Refashion and refine on a dime

September 24, 2012

By Yanic Simard

Introducing affordable high style into your space is possible, and in more ways than one! Below are my top six decorating ideas that will be kind to your bank account..

1. Multi-purpose pieces
Only purchase pillows, lamps, and throws that will work in more than one room. That way you can change up the look of each room from time to time without spending any money! Now that’s what I call budget-friendly decorating!

2. Extra lighting
Added illumination doesn’t have to be expensive. Go back to the traditional way of lighting with candle wall sconces – no electrician, or hydro needed. Try the electric candles from Candle Impressions (candleimpressions.net).

3. Tired wicker furniture
Don’t know what to do with your old wicker furniture besides throwing it out? Before kicking it to the curb, why not spray-paint it in a bold colour like Benjamin Moore’s Laguna Blue, 2059-30 or Berry Wine, 2003-30? It could serve as an exciting accent piece with an element of surprise.

4. Instantly update backsplash
Bored of your outdated backsplash? Home improvement stores such as The Home Depot sell peel-and-stick backsplash, available in a wide variety of styles and colours to blend into any space. The best part is it’s so easy to do, you won’t need to hire anyone to install it. Simply add it on top of what’s existing if what you have beneath is more or less a flat surface.

5. Faux wainscotting
Using paint, add a band of what will imitate the look of wainscotting simply by using paint. My favourite way of doing this is using two similar colours but in different tones, usually the darker, more weighted colour for the bottom and the lighter shade on top. The bottom portion should be about 30 inches from the floor, and you can add moulding to separate the two tones if you’d like, or not.

6. Black high-gloss
Painting a piece in a black high-gloss paint finish can look very high-end without the price tag associated. It could be a new inexpensive piece that you bought with a finish you’re not fond of, or it could just be an outdated piece that needs refreshing.

YANIC SIMARD
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard

Filed under: EDITORS' NOTES,FROM THE EXPERTS

Tags: backsplash, black, budget, high-glass, lighting, multi-purpose, style, yanic simard