10 Steps to a quick home "revamp" at little or no cost

With the economy being what it is, most people are cash strapped or quite simply do not want to spend unwisely. This is of course the perfect time to work with that you already have in your home (storeroom, garage, shed.....) and get creative with revamping your space

As a number of people are in the same boat and would love to make changes but do not want the expense that goes with it, here are some quick and easy ways to revamp a room or even a home without much or too much expense. Admittedly you may need some strong muscles to assist with moving things, some cleaning materials and a few tools.

So let's get to it ... 10 easy steps to a revamped home!!!

1. Declutter: first thing, take out as many things as you can from a room - this includes accessories, rugs, furniture, art, whatever ..... if it's in the way, it needs to go! If it's things you love and want to reuse in the same room, keep aside, the rest, box up, label well and remove them.

2. A good 'spring clean" even if it's not spring: this always make a huge change to a room. Move as many furniture items as you can away from the walls (or if possible out of the room), vacuum, dust and wipe.

3. Rearrange furniture in the room. Or even bring in the table that's been lying in the garage or spare room. Try different things, ensuring that access and flow through the room is maintained. TIP: If I move something and I'm not sure of the change, I live with it for a day or two and if I still don't like it, I move things around again .... nothing is really permanent!

4. Tidy up the room and bring in accessories. if it's a bedroom then make up the bed with clean, fresh linen, add throws or blankets, add rugs, brings in scatter cushions in wonderful colours and/ or textures. TIP: Remember to use what you already have, so it may mean using the scatters from the lounge for example, if the colour, texture or whatever works better.

5. Bring in the Art: Bring in art from other rooms or move art around. Place it differently, or on a different wall. Or have some simple prints framed, or hand up mirrors rather than prints, the options are endless - see my previous post on simple art forms.

6. Work on displays - create small tablescapes with a few portraits, a lamp and some books, for example. Remember to keep like with like, it just works and looks better. Thereafter keep all surfaces neat and tidy. See my previous posts on displays and accessories.

Now if you have a little bit to spend, my suggestion is to do one or all of the following:

7. New paintwork in a clean, sharp neutral - it last longer and goes with most things, always giving a room a massive lift, and somehow everything just feels new again. If you like strong colour, paint a feature wall in a vibrant red or in a sandy brown textured paint - just something small which adds "volume" to the room. TIP: Remember to choose wisely so that you don't get tired of the look quickly.

8. If you have carpets, get the carpets professionally cleaned. Or purchase new rugs - again choose wisely in colours and patterns that go with what you currently have, but also that are timeless enough to last you through a few changes or even in another room.

9. Fabric: invest in some good quality fabric and have new curtains/ blinds made up (or if you are handy, make them yourself).

10. Accessories: purchase new artwork or have existing artwork reframed, purchase a few scatter cushions, or a new lamp shade, or even a new accessory to go with your already existing collection, a new throw or even new good quality bedding.

A Patio revamp: the furniture was moved around, items were brought in from storage and rooms within the house, a rug added, scatters in various colours ..... see next pic ...

As simple tablescape and an empty column with small mirrors - now - what a difference!!

And there you have it .... quick and simple ways to revamp a room or a home. Good luck and have fun!!!

Gena

To read previous posts on displays: click here

To read previous posts on accessories: click here

To read previous posts on art forms : click here

To read previous posts on revamps: click here

Three Camellias... that's all it took

1. Three camellias, candles in pink glass, silver heart, placed on an old dresser
with a mirror which created amazing reflections...

I love simple things, things that are easy to do and arrange, or create. The vital factor though, is that whatever I do, the impact must be worth my while!

As our Camellia shrubs are on their last flowers for the season (in fact I think the season was supposed to be over a few months ago!!! but that's another story) I grabbed three flowers and floated them in water in a simple blue and white China bowl. I then "played" around with different accessories such as candles, beaded necklaces and other objects to create a small yet glamorous display for a dresser, side table, or that corner that really needs to be enlivened. I stayed within the "pink"colour scheme and brought in neutrals such as silver, grey, stone, as well as varying textures to contrast with the delicate pink buds (see labels beneath each picture for details).

2. Three camellias, candle, silver heart, stone heart
& pink stone necklace...

3. Three camellias floating in water, placed on a book with image of
lavender fields.... which adds movement and the colours look great together.

4. Three camellias, different candles in containers,
pink stone necklace
5. Three camellias and candles: a vintage teacup
used as a candle holder and a glass votive
and

6 .Three camellias, candle in glass holder, silver heart, stone heart (I obviously love hearts!!) and zulu teething bead necklace.

