You can easily change the look and feel of a room with a couple of simple changes and by adding a few cheap bits and pieces.

Moving the position of the furniture can change the whole dimensions of a room. Don’t think that all the furniture has to be backed up against the wall. This isn’t just boring but a waste of space as well. Lounge rooms and family rooms look much better and function better if the seating furniture is clustered together. For instance, two lounges facing each other with a coffee table in between not only looks more interesting, but works much better when entertaining. This can work even for a small room because it frees up the walls for shelving and cupboards.

Paint

Repainting can be the cheapest and most effective way to change the look of a room. You can paint all walls the same colour which opens up the room or paint one wall a different colour to make it a feature. Of course, we all know that light colours make a room look bigger and dark colours make it smaller. A lot of people go for white or very pale colours and this is good if your main aim is to give the illusion of a bigger space. But this can be at the compromise of cosiness and mood. Dark, rich colours can create a wonderful atmosphere, warm, welcoming and homey.

If you’re repainting a few connecting rooms make sure the colours complement each other even if they’re very different. Paint cards at hardware outlets group colours that go together and is a good way to make a choice that you will feel confident about.

Do-it-yourself

Tradesmen charge the earth. The large majority of a quote to paint a room, for instance, will be the painter’s fee with only a small amount the actual cost of the paint. 

Tackling other jobs can also save you a fortune. If you’re not confident about things like putting up new shelves or hanging picture rails or even hanging pictures on the wall, just ask at your local hardware store – they should be able to tell you what you need and even give you a few pointers. And besides saving money, you’ll have the added pleasure of knowing you did it yourself.

Buy Secondhand

Recycling has become fashionable and this should go for clothes, furniture and decorating items as well.  If we think about it, this is totally logical and even ethical. It’s not only green but best of all, it’s cheap! 

You can pick up some really great bargains if you look around. Check out second hand furniture stores, tender centres, garage sales, ebay, op shops, auctions and markets to name just a few.

You can also find smaller decorative items in these places as well. These can transform your room for next to nothing.

Use What You’ve Got

Instead of spending a lot of money on new furniture you can give what you’ve already got a new look. Stain it or paint it but the easiest way is to just cover it up.

For example, if you need a coffee table or a sidetable but you can’t afford one, then get inventive. You can even throw fabric over any old box or even milk crates to make your own  

With a worn lounge – buy a throw and hide the bad bits.

1. Plants – Indoor plants can bring life to a room. One big plant such as a palm, will look better than lots of smaller ones. It can also be a major feature of the room without having to fork out much money.

2. Candles – get then cheaply anywhere – group some together or place a big fat one on a pretty plate.

3. Do your own artwork – you can buy framed canvases that you only have to add your artistic flair.

4. Mirrors – reflections add depth to the room.

5. Cushions – pick up inexpensive colourful new covers to replace old tired ones.

6. Magazines – a pile of magazines on the coffee table always looks homey and inviting

7. Flowers – fresh is always best but silk flowers can be bought cheaply just about anywhere these days.

8. Lamps – buy a second hand or cheap shade then sew or glue fringing around the bottom edge

9. Buy a cheap framed print from one of the many bargain shops around  – replace print with a pho to

10. Books – drag them out of the cupboards and put them on show.

11. Rugs – buy sample pieces from carpet stores. A piece about 4X3 feet will only cost about $10. Deep colours are the best as they can really brighten up a dull room.

12. Group family photos in different frames

Be Patient

I think one of the best things I’ve learnt is to be patient. Don’t worry if you don’t re-decorate in a day. The best rooms are the ones that evolve naturally. Just be on the lookout for bargains or things that mean something to you rather than copying the latest trend from a magazine. It will take longer but you’ll be surrounded by the things you love which is what ‘home’ is meant to be afterall.

By Virginia Scott