by

Melinda Richardson

Getting bored? Have your tastes changed? Scared that you will have to spend thousands for a change? It is possible to work with what you have and still update without losing your shirt.

1. Replace the toss cushions on your sofa/chairs/bed. HomeSense or Winner’s have really fun cushions that are very affordable. Pick a colour you love that works with what you already have and get cushions in that colour. It’s an easy way to inject some colour into a space without having to paint the walls. It’s also a more affordable way to change your colour schemes throughout the year.

2. Change the cabinet knobs or pulls in your kitchen. You can find good ones for as low as $2.00/handle. It is surprising how easily you can really change the way your cabinetry looks by doing this. Remember, though, to use a metal colour that matches or coordinates with the other metal colours in your house, otherwise it will look too broken up. Also, measure the distance between holes so you get the right size handle.

3. If you are happy with your furniture, accessories, and artwork, try moving them around. It’s free, and, yes, kind of obvious, but so many people forget how much this can actually make it feel like a new house!

4. Replace some of your accessories with new ones, or relocate them elsewhere in the house. Adding some punchy coloured vases can freshen up a room quickly. Add some drama and sparkle with metallic accessories. Try to not use too many small pieces, as it can look cluttered, but if you must, group them so they read as a larger item or place them on a mirrored tray. They can be grouped by colour or texture.

5. Use either a stretch canvas frame or a pre-made art canvas and wrap a piece of fabric you really like, or even wallpaper, over it. You can secure it to the frame with a staple gun. It will be a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is way more interesting than a mass-produced piece of art. If you get tired of it, pull it off and use a different fabric.

6. Paint a piece of your furniture that needs some freshening up. Try a punchier colour for added drama. It is possible to do this by yourself if you have the right tools and products. We recommend asking a Benjamin Moore store as their products are excellent and they will know the best ones for different types of materials.

7. If you have some basic sewing skills you can add a strip of fabric or ribbon to the leading edges or the base of your existing drapes in a contrasting colour or texture. If you can’t sew at all, take them to a workroom or even a dressmaker.

8. Make your clutter tidier with coloured boxes (they can be open and they will still look like an accessory). Trays work, too. This contains any mess and visually cleans the room. If you pick boxes in a matching accent colour they will tie in with the rest of your d cor. Wicker or rattan baskets will work, too.

9. Switch out your lamps. Or change the shades to a different shape (a drum, square, or perhaps flared) or colour (two-tone for interest, or a dark colour for some impact). Lighting stores sell shades separately – if you are unsure of the size and shape that will work best, bring in your lamp/s with you to help select the right one.

10. Consider changing one item in your place-settings. It could be the placemats you could swap for a different colour or shape, even layering one over another is quite a nice look (see picture), or change out the bowls for a contrasting colour for more interest. Even having interesting tumblers or glasses will liven up your table: You can add some texture in the glass or have coloured bases that coordinate with the rest of the dishes. Sometimes all it takes is one portion being changed to freshen things up.

Think outside the box and don’t be afraid of change. Once you do one small change it will give you the confidence to do a few more.

Melinda Richardson is co-owner of Premise Design, an interior design firm in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, providing interior design services including renovations and drafting for the home or office.

Visit their website for more interior design tips.

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Ten Inexpensive Ideas To Freshen Up Your Home