Daily Observer (Jamaica)

#budgetdeco­rator

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finish and #budgetdeco­rator was not happy that money was wasted on ply. I contacted another carpenter who introduced me to Jatoba and he made a new desktop in 24 hours. The finish was marvellous. It was also heartwarmi­ng to know that we still have reliable workmen!

I also made a planter box for the patio from pallets that were lying around the property. I received a lot of messages about termites when I shared the project and the wood is now treated using simple gas oil.

I enjoyed sharing this project with you especially at this time when we are all at home wondering when this COVID-19 will end. It was a way for me to capitalise on my weekends amidst the lockdown and clear my mind after a hard week of looking at numbers. Since March, if it was not decorating, it was planting a herb garden, attending to my growing plant collection or cooking on a budget each weekend. Life is all about balance and everything gets done.

More than anything else I hope the takeaway is that you can #Decorateon­abudget, don’t rush, work with what you have and do enlist the help of friends and family.

Selling was the best investment decision I made as it is less than two years and already the value of my new home has increased more than 30%. Know when to let go; life is short! We don’t have to stay in the same place and do the same things.

Before Eclectic living room

— showcasing heavy green paint on paintable wallpaper throughout the living room. The dining room was painted in a softer yellow using the same wallpaper, as well. The book-themed red and green centre table and end table were tossed. Light fixtures were redone in black and are now used in the new home.

The love seat with wooden arms was tossed after a fight with my ‘design assistants’. The armchair was reupholste­red in a blue and beige stripe and I changed the shape completely, in line with modern trends.

Beige ottoman/table that was in the TV area was redone and is primarily used as seating and now accompanie­s the new arm in a space I now dub a reading corner.

Note the copper collection displayed on the kitchen cupboard and the old-style cabinet glass inserts. The stools were tossed, and all the appliances updated.

Principal Bedroom

The room was painted in blue/ grey on wallpaper, as well. The sleigh bed is up for sale and was replaced with a modern bed and an art headboard. The wooden night table is now in the new bedroom.

 ?? Kitchen ?? Dining area with industrial-style chandelier. The table is made from teak and has stood the test of time with the top protected by glass.
Kitchen Dining area with industrial-style chandelier. The table is made from teak and has stood the test of time with the top protected by glass.
 ?? (Photos: Naphtali Junior) ?? The living room at the old house
(Photos: Naphtali Junior) The living room at the old house
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? The lighting at the previous location
The lighting at the previous location
 ??  ?? The powder room
The powder room
 ??  ?? The entrance with planter box made from pallets
The entrance with planter box made from pallets

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