Re-decorating your home can be a long and expensive task, but according interior design experts it doesn’t have to be.
Interior Designer, Dee Hansen said re-decorating can be as simple as adding a new pop of colour to your space.
“We’re moving away from the full minimalist style and people are starting to bring in textures and colours to add warmth and interest rather than the cold, sterile minimalism,” she said.
“Popular colours right now are warm blues and softer yellows, also creams instead of flat white and earthy tones, especially greens – they’re all very calming colours so there’s psychology behind these schemes as much as visual style.”
“I keep things like bedding and upholstered furniture a single colour but will choose cushions and throws with a pattern so I can change it up when my style changes. It’s much cheaper than replacing a whole lounge if you no longer like floral for example.”
Miss Hansen said while there are no rules, there are a few things she likes to stay away from when styling a home.
“Stay away from faux plants. The good ones are extraordinarily expensive, and the cheap ones look awful quickly,” she said.
“Stay away from furniture sets, that matchy matchy look is out. You can pair things without having the same set by choosing complimentary timber tones.”
“Make sure your base furniture is the kind that doesn’t date and isn’t too ‘on trend’ for that time. It changes quickly for large purchases, so I choose pieces that I know will look cool in 15-years because they’re simple with clean lines.”
CEO of Eureka Street Furniture, Joel Brisblat said recycled timber furniture was popular in the 80s and is back on trend.
“Mum and dad started this business in 1986 (Eureka Street Furniture) by selling recycled timber products and furniture, with a strong focus on sustainability and using reclaimed timber from parts of Australia and that still resonates today,” he said.
“People love the idea of recycled products and reclaimed timber furniture is coming back in a big way, especially our darker timber range.”
Following on from the recycled theme, Miss Hansen said second-hand goods are often the way to go.
“Marketplace, community groups and kerbside collection can help you with free or cheap furniture. I choose solid pieces that can be sanded, painted, varnished and that can bring a whole new life to your space,” she said.
“You can also transform what you already own. For example, I’m updating a small Balinese style TV unit by cutting the rounded edges off, sanding, painting, and replacing the knobs.”
“For simple décor additions to a space, sample pots at Bunnings are what I use. They are cheap and if I change my mind, it’s only $9 for a different colour or I can paint them.”
When re-decorating your space, Miss Hansen said make it a fun project.
“Be ok with mistakes or bad paint colour choices, because our styles change as our lives change and that’s what’s fun about it,” she said.
