The economy is on everyone's mind these days. The more you hear about the recession, the more you think twice about spending money on unnecessary items. Even the home decor industry, which is usually considered recession-proof, is noticing a slowdown. The recession is also seeing consumers spending more time at home rather than going out for entertainment. To that end, we should not forgo maintaining a decor that is vibrant and enjoyable.
Now more than ever, it's important to use your money wisely when updating your decor. Using what you have to its fullest advantage is one way to keep the budget in check. Paint and wallpaper are also good budget-friendly decor-revivers that can be used to help keep your space up-to-date. There are a few dollar-stretching tricks to follow that may help you keep your interior projects on target.
Our feature bathroom, courtesy of Benjamin Moore, has more than one money-saving decor trick up its sleeve. This bathroom is a great example of how just a little bit of paint can create a huge impact. The striped wall design, gleaned from the upholstery fabric on the back of the antique chair, is an easy but effective update that anyone can do. The vibrant colours in the Benjamin Moore palette are what make this room pop.
You could easily purchase a few sample pots to get a similar look that is easier on the budget than having to purchase paint for an entire room redo. You may even have some leftover interior latex paint in the basement that could be used to transform a room in your home. You don't have to have a full gallon of paint to make a decor change. Stripes, large geometric colour splashes, focal walls and so on, can all be used to update any room in your home without much cost or time involved.
Let's face it, painting an entire room takes a few days to complete, whereas a focal wall of colour may take only a day over the weekend. I personally love quick projects that can be done on a whim. I hope I'm motivating you to check out those half-empty tins in the basement. You could do a quick update today!
Another money-saving idea from our feature photograph is the use of small bits of upholstery fabric on the antique chair. If you can find remnant pieces of great fabric, you can recover a small piece of furniture for a song. In this case, the use of three different but co-ordinating fabrics makes the traditional chair eclectic and fun.
If you are considering reupholstering, another money-saving idea is to choose a solid colour or a smaller pattern. Larger patterns have to be matched and as a result there is a lot more wasted fabric that you inevitably have to pay for.
The simple window treatments in this room are made more interesting by the way they are hung to create a balloon/swag effect. Adorning inexpensive window panels is another way to save money but still update your decor. Again, smaller fabric remnants along with decorative accents like braided trim can be sewn together to create a unique look. If you need a curtain rod, consider using inexpensive PVC tubing, copper piping (I saw length of it on the clearance table at Canadian Tire recently) or even a piece of decorative driftwood. These items can be covered in fabric or painted to create a finished look.
Follow the deals
I often let the deal fuel change in my space. If you want to do this as well, you'll have to keep your mind open to the possibilities.
For example, if your kitchen cabinets need an overhaul you can update them with paint, of course, but also consider mixing up the hardware for a casual, eclectic look. You can often find deals on a few great draw pulls or knobs, so scoop them up if you like them. Don't assume that you have to purchase matching hardware. One style for the drawer handles and another for the cabinet knobs can make for an interesting look.
Here are some decorating ideas that will help you save money:
Use mismatched ceramic tiles to create a mosaic backsplash or tabletop;
One discounted roll of wallpaper can be used to create a focal wall in a small bathroom or to create a focal point at the head of the bed;
Exchange leftover paint and/or decor items with friends -- they may have colours that you like and vice versa;
Hold a decorating swap meet for family and friends and exchange unwanted decor items;
Look for deals on mis-tinted paint or discontinued wallpaper;
Create your own artwork by framing black-and-white photographs, copyright-free images from the Internet or paint a canvas yourself with leftover paint;
connieolvier@shaw.ca
