Decorating on a budget

Property Correspondent

IF YOUR home is looking a little tired but you can't afford to redecorate, there are ways to brighten the look.

Start with a lick of paint. A new colour or just painting one accent wall in a room makes all the difference.

Now move on to the finer details: it's what you hang on the walls that lend warmth and character to a room.

Forget expensive original art. Framed photos, favourite children's drawings and prints can turn blank walls into focal points that personalise your home. If you can't afford framing, block mounting is cheaper.

Canvas printing is another option: choose a favourite photo, or convert an image you love into a JPEG and take it to a store that offers canvas printing. Most Kodak Express stores do canvas printing. Sizes range from A4 to A1 and you will pay between R350 to R550.

Mix and don't match, as it is costly to purchase every matched accessory in a range. Rather mix modern and traditional pieces, old and new, to create a more textured look.

Live with a room for a while before deciding what you really need and then shop carefully. Make a day of trawling second-hand or antique shops to look for forgotten gems. Often all these pieces need is a bit of paint or some new upholstery and they're good as new.

Study decor magazines for ideas; if you don't have the budget for glossies ask friends for their old ones – these often get binned anyway.

You don't have to shop in high-end stores to apply the trends. Make a wish-list and keep it in mind when you're browsing second-hand shops. There's nothing wrong with checking out sales, but stick to what is on your list.