Get more out of your home’s next makeover
Designer shares ideas for how to stretch your dollar while sprucing up your look
From flea market makeovers to picking the right wallpaper, Washington, D.C.-based designer Meg Hoburg knows economic style and good taste can go together.
Q Do you ever order curtains for your clients? What kind of curtain fabric do you like?
A I love using draperies, but because of our radiators (under every window in our home), we have gone with bamboo shades and shutters. There are so many fabric choices that can look great. For example, linens let in more light, and velvet provides a richer, cosier look.
Q I live in a townhouse and would like to start redecorating. My budget is limited. Does it make sense to tackle one floor or room at a time, or should I save up for the whole enchilada?
A I would take it a room at a time. It’s much less overwhelming financially and in terms of decisions, and when you see one room updated, it will get you excited about more to come.
Q I bought two large mirrors at a flea market. I would like to paint them, but I don’t know if there is a particular paint I should use that provides good coverage without peeling off. Also, any suggestions on colours? I have mid-century modern decor with mostly yellow and grey accents.
A I have painted many types of mirrors and frames, and plastic is no problem. The key is using a primer first, unless it is chalk paint, and for colours, I think white, grey or a fun pop of yellow could look great.
Q Is wallpaper in small spaces a good idea?
A Using wallpaper is such a great option for making a small space super interesting. We have bold patterns in our tiny entryway and powder room, and I think they make the spaces feel bigger. Q What would you recommend for tiles and colour schemes for a bathroom renovation on a budget? I don’t want cheap goods, but can’t afford Carrara.
A I am a big fan of white subway tiles. They can be inexpensive and are timeless.
Q I have tile a for medium-blue a kitchen backsplash terracotta find a grout and am that struggling looks good to with — cabinets it. The and rest countertop of the kitchen
— A I is bet white. the blue Any tiles tips? look great with use a your white white grout kitchen. to tie it I in would with your cabinets and counter.
Q older I would wooden like sideboard to repaint to an brighten I like the up look our of dining chalk paint room. but haven’t used it before. Can you share any tips?
A I am such a fan of chalk paint. … It is super easy to use. I love the fact that you don’t have to prime and that you can get either a distressed look or a clean, modern finish.
Q In my bedroom, I have three brass lamps. Two are ivory and one is dark blue. I would like to make them more cohesive. I’m going to paint the walls Sherwin-Williams Naval. How would black lampshades look?
A I would consider painting over the brass on one or two of the lamps, unless you absolutely love them, with a primer and maybe a white or light grey to update them. And for the shades, I would recommend going lighter because of the dark walls.
Q Our townhouse has a lot of dark wooden pieces, and I’m looking to lighten up our family room. Do you have any suggestions for inexpensive coffee tables that are not dark wood?
A Think about brass with glass or marble. I love using ottomans with a tray on them for coffee tables.
Q I know wallpaper is popular, but I also feel like it’s an investment. Do you have any tips for where to use it to get a lot of impact without breaking the bank?
A I think a great way to begin with wallpaper is to consider doing just one wall. The wall behind a bed can be a fun way to frame out that area. You can also try removable wallpaper tiles in a small area, which is less scary. Q Do you need special paint when painting a tin ceiling?
A You will need to prime if painting directly on tin.