Homes

DIY on a budget – your questions answered

We deal with all your decorating dilemmas.

**Baby nest

Q. I’m a mum-to-be and I’ve just finished work. The women in my antenatal class seem to be spending a fortune on their nurseries but, because we’re on a strict budget, I can’t get started on ours. Do you have any ideas?**

A. Colour is the key 

I’m no agony aunt but I will say stop worrying! I’ve lost count of the times I’ve told new parents it’s the love that counts, not the budget. Check out second-hand, fl at pack or “nude” furniture for good serviceable items. Visit specialist bungalow and villa renovator stores for mouldings and beading that can be glued on to provide interest, and finally, hit the paint shop and go all-out on colour. I guarantee you can create something you’re really proud of.

**Q. Paperwork

I want to tidy up all our paperwork but without a home office it will need to be stored in our living area. How can I disguise it so it fits right in and doesn’t look ugly?**

A. Boxing on

Go on a box hunt (we always have lots lying around at work, so that’s one place to look). You can go for all one size or an assortment, then cover them using scraps of wallpaper, wrapping paper or even that lovely scrap-booking paper from craft stores. This way you can store your boring paperwork in an attractive decorative feature.

**Q. Private oasis

I live in an apartment building and own my place so I can do more or less what I like. When I stand on the street and look up, all I see is bikes and washing. How can I make my balcony a special little oasis?**

A. Brighten up

As always, colour is king. If you can paint that’s great but if it isn’t appropriate then introduce as much energy as possible with bright pots, baskets, cushions and even rugs – if there’s no risk of rain getting in. Painted tins look great and you could even hang up paper lanterns. Don’t forget candles to add evening ambiance!

**Q. Artistic dreams

I’ve always wanted to be a full-time artist but now I’ve retired from office work and finally got started, my husband moans that my easels and canvases are taking over the house. I need space to mix paints and set up my still-life compositions. There simply isn’t a spare room available and apart from taking over the garage I’m at a loss for ideas.**In my years at the Weekly, I’ve visited a number of artists and been really impressed at how they’ve integrated their work into their lovely homes. Set aside the corner of a room and think of it as a composition in itself – “the artist’s space”! Style it prettily, so it looks as if Monet or Renoir has just stepped out for a coffee. I’m sure your husband will grow to love it!

A. Make a studio

In my years at the Weekly, I’ve visited a number of artists and been really impressed at

how they’ve integrated their work into their lovely homes. Set aside the corner of a room and think of it as a composition in itself – “the artist’s space”! Style it prettily, so it looks as if Monet or Renoir has just stepped out for a coffee. I’m sure your husband will grow to love it!

**Q. Bigger & better

This is an age-old query, but please remind us how to make a small room look bigger. Our new flat’s very poky but the landlord will pay for paint if we do the work and we want it looking as nice as possible. We’re paying off student loans so most of our furniture is stuff my partner’s grandma gave us!**

A. Own it!

These are fun days. There’s not much money, but you’ve undoubtedly got plenty of imagination. Choose a luminous white paint (Resene’s Alabaster is an all-time favourite of mine). Keep your scheme as simple as possible with straight crisp lines, using pattern only as accents. A big mirror can open up a limited space enormously. Your local mirror merchant may have a large one that’s chipped on the edges – these can be covered with something striking. Try trellis, beading or even decorative plaster strips, which can make wonderful frames.

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