Our feature photo, courtesy of Dulux Paints, is a wonderful example of an eclectic and stunning decor. While nothing in the room seems to match everything co-ordinates into a really unique space. This got my creative juices flowing with the endless possibilities for using what you have to create a great space.
The inspiration for this room probably came from the pretty chair with a trellis-patterned upholstery. You might have a chair like this that needs a little love. Paint the wood a funky colour and have it reupholstered in a trendy fabric. The ottoman in the photo stands alone in design, fabric, shape and colour but is neutral enough to work in the space. In lieu of a similar large ottoman you might have a round table or coffee table that could be repainted and used in a similar fashion. Even if it's totally different from your chair it might still work if the colour is right. The blue drapes help the colour palette make sense -- while the soft violet paint colour creates a cool backdrop. White accessories belie any colour confusion. I just love that funky floor lamp!
So how do you go about creating a different and unique look using mainly what you have? Here's a few tips:
Furniture
As mentioned in the above example, the dated, broken or forgotten furniture in your home may be up-cycled to something fantastic. Usually wood or metal pieces that can be painted are a good start. Even a dated wicker piece can be transformed with a little paint. Start with a small piece and a bold colour and see where it goes from there.
Windows
You don't have to buy regular curtain panels, blinds or draperies for your windows. Think of something unusual, especially if you have a unique window in your room. Swags of mosquito netting can be used to create a soft, dreamy window treatment. Sports jerseys can be used in a recroom or games room to create a unique stationary window covering. Colourful tea towels make great café curtains when hung from clip hooks. This is a great, no-sew project. Items such as a vintage wedding veil in a tall window or in a high-ceiling stair landing can create a dramatic affect. Likewise with a piece of your grandmother's vintage (perhaps a little tattered) lace tablecloth covering a nursery window. Tie a bunch of long silk scarves to your curtain rod to create a colourful, breezy treatment with a harlequin hemline. The scarves will blow softly in the breeze when the window is open. Perhaps men's neckties could be used in a similar fashion. It's worth a try. Both scarves and neckties are fairly affordable and plentiful at thrift stores. A plain pull shade can be turned into a work of art by piercing a design on it with a pointy instrument. When the shade is drawn the light will filter through the design creating a one-of-a-kind treatment. Turn your current plain curtain panels into something pretty by adding a colourful wide hem to the top or bottom or by adorning them with vintage buttons, ribbon or what-have-you. Paint your mismatched curtain rods in a modern matte black to unify your room. Or you can forgo window treatments entirely and let the sun shine in.
Accessories
This is the fun part. Old funky lamps, retro wall clocks, classic vases, old books and endless other items can be use to create a unique decor. Revisit dated items and consider how they may be updated to fit your new space. Thrift stores are loaded with vintage stuff that can easily be brought back to life with a fresh coat of paint. The vase of tulips in our feature photo is sitting on a few hardcover books, which are sitting on a plain, wooden tray. Nothing fancy, but it does the trick. Rather than fill up your space with tchotchkes, opt for a few unique pieces to make a statement.
You might find (or have) a dated brass lamp that can be painted black and a new lampshade purchased to update the piece. The lamp base may be fine, but often the lampshade needs to be updated. Paint the lampshade or cover it with co-ordinating fabric using hot glue. Even men's neckties (again) can be used to create a unique lampshade. Glue the ties vertically (so the bottom points create a harlequin hem) and cut off the excess at the other end. Finish the top with a piece of black banding for a finished look. You can paint a lampshade in a bright colour, perhaps hot pink, then cover it with a lace fabric to soften the overall look. You'll still see the colour poking through and the lace pattern will be more prominent.
Something old, something new should be your decor mantra. Mix things up a little and see how it turns out. You might surprise yourself.
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