Decorating your home on a budget
Jura Koncius provides Live Pretty on a Penny blogger Erin Marshall with readers’ questions
Q
Which items do you always purchase as inexpensively as possible and which items do you spend more money on? Are you always on the lookout for well-priced items and then let the find dictate the project, or do you decide on the project and then go hunting?
A
I like to figure out what I need in a space before shopping for anything. Things I try to do as inexpensively as possible include custom wall treatments like board and batten, picture-frame moulding and peel-and-stick wallpaper, because those add the biggest impact without spending a ton. Paint does this, too. Items I tend to spend more money on include sofas, mattresses and other similar pieces, because you will get longevity out of your investment. If I am on the fence about a room makeover, I might find a piece at a store that inspires me to move forward with the makeover.
Q
My husband and I own a row house that was remodelled in the 1970s. Our dream is to undo the many dubious design choices made 50 years ago by restoring some of the building’s historical charm, such as putting the staircase back in its original location. We’re in limbo when we consult with engineers and builders, though. We’ve lived here for two years and may need to wait that long to begin the project. What would you recommend to young couples like us who want to nest now but who have big plans for the future?
A
I would start with one room, such as the living room or bedroom, and imagine what you want that space to feel like, how you want it to function and how you want to feel when you walk in. Then begin pulling different images from online sources of what you like. Pinterest is one of my favourite places. Then determine, piece by piece, how you can bring that dream to life. Everything does not have to be tackled at once.
Q
I’ll be moving into a rental unit soon. There’s a display area right next to the front door that’s a tiny closet with six glass shelves and no door. It’s probably about two feet wide and six feet high. I don’t really love a space with books and decorative items, but I want to find a useful way to fill this space. I’m considering putting baskets on the shelves to hold gloves, hats and more, but how would you do it?
A
I think creating a functional space near the door is genius. Functionality is key, so if it were me, I would go for the baskets, and if you have the space, you can add some hooks to hang coats.
Q
We need seating in our family room. Our one sofa holds three people, with each person sitting next to each other, and that doesn’t work. What do you suggest? I’m thinking club chairs. One of our sons suggested an L-shaped sofa. I’m also worried about the chemical smells of new furniture. Do slipcovers make sense for an old, sturdy sofa, or do we buy a new one?
A
Without seeing the space, I don’t know what would work best. However, based on what you are telling me, would a large, comfy sectional work in your space? To get rid of the chemical smell, which I personally have not experienced, I would let the piece air out in my garage. Regarding slipcovers, if the sofa is something you love and you don’t want to part with it, then yes, they’re a fabulous choice.
Q
I continue to look for the most cost-effective way to update kitchen cabinetry in my South Florida home. It’s not so much the cost of new cabinets; the installation costs are about four times the cost of the cabinets. What are your solutions for quick kitchen updates and paint suggestions?
A
Painting cabinetry offers a quick and budget-friendly solution. My current cabinets are painted. They’re original oak from the 1990s, but I painted the uppers and lowers white. It’s hard to suggest paints without seeing the cabinets or the other colours in your home, but Simply White by Benjamin Moore is a great colour if you want white. If you like darker cabinets, try Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore, Private Black by Behr or Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams. Switch out your hardware as well for an instant upgrade.
Q
How do you find the hidden gems in thrift stores?
A
I go at the beginning of the week when the store opens. That is the only way to find the best of the best. If I can’t make it by Wednesday morning, then I usually avoid going until the next week. People typically donate on the weekends, so the gems are usually put out Monday to Wednesday mornings.
Q
What budget projects do you feel have the biggest bang for your buck, especially for a beginning DIYer?
A
I would say any board and batten project that I’ve done in my home. If you are new to DIY, I highly suggest starting here. These projects are easy to do, they take a space up a notch immediately, and they cost little to nothing. Plus, you don’t need many tools.
Q
Our condo has melamine-over-particle-board kitchen cabinets and a laminate kitchen counter. I’d like to refresh the look of the cabinets and counter in a way that will last five years or so, until I’m in a position to gut and replace all of them. Do you have any advice on what materials might be the most resistant to wear when recoating/ painting the cabinets and counter?
A
My focus would be a really good primer. I would prime the cabinets with two good coats of primer alone, let them sit for two or three days to really cure, then paint with a top-of-the-line paint. As far as the counter, I would use a counter refinishing kit or marble contact paper. I’m not sure if the contact paper would last five years, but a good refinishing kit for the countertop should. Then change out all of the hardware to give everything a nice facelift.
Q
What are some frugal changes you can make in your home during this pandemic to make it feel cosier?
A
Changing out pillows is always a great step. You can also hang family pictures; create a gallery wall with pictures you’ve had in your phone forever. Change outdated light fixtures and upgrade your light bulbs. Changing a paint colour can help bring new life into a space and make it cosier.