So there you have it - three camellias and a few things lying around the house is all it took to get inspired! It shows you how simple it is to create something out of very little. Have fun!

Gena

The Impact of Candles

I love candles and I'm sure many, if not most of you, do too! I love the flickering, the soft lighting, which is both calming, relaxing and at times viewed in a romantic light (if you'll excuse the pun!). What I don't like is the awful mess that candles can leave - the wax drips all over the place, most of which are an absolute nightmare to remove. I've therfore looked at various options on how to enjoy the elegance, peace and tranquility of candlelight sans (without) mess .... Here are a few great examples:

Essentially these are all glass containes or vases in which pillar candles are placed - you still get the soft light, the flickers, the romance, if you will, but without the mess. In fact I've resorted to buying candles which are already in glass containers, or otherwise containers sturdy enough to handle candles .......

Another option of course, is to use fairy lights, over a picture frame, a mirror or even in a glass container, such as this example ....

Try different options and see what works best for you and your home, but always be careful with candles and do not leave them burning in an unattended room.

Pictures & Products : Linda Barker, UK see website: http://www.reallylindabarker.co.uk/

Adding warmth to a room

There are numerous ways in which to add warmth (whether in colour or texture) to a space. This concept really ties into 'seasonal decor" - see article below - In the the same as you would use lighter, fresher colours, fabrics and textures in warmer weather, in autumn and winter the easiest way to convert a space into something warm and sumptuous is to add warm accessories - things such as scatters in velvet, velour, thick cottons, warm rich colours such as reds, burgundy, burnt orange, browns and even purples and rich pinks will work well.

Other accessories such as rugs, baskets, vessels and containers, in wood or woven materials, a basket of logs by the fire, lampshades in warm colours and of course, not least, candles.

The other day whilst sitting in our lounge I was amazed at how candles, especially when surrounded by other rich colours and reflective materials, can easily create a warm look and feel.

In this instance the candles themselves are contained in burnt orange glass vessels, and close by was a deep red ceramic bowl filled with objects. Note the reflective qualities .....

As always have fun, and take care when using candles.

Want to read more inspiring articles on how to transform your home and garde, click on link below. http://www.gardenhomedesign.co.za/blog/?cat=3

Pictures: Gena D Photography

Making Seasonal changes in the home

I’ve always loved the concept of ringing the changes in the home in line with the seasons. As the cooler months come in, we tend to cocoon and need to feel the comfort of textures and warm colours. So by making a few changes or adjustments you can create a whole new look.

Take a throw or two, scatters, a rug maybe, some candles, preferably in rich tones of reds, browns, burgundy, burnt oranges or even olive or sage greens or the current trend – purple! You then add in seasonally appropriate flowers or grasses and you’re set. I’m a grat advocate for using what you have, so look through you cupboards first. I you need to purchase items ,then shop around, there are some really good items at the less expensive home stores, and most importantly, buy only what you love – that way you will re-use the item. If you are adept with a sewing machine, with a small piece of fabric you can stitch up scatters, a throw or even a runner. The major benefit of sewing up scatters yourself (or having them made) is that you can re-use the inners of your current scatters, so in the warmer months, you only need to worry about packing away a small piece of fabric.

So let’s start…….if you are able to, move the room around – for example : if you couch faces the garden in summer, let it face the fireplace in winter. If you floor is naked, which is very appealing in summer, now is the time to put down a wonderful rug, be it an inexpensive one, a Persian, a nguni hide, anything! Remove all your bright summery coloured scatters and other things, and start playing with layers of warmer colour and interesting textures. A rich burgundy or brown chenille thrown over the side or back of a couch of chair, a number of scatters is varying tones and textures (see pic) .i.e. they don’t all need to be the same or a perfect match. Add some candles in rich colours and if scented in vanilla, ginger, coffee or one of those wonderful aromas, all the better (provided you can tolerate or enjoy rich scents of course). Add interesting vases or containers with bunches of roses (they last so much better in winter anyway), or proteas, dried grasses or even dried flowers, such as hydrangea heads (see pic)….. anything that adds interest, colour or texture.



Immediately you room is transformed into a haven of warmth and comfort, where you can relax, read, watch telly (if you do), light a fire, and entertain friends.

Have fun – winter is short in South Africa, so all the more reason to play around and enjoy the moment!

Picture: Gena D Photography