Finally, it is the last month of winter and I must admit I am counting down the days until spring bursts onto the scene. I really can’t wait for longer, lighter days, blossoms and colour.
However, August need not be colourless and grim when you can give your rooms an effortless makeover on a budget.
Gone are the days when designer inspiration cost a bundle and the thought of making over your living area or bedroom made your piggybank frown. With just a little planning and of course, knowing the right place to shop, you can have all of the colour and energy of spring to enliven any room in your home.
I absolutely love designer pieces. I love it even more when I can get that expensive Luxe look for less. There are so many fabulous homeware stores to shop, both online and locally there is no excuse to let the end-of-winter blues get you down. So let’s check out some of my favourite ways to add some warmth and energy to your home.
The little or no cost makeover
There are some tricks to changing the way a room feels even without spending a cent. Changing the lighting and moving the furniture is a great place to start. I am not a big fan of overhead lighting particularly at night. I like to have more ambient lighting and a really easy way to achieve that is by changing the wattage of your bulbs, using table lamps or candles (the LED ones are safer around littlies). You will be surprised how much this will change the feel of the room. Spring cleaning is also a way to declutter and refresh for no cost, just a little elbow grease.
Small investment
For fabulous living room goodies for under $50 head to Kmart, Target and Ikea. You will be surprised what stunning items are available for $50 and under. Ikea has gorgeous floor lamps with two adjustable height globes. A fabulous piece for reading and creating a beautiful lighting affect.
Ikea have a couple of options the “NOT” with a Floor uplighter/reading lamp in white for just $19.99.
Adding some colour is a great way to change the feel of a room. A throw rug, some cushions a side table and some flowers and you will feel like you have a new room. Both Target and Kmart have an amazing array of beautiful cushions starting from as little as $8, throws from $20, side tables from $20 and even a floor rug $49.
Pop a candle and some fresh flowers for instant chic. They make a flexible bedside table too. Perfect for breakfast in bed!
Bigger ambitions
Adding an occasional chair or two will also make a room feel fresh. Kmart have gorgeous chairs for $49 with the new season bringing a new range of colours. Adding some storage is also a great way to tidy up a room and make all of the ‘nic-nacs’ look like an interesting collection rather than clutter. Target Ladder book case $25 is a great way to get organised.
My favourite way to make a room feel new is to paint. Yes, it takes a little more elbow grease and some investment of time but if you are up for the challenge, it really is worth the effort.
Take the challenge and check out your local homewares stores you will be surprised that adding a few key pieces will fill you with spring energy.
For some more decorating inspiration, check this out:
