DIY Decorator
In a recession, it seems sensible to put home renovations and redecoration on hold until the money starts flowing again. This time though, the effects are expected to last a while, so a thrifty approach is the best way to ring changes without destroying your bank balance – or having to wait another 10 years. As your own interior designer, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
SET THE SCENE
Buy one scene-stealer and base your décor around it. This could be something elaborate and timeless, such as a mirror, chandelier or even a striking wool rug. Another way of making an impact is to splash out on a very bold, bright fabric on a chair or sofa. Once you have an item of quality like this in place, everything around it will look much better!
ADD GREAT ACCESSORIES
Use unusual decorative accessories to lift your room from super to sensational. Vintage items, such as old suitcases or vintage crockery, work well, and don’t forget all those weird and wonderful pieces you’ve picked up while travelling. On their own they mightn’t look much but in a well-arranged grouping they can be just the focal point you need.
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Nice old bits of furniture still turn up from time to time online or in junk shops and transforming them with paint and fabric can be enormously rewarding. If you’re handy, you may be able to teach yourself upholstery skills with the help of relevant websites. But if not, it’s amazing what can be achieved with a glue gun and nail gun!
FABULOUS FLOWERS
When you look at gorgeous room settings in books and magazines, chances are you’ll see flowers. It doesn’t matter whether you choose fresh blooms or the increasingly realistic imitation flowers, you can still make an arrangement that will soften your room setting, adding beauty and character.
CALL IN THE CUSHIONS
These padded beauties are a decorator’s best friend. You can move them around and add or subtract them according to your mood. If you fall in love with an expensive designer fabric but can’t afford curtains or a couch cover, why not settle for a cushion or two. It’s definitely better than nothing!
WHITE’S ALL RIGHT
If money is really short but you want a truly elegant scheme, all white can be the way to go. White paint is often cheaper than tinted shades and you can use it on walls – and even on the floor – to create a stunning result.
- Louise Richardson
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