The colder the weather, the more I stay inside, which means more time to notice all the things around my house that really bug me. From scratched furniture and drab walls to window coverings that have seen better days, my house is in drastic need of a facelift.
Unfortunately, my vision doesn’t match my budget. How can I update my house without spending a fortune?
Karin Silva understands my dilemma. As an interior designer and co-owner of KBS Creative Décor, Silva works with an array of clients and firmly believes you can transform a room with only a few changes. Below are some of her top tips for updating your home on a shoestring.
New pillows, rugs, curtains
“One of the easiest ways to change up a room is with pillows,” said Silva. “You can add pops of color and new textures that will instantly brighten a room and add interest.”
Silva also suggests investing in rugs and curtains, which can add warmth and modern elegance while remaining family friendly and functional.
To save money, I opted to design my own curtains, which consisted of painting stripes on inexpensive sheer fabric. The project is relatively simple, as long as you remember to use a yardstick and painter’s tape to ensure the stripes are evenly spaced apart. I also recommend using interior wall paint, as it’s easy to apply and works well on fabric.
Refresh accessories
Just as earrings and shoes can change an outfit, home accessories can change the look and feel of a room. “You can easily refresh a room by adding new vases, candles and other inexpensive accessories that feel more current,” said Silva.
Current trends lean towards natural elements such as rocks, reclaimed wood and bamboo, which help bring a sense of serenity to any space, while gold, black and brass accessories are making an edgy comeback.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Use familiar objects in unexpected ways, so that pebble bathroom tile becomes a decorative trivet, or wineglasses turned upside-down transform into candleholders.
Pull, peel and post
Sometimes paint or wallpaper can be the only thing you need to revitalize a room. Silva suggests painting (or wallpapering) a single accent wall, which easily adds depth and interest.
When creating an accent wall, be careful when choosing your palette and pattern. You want the wall to complement your furnishings without being too busy or distracting.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for creating an accent wall, as it is relatively inexpensive and very forgiving (you can reposition it again and again). It’s also versatile, as it can be used to upcycle old furniture and accessories.
For more information about Karin Silva and KBS Creative Décor, visit www.kbscreativedecor.com.