Decorating
Decorating: 10 Design Makeover Tips That Won't Break the Bank
Want to give your home that pro's touch on a tight budget? Then try these tricks of the trade
We’d all love to have the budget to completely revamp our homes, room by room. However in these cash-strapped times, few of us can afford it. Thankfully, there are simple ways to change the look and feel of your property without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our favourites…
Move things around
Bedside lamps are all very well, but if you’re starting from scratch with a full refurbishment that includes electrical work, think outside the box. Hanging your bedside lighting from above not only looks amazing, it solves the problem of unsightly wires being scattered around and frees up space for a few stylish accessories.
Bedside lamps are all very well, but if you’re starting from scratch with a full refurbishment that includes electrical work, think outside the box. Hanging your bedside lighting from above not only looks amazing, it solves the problem of unsightly wires being scattered around and frees up space for a few stylish accessories.
Make more of less
Tiles can be expensive but when used sparingly, they can often create a bigger impact than a fully tiled or half-tiled bathroom. Instead, highlight a favourite feature with tiling, such as this beautiful bombe chest sink unit. And don’t forget to look out for those end of line sales if you only need a few boxes. You can save money and add designer wow all at once.
Tiles can be expensive but when used sparingly, they can often create a bigger impact than a fully tiled or half-tiled bathroom. Instead, highlight a favourite feature with tiling, such as this beautiful bombe chest sink unit. And don’t forget to look out for those end of line sales if you only need a few boxes. You can save money and add designer wow all at once.
Add a little luxury
Designers love upholstered headboards, not least because they bring the boutique hotel into the bedroom. If your DIY skills aren’t good enough to make one yourself using MDF, foam and a plush fabric, why not get a local upholsterer to create one for you? Then take a tip from the designer of this Clapham apartment and extend the headboard to encompass the bedside tables as well.
See 10 super sized headboards for dreamy bedroom style
Designers love upholstered headboards, not least because they bring the boutique hotel into the bedroom. If your DIY skills aren’t good enough to make one yourself using MDF, foam and a plush fabric, why not get a local upholsterer to create one for you? Then take a tip from the designer of this Clapham apartment and extend the headboard to encompass the bedside tables as well.
See 10 super sized headboards for dreamy bedroom style
Mix and match
Forget the three-piece suite – interior designers know how to create the perfect seating area that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is sociable and functional. Anchor the scheme with a standout sofa but ensure the other seating puts guests at eye level. In this picture a long upholstered stool – positioned opposite twin chairs in a contrasting rattan – adds variety and symmetry, while also complementing the cream and brown colour palette.
Forget the three-piece suite – interior designers know how to create the perfect seating area that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is sociable and functional. Anchor the scheme with a standout sofa but ensure the other seating puts guests at eye level. In this picture a long upholstered stool – positioned opposite twin chairs in a contrasting rattan – adds variety and symmetry, while also complementing the cream and brown colour palette.
Upcycle and customise
Sometimes arrangement is everything – so think like a design pro and use budget buys in a novel way. Shelving is a great example. You can create a bespoke piece like this just by painting simple box shelves and putting them together like a jigsaw to create an artistic wall display.
Sometimes arrangement is everything – so think like a design pro and use budget buys in a novel way. Shelving is a great example. You can create a bespoke piece like this just by painting simple box shelves and putting them together like a jigsaw to create an artistic wall display.
Collect and display
Get to those car boot sales and antique fairs and start hunting for plates with a similar feel in terms of colour, style, size or era. A beautiful wall display like this – inspired by nature and different hues of green – could be yours for under £100.
See quirky collectibles and how to display them
Get to those car boot sales and antique fairs and start hunting for plates with a similar feel in terms of colour, style, size or era. A beautiful wall display like this – inspired by nature and different hues of green – could be yours for under £100.
See quirky collectibles and how to display them
Clear the floor
Designers use every trick in the book to make small spaces appear larger. For instance, the more floor space you can see, the better – which is why bathroom designers often opt for wall-hung fittings in a small bathroom. Carry that tip through to the bedroom and really make a statement with a hanging chair in the corner.
Designers use every trick in the book to make small spaces appear larger. For instance, the more floor space you can see, the better – which is why bathroom designers often opt for wall-hung fittings in a small bathroom. Carry that tip through to the bedroom and really make a statement with a hanging chair in the corner.
Think in threes
It’s the magic number for interior designers. Groups of three items in varying heights always seem to work together, and it’s a trick that’s applied to more than just accessories. This silver pouffe would look a little lonely – and tiny – without the couple of rustic side tables standing beside it.
It’s the magic number for interior designers. Groups of three items in varying heights always seem to work together, and it’s a trick that’s applied to more than just accessories. This silver pouffe would look a little lonely – and tiny – without the couple of rustic side tables standing beside it.
Supply the finishing touches
An oversized floral arrangement has all the hallmarks of an interior designed home – but doesn’t have to cost the earth. Opt for a vase almost as tall as your table, and fill it with dried or silk flowers to make an eye-catching centrepiece.
Liked these ideas? Share your interior design tips in the comments below
An oversized floral arrangement has all the hallmarks of an interior designed home – but doesn’t have to cost the earth. Opt for a vase almost as tall as your table, and fill it with dried or silk flowers to make an eye-catching centrepiece.
Liked these ideas? Share your interior design tips in the comments below
A simple change like re-arranging your books into shelves of colours can make a big impact in a room. And the best thing about it? It costs nothing.
More ideas on how to colour theme collections for a classy display