Create a focal point
Creating a focal point is an essential element for good design and doesn’t always have to be expensive.
Your focal point could be a piece of furniture, wall art or a feature wall.
There are many ways you can keep costs low when creating a focal point.
For example, you could frame a few pieces of patterned wallpaper. This works great when used as a tryptic.
Try to hang wall art 145cm from the floor to the centre for best results.
Create a colour scheme and balance
Choosing the right colour scheme is another key fundamental of interior design.
Select a handful of complimentary colours to eliminate confusion otherwise created by many odd colours.
Again, creating a colour scheme doesn’t have to cost a lot.
You can use what colours you already have and then build on those with complimentary or matching coloured décor, such as wall art, paint, scatter cushions, blankets, or accent furniture.
When you do this try to use a variety of textures and shapes.
For example, you could break up square furniture with a circle mirror and use a variety of different fabrics for cushions. This will help add depth to your room.
Feature ceilings
Painting your rooms can be a great way to transform a space without spending much.
A good place to start is by painting a feature wall.
However, another way you can create a statement with paint is through a feature ceiling.
Interior designers call this the 5th wall, however it is largely ignored by the general public.
If your ceiling is flat and doesn’t have any feature then you could bring the ceiling paint down your walls slightly to create the illusion of a tray ceiling.
You could even use a stencil around light fittings to create a luxury medallion effect. These can be picked up on Etsy for between £10 - £60 dependant on how ornate you would like your medallion.
Add texture to your walls
Adding a textured look to your walls is a great way to create character in your home and give it a rustic feel.
This technique is relatively cheap and can be done with a few supplies from your local DIY store.
There are a few ways you can add a textured look to your walls.
However, our favourite is by using a limewash paint. These paints are relatively inexpensive and don’t require expert skill like re-plastering in a textured effect does.
To limewashing your walls, you should:
- First, test your paint on a small piece of plasterboard following steps 2-6 to see if the finish is how you would like.
- Next, prime your walls.
- Then, use a large paint brush to apply your paint in random pattern and achieve the textured look you are going for. The idea is to get a rough look so be free with your stokes.
- You shouldn’t apply a thick layer of paint. Instead spread the paint out, until you achieve soft edges to your strokes.
- Try to complete your first coat in one go as letting your paint dry will make it harder to correct later if you mess up.
- Now let your first coat dry.
- Finally, apply your second coat using the same technique.
- Add more coats using the same techniques if you would like less texture.
Ombre paints
Painting your walls in an Ombre colour scheme is an on-trend look that can add a calming feel to your home.
To do this use a 3 similarly coloured water-based paints such as emulsion.
Start by priming your walls. Each shade should roughly cover a 3rd of your wall.
You should stagger your colours vertically or horizontally. The paints will start from the darkest shade on one side then gradually transition to the lightest shade.
Start by blocking in one of your paints over the general area you want it to cover.
As you reach the edge of its 3rd start stretching out your brush strokes to achieve soft edges.
Then start by adding your 2rd shade of paint. Where your colours meet blend them together with your brush.
Spraying your brush with water will help blend the colours and make a smoother transition.When you blend your colours wipe your brush to avoid spreading colours too far.
Repeat these steps with your 3rd colour.
De-clutter
An improvement that will cost you nothing is by decluttering. Take a step back and remove any items that are unnecessary distractions.
A shelf crammed full of clutter may look better with only a few books or a vase, the idea is to let your décor have more space.
If you decide that there’s some things you don’t need you might even be able to make some money from selling them.
Rearrange your room
You could also re-arrange your room to give your furniture more space.
A well-spaced layout shows off each piece furniture and is a good foundation to build the rest of your rooms design around.
When rearranging furniture, you should try to let more natural light into your home, move any tall furniture obstructing windows. This will brighten up your room and make it appear larger.
Sunlight is also good for our mental health so it’s important we have a healthy dose flooding our homes.
Adjusting your curtain pole
You could even let more light into your home by changing your curtain pole.
A longer pole that extends a few feet wider either side of your window creates the illusion of a larger window.
Your current curtain pole might even extend, so again this trick could cost you nothing.
All you will need to do is re fix the wall fixings at wider points.
But before you go doing that consider fixing your curtain pole higher on the wall as well.
Raising your curtain pole up up a foot or two can also make your room appear larger.
We recommend using full length curtains where you can as these too trick the brain into thinking the room is taller
Use Mirrors
The importance of mirrors should never be downplayed.
They are great for filling your home with natural light and make your room appear larger.
If you are fortunate enough to have good view in your home then you could utilise mirrors to bring the views in.
Furthermore, a carefully selected mirror can be the perfect centrepiece for a room.
Give your kitchen a facelift
You’re not alone if your kitchen looks outdated.
However, before you go buying a whole new kitchen consider refreshing what you already have with new fronts and handles.
This is a great way to update the style of your kitchen on a budget.
Also if your tiles are starting to look outdated then you could apply a range of tile decal stickers for a fraction of the cost of retiling.
This also works great for bathrooms.
If you found some of the tips highlighted in this blog useful or think know somebody else that might do then feel free to share.