pay for the furniture gradually over time.

Install window treatments

Adding some fun window treatments in your bedroom can further the room's relaxing aesthetic while also serving to keep out intrusive light. This can improve the quality of your sleep and enhance the design and comfort of your room. If you're not up for buying window treatments, you can always turn them into a craft project and save considerably.

Upgrade your lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in a bedroom, but it can change the feel of a room entirely. Replace basic bedroom lighting with dimmers, track lighting or even holiday lights that can provide illumination from the cover of a dipped ceiling. These lighting alternatives give you greater control of how the lighting sets the mood in the room, giving you control over how the evening feels in contrast with the morning.

However you decide to renovate your bedroom, make sure your changes bring your room closer to your ideal respite from the rest of the world. You might not need to change every aspect of your bedroom, but meditate on your current comfort � or lack thereof � and brainstorm what changes will be most effective in increasing your satisfaction. Ultimately, you want to create a space that is quiet, controlled and relaxing to your senses. The perfect recipe is different for everyone, so make sure your plans suit your personal preferences.

Bio: Holly is an Indianapolis native with a knack for saving money. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of brands she loves.

When you dig your winter wardrobe out of storage, you may notice some gaps you need to fill to fit in with this year's fashion trends. Even if you're on a budget, there are plenty of ways to fill out your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Focus on the essentials that you can mix and match with your existing clothes to put together great outfits to wear this winter.

A Cute Dress: Dress styles change every year, so don't be afraid to pick up a new dress or two for each winter, especially if you like patterned dresses. Because they don't need to last long, go ahead and shop at less expensive stores, like Forever 21, H&M, Sears, and your other favorites. Pair your dress with a thick pair of tights or leggings, some boots and a great fitted jacket to make the perfect winter outfit. You can even keep some of your favorite summer dresses out if their styles translate well to winter.

Fashion Boots: Every girl needs at least one pair of boots, although ideally you'll have more because these have been around for several years. Military-inspired boots are in this year, and riding boots and cowboy boots have also been a trend. And of course, you can't go wrong with a pair of

leather boots, which you can often find highly discounted at outlet malls. Also look for department store sales and coupons to make your boot purchase less expensive. If you don't have boots yet, consider getting gray ones because they're more versatile than black or brown.

Fitted Jackets: Your winter wardrobe is about layers, and you wouldn't want to toss on a shapeless jacket over an absolutely adorable outfit. Instead, look for stylish fitted jackets that look great on their own so you don't have to feel like you're dressing down if people see you outside. Look online to find a great selection and hunt down deals on women's coats. In addition, don't forget to check consignment shops, which will often carry styles from past years that will fit in perfectly this season.

Leggings and Tights: Once you have your dresses, boots and fitted jackets, you need tights or leggings to pull the whole outfit together and keep your legs warm. They can help you dress a look down with sweater-style tights or dress it up with a sleek pair of black leggings. You can pick these up relatively inexpensively, but don't skimp too much or you may find them getting runs or losing their elasticity after just a couple of wears.

Pumps: One last element of your winter wardrobe that you should never forget is a classic pair of pumps. Look for pumps with chunky heels, which are perfect for transitioning from day to night without having to bring an extra pair of shoes. Because these are so classic, you'll want to find a good pair that will last. Look for sales at local shoe stores, and check online for coupons and deals on holiday weekends.

Your wardrobe will have the most flexibility if you largely stick to items in neutral colors so you can mix and match them to make a wide range of outfits. Of course, it never hurts to have a couple of statement pieces in your favorite bright colors, too, so you can add a pop of color on what would otherwise be a dreary day. And, of course, make a list of what you need and stick to it so you can use every last penny on things you actually need!

Holly is an Indianapolis fashionista with an addiction to running. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.