Add instant style to any space with these design ideas that need just a little imagination and even less money
Add instant style to any space with these design ideas that need just a little imagination and even less money
Change The Colour Scheme with Soft Furnishings
“When it comes to transforming our beloved space, or giving it a seasonal refresh, consider working with soft furnishings like the area rug, curtains, and covers of the throw pillows on the sofa, and even the sofa’s upholstery itself,” suggests Arjan.
Be bright & Bold
Don’t be daunted by bright colours like yellow; it can add edge to a contemporary scheme and is a way to make your home glow! Arjan suggests to “balance brights with neutrals and refrain from mixing too many bold colours in a room”. He adds: “I normally pick one accent wall for a bright colour to set the tone. Then, pick up this colour with accessories throughout the room.”
Create your own art
Don’t let random shells and wild plants go to waste. Place them in baskets and glass jars to warm up the kitchen, bathrooms or the entryway.
Reface kitchen cabinets
Yes – you can spruce up a tired kitchen without ripping out the existing cabinets! “As long as the frames and doors are structurally sound, you can hire a carpenter for a day to reface or replace the doors without spending a bomb,” shares Arjan.
Wow with wallpaper
Installing wallpaper is an easy step to breathe new life into your home. You can vary the way you place it. Some rooms look great with a wallpaper border, while others look best with full wallpapering. Blooming floral shades can even act as a substitute for hanging artwork! Try: Old Havana, $80, from Cluster-Cluster.
Use wall stickers and decoration
Peel-and-stick wall decals are a simple, commitment-free way to update any room. “Wall stickers and decorations can create a fun, colourful and inspirational environment for kids,” says Arjan. Try: Bulbs Glow In The Dark wall decal (left), $64, from STYLODECO or Bird wall decoration (above), $25 each, from BoConcept.
Make the bed
Create the mood in a bedroom by changing the sheets of your bed. And have multiple pillows on the bed to make it comforting and stylish. For a king-sized bed, you should have two or three Euro pillows and four king pillows. Try: Florence Boradhurst Bedding, $288, from Finn Avenue.
Add a Fresh Twist
On-trend, playful and stylish – these unique items are simple, practical ways to add interest to your home and make it look cool and contemporary. Try: Dragon playground door stopper, $10, from HipVan.
Light Showcase
A feature light, like a pendant light, a table lamp or wall sconces, will draw attention. “Adding a statement light fixture will inject some drama. It’s usually done over the dining table, but you can also have them in the bathroom to add interest and personality,” says Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, principal designer of Aiden T. Try: Artichoke table lamp, $329, from CB2.
Bring Nature In
Tap into the current trend of bringing greenery indoors. It instantly makes your home feel fresh and homely. Try: Faux plants, $7.90 - $11.90, from Comfort Design.
