Easy Budget Swaps To Freshen Up Your Home

Easy Budget Swaps To Freshen Up Your Home

Easy Budget Swaps To Freshen Up Your Home

I think it’s pretty safe to say we are all interested in hearing about clever home-hacks that have maximum impact for minimal outlay – it’s a sign of the times, right? The good thing is, imagination costs nothing, so here are some tips and tricks to give your home a style-lift without breaking the bank.

Are there any budget-friendly tricks to upgrade existing window furnishings, such as adding decorative trim or tiebacks, to give them a refreshed and stylish appearance?
A: A great way to give curtains an instant style update is by adding a contrasting lower third to the fabric. Use a colour that ties into the surrounding décor or colour palette (say navy for a coastal look or check for a more English country style). You can also add a touch of luxury to linen or cotton curtains by adding a layer of beautiful velvet. Make sure the length creates a slight ‘puddle’ on the ground – anything shorter will look a bit mean and cheapen the effect. It’s a simple sewing project – all straight lines, so give it a try.

What are some affordable and creative ways to introduce pops of colour and patterns into a room through window furnishings, carpets, hard flooring, and rugs?
A: I think pops of colour are best added through more temporary style updates, such as soft furnishings like rugs, cushions and curtains, as well as accessories like art, vases and coffee table books. That way you can swap them out to suit your mood, or the seasons, or current trends without major financial outlay. Rugs are by far the most impactful way of doing this – and if you choose wisely you could perhaps buy more than one good quality yet inexpensive rug. My current rug wish-list includes the following three, all of which represent my prevailing favoured aesthetic:

The Arielle in Yasmin: This one is quite traditional in style but the pops of teal work so beautifully with my wall paint (Porter’s Paints Double Hailstorm) and the golden tones shine against the rich warm oak of my floorboards.

My second option would be the Amsterdam in Layla – it’s a modern boho take on a nomadic-inspired motif. The mauve and brown work together so beautifully.

And my third option would be the Travertine in a brown rug. This would give any room a toasty warm colour update and would look great against natural or beige walls.

What are some clever ways to repurpose or upcycle old curtains, carpets, and rugs to give them a new lease on life and fit a brighter home aesthetic?
A: Old curtains can be dyed to give them a cleaner, fresher and more on-trend look. Or maybe try adding roller blinds to the window as well which will give you more control over light and heat in the room, as well as updating the look of your windows. Old carpets that you’re just not ready to replace can be layered with rugs – this helps with room-zoning as well. Rugs can always benefit from a good clean – have it done professionally have it done professionally or follow the care and maintainance guidelines.

What inexpensive lighting hacks can be implemented to brighten up dark corners and create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the home?
A: I am a massive fan of task lighting – desk lamps, table lamps, standing lamps – used in all combinations. They can gently illuminate dark corners, highlight artworks or bookshelves and generally make rooms easier to navigate. But the biggest plus is the ambience they create. Always choose warm white globes (never, ever cool white – trust me). Stylish and on-trend lamps can be found at so many chain stores now – from Kmart to Freedom, Target or Beacon.

How can a well-thought-out colour scheme for window furnishings, carpets, hard flooring, and rugs tie the whole space together and contribute to a cohesive and fresh look?
A: A well thought-out colour scheme sounds awfully complicated – and it can be, so that is why I always choose simple schemes based around a tonal colour palette. It’s totally a personal preference, but I think you can’t go wrong with white blinds together with either white or soft coloured curtains. This will work all kinds of interior finishes – marble, stone, stainless steel, timber, laminates, etc. It will also be guaranteed to look great with 100% of floorboard styles. It also gives you more scope to add colour with carpet and rugs as well as furniture. We don’t always get the luxury of replacing everything at once, so adding flooring, or window furnishings in natural tones means you won’t compromise other decisions further down the track.

How can homeowners or renters easily refresh their existing carpets or rugs without investing in brand new ones?
A: Never underestimate the power of a good clean! Opt for professionals if possible, or carefully follow product cleaning instructions if you decide to do it yourself.

What are some overlooked spaces in a home where small, budget-friendly updates can make a big difference in brightening up the overall ambience?
A: We’ve all heard the saying about first impressions – but it’s so true. Visitors will always appreciate a bright, clean and well-styled entry hall, but more importantly, so will you, each and every time you come home. A nice rug or runner, a lamp and a console table are all that you need. A small artwork and a nice vase of flowers will add even more to the ambience. Hall runners also draw the eye in, so choose one that sets the tone for the rest of your home, be it contemporary, traditional, art deco, coastal or indeed any style. I am currently quite obsessed with the Saffron runner, in either Diamond White or Zigzag Natural It's super contemporary without being overbearing. The graphic pattern makes a nice statement and will look great with loads of interior styles.

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