Tips to create a beautiful space on a budget
When it comes to styling your home, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beguiling space.
GOOD taste knows no price and with a trained eye and a little (maybe a lot) of imagination, it is now easier than ever to achieve an enviable style without spending a fortune.
While I regularly look to luxury magazines such as World of Interiors and Vogue Living, it is for inspiration, rather than attempting to replicate a certain look. And by interpreting, it most often inspires me to create to my tastes and needs, within a modest budget. But, like most winning strategies, this habit of researching and digging for inspiration requires a little dedication, creativity and time.
Stick with a theme
Sticking with a theme is interiors 101. For instance, if you love a cool white, beachside theme, stick with it – all the way. A look works most dramatically when you commit to it. For instance, white on white is a stunningly simple yet effective look that never dates or looks old.
Collect and create some clusters
Creating clusters also adds a little drama to a space. Whether it’s lashings of bamboo, rattan and plants in a hip Jungalow style, or a cluster of original paintings, or mirrors, in fact anything you like to collect, the look is always more impactful when you fully commit to it by creating a cluster.
More doesn’t always mean better
Just because an item has a high price tag attached, it doesn’t guarantee quality, taste or even originality. There’s no shame in shopping with the low-cost retail giants. If you develop an eye for style, you can often pick up some stylish, on-trend pieces that appear far more expensive than what they actually cost.
Old and gold
You can strike gold with vintage buys that allow you to purchase high-quality pieces with character. Vintage pieces are often handmade and cost a fraction of a comparable quality new piece. From lovely old chairs to beautiful original paintings, or quality bevelled mirrors with gold gilt frames – these are all examples of vintage finds that can be