1072 days ago

Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Owner from Curtain Clean BOP Ltd

Friends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.

My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture store version I adore. And it means I’ll often wake up to messages from friends with photos of dilapidated, discarded furniture on the street that say, “This made me think of you.”

As a result, my home is filled with inexpensive pieces that have been gathered in unconventional ways or made by yours truly. In fact, the other day while I was tidying up, I realised that every item – with the exception of my mattress – cost less than $500.

I’ve been very deliberate in my selections, and it’s taken me years to build an arsenal of couches, tables, rugs and art that I’m happy with. At times it was difficult not to rush to a department store and settle for a set of just-okay dining chairs to avoid another night of standing around the dinner table eating dinner.

I realise not everybody has as much patience to devote to decorating and furnishing their home. And I’m not proposing you spend your weekends scrounging around in rubbish heaps for unique home accents. (Please, that would mean fewer treasures for me.)

But there are a few tricks and shortcuts I’ve learned along the way that make it easy to save a buck or $200. And not a single one requires a tetanus shot.

Don’t be afraid of prints: If you want to make an otherwise bland room come to life, just add prints. The bright green floral couch in my living room (which I affectionately refer to as “nana chic“) serves as the anchor for the space, and the wallpaper in my dressing room turns a drab wall into a happy garden. Plus, the pattern is so bold that I needed to cover only one wall, thus saving money. Just be sure to go easy on other patterns so as not to overwhelm the eye.

Think big: If you have a large, blank wall to fill, don’t immediately think gallery wall, which is a strategically arranged collection of art pieces that can cost a fortune to frame. Instead opt for a large anchor piece, such as a giant map or a handmade installation. For my living room, I searched “DIY backdrop” for inspiration and found instructions on how to make a huge tassel hanging.


Know what to buy vs DIY: Whenever I see an item described as “industrial” or as made with “reclaimed” materials, my DIY senses tingle. Additionally, the plumbing section at your local hardware store is brimming with potential storage solutions. I built the clothing racks in my dressing room using copper piping and concrete, and I’ve made a simple, versatile blanket ladder using dowel and copper fittings. And if you find an affordable set of drawers but hate the knobs, you’re just a few twists away from a sleek piece if you update the hardware.


Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Image
Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.5% Yes
    91.5% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below!
    0.4% Complete
786 votes
2 hours ago

TRANSFORM YOUR MASTER BEDROOM INTO A LUXURIOUS OASIS WITH THESE 7 DECOR ITEMS

Beds 4 U Tauranga

Hi Neighbours,

Your master bedroom is your sanctuary – the ultimate escape from a long day’s work and stress.

But, have you ever felt like something was missing in your master bedroom décor?

That extra touch of luxury that elevates it from just another room to a space fit for royalty?

We’ve compiled a list of seven luxurious items that will transform your master bedroom into the oasis of your dreams.

To achieve a luxurious look in your master bedroom, several must-have items can elevate the overall decor.

Here are seven suggestions for your master bedroom decor and layout:


Statement Bedframe. Invest in a luxurious and visually striking bedframe as the centrepiece of your bedroom. Choose a design that complements your master bedroom decor and overall aesthetic, such as an upholstered headboard or a wooden frame, for a sleek and modern platform bed.

High-Quality Bedding. Opt for high-quality bedding materials like Tencel to add a touch of luxury and comfort. Choose soft and plush duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets in neutral or rich colours to create a sophisticated look.

Plush Pillows and Throws. Add layers of comfort and style with plush pillows and cozy throws. Opt for bamboo gel, natural silk, or cotton pillows to create visual interest and enhance the luxurious ambience.

Mirrors. Introduce large, decorative mirrors or a dresser and mirror combo to reflect light and create the illusion of a more spacious room. Choose dresser and mirror combos with beautiful frames that match your overall master bedroom decor style.

Stylish Seating Area. If you have enough space, create a cozy seating area for your master bedroom decor and layout. Include a comfortable armchair or lift-powered recliner to suit your contemporary or traditional style. Use luxurious fabrics and textures for the upholstery, and consider adding a decorative accent pillow or a faux fur throw for added comfort.

Bedside Furniture. They help to give the room a more polished and finished look. When choosing end tables or nightstands for your master bedroom decor, look for ones made from high-quality materials such as solid NZ Pine.

Tallboy. This piece of furniture not only adds practical storage solutions but also provides an elegant and sophisticated look that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your room. Choose one made from solid NZ pine, engineered wood, or pine veneer.

Your master bedroom is your oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So how can you transform it into a place where you can relax and unwind in luxury?

With beds and mattresses from Beds4U!
In addition, we have luxurious bedding items that feature materials of the highest quality.

Contact us to create your dream master bedroom today.

7 hours ago

Know Thy Neighbour? We are getting there!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.

Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!

Feel like getting involved? Introduce yourself too, you might win one of our $50 Prezzy® card spot prizes...

Image