Update room for next to nothing

Q. When on a small budget, what's the first place to address when changing the look of a room? -- Kelly P., 15, Pueblo, Colo.
A. This is a great question, but it really depends on how you want to change your room. If you want to spend no money, you might try taking everything out of the room and completely rearranging all of the furniture. Your parents may let you use some unused furniture in storage or the garage, but ask first! If you find some things you don't need anymore, have a yard sale and use the money for another room project.
Paint
For spending a minimal amount of money, I would say to buy some paint. A good coat of beautiful paint is the best value for your money, and I love Benjamin Moore flat latex for walls in practically any color. They also have high gloss oil-based paint in every color that is great for furniture.
Just make sure you sand furniture well with fine sand paper before you paint. It helps the paint to stick and it applies much easier. Pick colors that match your furniture and bedding, and your results will be beautiful.
If you want to spend a bit more, then change your bedding and curtains.
Get a new comforter cover and matching drapes for a whole new look. Those are the most important things you can do. My best advice is to use what you have first and start with a clean, well-organized room and a good idea of what you want to do. Don't be afraid of change!
Q. I have a million pictures, and I can't afford to frame them all. I don't want to put them in photo albums either. What can I do? -- Jen, 17, New York City
A. There is nothing cooler than hundreds of pictures on a wall. I love that look, but you are right, it looks even better when it's organized. Here are two ideas that are really fun and easy. If you are careful with a sharp blade, you can make frames from cardboard and rubber bands. They are free and super easy to make.
Start with squares of cardboard that are 7 by 6 inches. On one of them, trace around the photo that you want to frame. You should now have a rectangle drawn on one piece of the cardboard. Now draw another about 1/4 inch inside the rectangle that you just drew. With a box cutter or an X-acto blade knife (careful, these are really sharp)! cut out the smaller square. Tape your photo on the piece without the hole and place the frame you have just cut out on top. Now with two rubber bands, wrap both pieces together on the edges.
If you don't like the plain cardboard look, try covering the frame with glitter or contact paper. You can make these out of any kind of cardboard and in any size. It's easy to hang the picture frames on a small nail from the rubber band, too. I know you can do this!
XNeed help with your room? E-mail your question to markmontanonyc@aol.com. Mark Montano writes "Cool Room," a monthly room makeover column in CosmoGirl magazine. He is also the author of "Super Suite: The Ultimate Bedroom Makeover Guide for Girls" and an award-winning fashion designer in New York City. For more information about Mark and his work, check out www.markmontano.com.