DIY DESIGN On a Dime

You may think that you need a big budget to decorate, but creating a designer home doesn’t have to be expensive.

The secret is to use décor you connect with. Like interior designer, Nate Berkus, once said, “A home should tell our stories.” The way we do that is through our possessions. Here is how you go about creating a designer home without breaking the bank.

Control the Clutter Decluttering is a free and easy way to get the high-end look. No one will care about – let alone notice – your home’s beautiful décor if your house is a mess, so start by containing the clutter by using beautiful baskets and other storage solutions. Canvas and woven baskets work well for children’s toys, while stylish trays can be used to store household keys and remotes. You can shop for these on the cheap at local markets. Before you go shopping, just be sure to take some time to create an inspiration board which will help you to pin down the look you want to create.

Shop for ‘Rich’ Accessories Instead of investing in a lot of small accessories, opt for a handful of large statement pieces. To achieve an upscale look, shop for items that mirror designer products but without the hefty price tags. It may take a while to track these down, not to mention result in tired eyes from scouring the internet and sore feet from searching flea markets for bargain goods, but your wallet will thank you for it.

As well as using accessories made of glossy, reflective materials like trays with mirror surfaces or bowls with sparkly finishes, be sure to bring in natural elements. Whether it’s a wood picture frame, crystal geodes or slices of agate, mixing different materials is a simple way of creating a “rich” and balanced space.

Embrace Texture Texture, just like decorative accents, can change an entire room, and one of the trendiest ways to do this is by using faux fur. Apart from looking and feeling great, faux fur is considered a lavish item because of its deliciously soft texture. Put it on the back of a sofa, at the end of the bed, over the arm of a chair or on top of a bigger rug to break up the visual monotony. Faux fur adds a touch of femininity and comfort to any room.

Splurge on Key Pieces Spend a little bit more on bigticket items that you can build around. Buy the best quality you can afford and make sure that you truly love the furniture you choose as you should ideally live with it for 10 or 20 years. We advise investing in furniture with clean design lines, classic shapes and neutral fabrics that will stand the test of time.

Add a Touch of Floral Incorporating fresh flowers into home décor is a trick that interior designers use to breathe life into and add colour to a room. Flowers can instantly change the look and feel of a space, especially when paired with an interesting vase.

For a stylish look on a budget, avoid placing your flowers in a clear vase. Opt for a ceramic vase which can be used as a statement piece on its own. Once again, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces at local markets.

For more lifestyle tips and advice, visit our Lifestyle section on www.property24.com.