When money’s tight, these tips and tricks can help homes look fresh and modern, without breaking the bank.
1. Repaint
Existing items can be given a new lease of life with a simple lick of paint. The internet is a mine of information on techniques; give an old picture frame a sleek, glossy makeover with bright spray paint, or use chalk paint followed by sand-paper for a distressed look on a wooden table or chair.
2. Repurpose
Before binning any household item that’s seen better days, consider whether it could be reincarnated. An unusual or foreign glass food jar, for instance, might make a pretty candle holder. The only limit is your own imagination.
3. Penny pinch
If you’re prepared to put in the research and effort required to revamp old furniture, bargain pieces can be found on Ebay or Gumtree. Looking for something specific? Join a website like Freecycle or Freegle where items change hands at no cost.
4. Add interest
Bored with your chest of drawers? Instead of replacing the whole piece, re-invent it by changing its handles or adding a Scandi style stencilled motif. A great way to revive tired old curtains is by sewing a brightly coloured ribbon trim along the bottom hem.
5. Changing rooms
Try swapping items from one room to another. An old cast iron bread bin might look fantastic in a vintage style bathroom. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and make mistakes – it’s all part of the fun.
6. The devil’s in the detail
Rather than repainting or refurnishing an entire room, try changing small details that don’t cost the earth. Cushions, mirrors, lamps and picture frames can all be picked up relatively cheaply with a bit of careful shopping around. Large chain stores can offer good value for money when you search online. The right piece will change the whole mood of a room.
7. Get creative
Buy some large blank canvasses and create your own art works. You don’t have to be Picasso – large blocks of colour or pattern are easy to paint and instantly enliven the walls of any room.
8. Take inspiration from nature
An armful of flowers gathered from your garden, a bowl of pretty shells or an interesting piece of driftwood picked up at the beach – it’s so easy to find beauty once you step out of the house, so why not bring it indoors to make your home truly unique?
9. Use your head(board)
It’s often very simple and cheap to create something visually stunning within our homes. An unusual headboard can be made by covering a piece of wood, cut to size, with fire-proof foam and a fabric of your choice. Changing the fabric once in a while will allow you to update the look.
10. Choose wisely
Invest in one key piece, such as a beautiful, vibrant, high-quality rug. This allows you to pare back the rest of a room and it’s easy to blend cheaper accessories around an amazing focal point.
Good design doesn’t have to be super expensive!
Images by photojenni, Average Jane and árticotropical used under Creative Commons License.
