From modern homes to quaint abodes, furniture helps to shape the look and feel of our living spaces. Cost-effective furniture can spruce up your home without spending an arm and a leg. With a few tricks, you can make your home a showcase – your very own design haven.
Do your research. With so many secondhand stores, vintage shops, and antique stores out there – the options are almost endless. Find a piece that will fit with the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re shopping online or in-person, be wary of things that’re too good to be true – if it’s a time-limited deal that’s ‘too good to pass up’, it might be too good to be true.
Check for quality. While buying furniture secondhand can save quite a bit of money, it’s best to look out for signs of wear-and-tear. Take a thorough look at any piece you’re interested in and feel it out – is the frame sturdy and does it feel heavy? Pay attention to the feel of the material – it should be smooth, but not too silky. If you’re buying leather, look for tiny, uniform imperfections which indicate natural leather. There should be no deep scratches or holes.
Look for styles that’ve withstood the test of time. Classic pieces tend to be more timeless and don’t go out of style too quickly. Stick to furntiure that has clean, simple lines and muted colours – they fit in well with many different interior designs.
Get creative. First, think of an overall colour palette. This will enable you to source furniture and decor that are all in the same colour family. Start bringing in different texture too, like a fluffy blanket over a velvet cushioned chair. Choose pieces with subtle details, like natural grain or wood-burned designs.
Create conversation starters. If you’re a person who entertains, you’ll want to make sure your furniture is both comfortable and attractive. Look for seating pieces that can accomodate for big and small groups. You’ll also want to complement the seating with interesting decor pieces that invite conversation.
Get visual inspiration. Visual inspiration is key to achieving the look you’re going for. Check out Pinterest or online furnishing stores to get an idea of what looks are trending. Taking a closer look at the living spaces around you can also spark some ideas.
Content Expansion
Painting it Up. Paint a room or a piece of furniture from top to bottom. Bring to life a piece of furniture that’s drab and colourless and create something that adds pizzazz to your home. Have a go at colours that are in style right now, like Mint, Navy, Dusty Blue, Sage and other popular shades. Painting furniture can bring a fresh look into your home, without breaking the bank.
Brainstorm with Fabrics. Contemplate fabrics that you’d like to work with, like velvet, linen, corduroy or leather. Have a look at swatches from different stores to find that right colour. Bring upholstery fabrics to life with creative stitches, embroideries or minimal embellishments that add texture. You can also take a look at slipcovers – a great way to make to bring new life to an old couch.
Accessorizing it Right. If you’re furniture pieces are too bold, make sure to soften them with accessories that will tone it down. Or if you’re living room is too plain, add pops of colour with throw pillows, unique decor pieces and rugs to brighten the room.
Adding a Warm Touch. Want to add coziness to your home in an instant? Introducing plants to your living spaces can add warmth and freshness. From indoor shrubs, to exotic succulents, there’s a plant out there that will fit the theme of your abode.
Storage Smarts. Find ways to maximize the small amount of space you have. Go for multifunctional pieces that can switch up your space according to your needs. Think about pieces that can store things like blankets, books or even spare dishes.
Finishing Touches. Add the finishing touches to your home with subtle pieces that add character like candles, frames or wallpapers. Accessories like these are inexpensive but can really make your home shine.
Repurpose pieces. Reimagine the way you can use different pieces in the home. Replace a dining room table with a vintage trunk, or use a vintage dresser to hold office supplies. With some clever crafting, you can find a unique purpose for almost anything.