Photo: 123rf
Your home is the first thing you see when you get home, so it goes without saying that the space should be comforting, cosy and beautiful in your eyes.
If that isn’t the case for you because you’ve lived in your abode for a long time now and your items are worn, or you’re tired of what you’re seeing and you simply want a fresh start, then it’s time to give your home a makeover.
That said, you don’t have to splash out on renovations or get expensive furniture that will cost you a pretty penny. If you’re on a budget, there are easy ways to refresh your home.
For instance, you can toss out clutter you don’t need or store them in pretty baskets or boxes. Or you can rearrange the things in your house, such as sorting your accessories (throws, pillows, frames, bookends) by colour, and then rearranging them in the room in a more uniform or colourful manner. You can also try updating your old furniture, such as a dresser or chairs, by giving them a fresh and modern coat of paint — such as matte pink or tiffany blue.
Another way is to get accessories. These easily replaceable pieces are a quick-fix way to switch up your interior style, breathing new life into your home.
Check out our favourite cool pieces below for some #inspo:
A coffee table / side table is a great space to display potted plants, decorative ornaments or to place your cup of tea.
If you are hankering after a marble table top but it’s beyond your budget, try this piece, which comes with copper-coloured legs and a plastic top that’s covered with marble grain. It has an air of modernity and sophistication, but is a steal at under $50.
Photo: FortyTwo
For those into industrial minimalist looks, these table lamps with their pop of red and sculptural Edison filament bulbs, are a cool and quirky addition to your home.
Their vibrant hue will add life and depth to your room. Try adding some other red accessories to tie the room together, such as cushions or a sofa throw.
Photo: Commune
Art work is an easy peasy way of injecting a dose of colour and mood into the room without much hassle. Something brightly coloured such as this piece alleviates stress, injects joy, and makes you look chic at the same time. FortyTwo’s Gallery Mori prides itself on original works from contemporary art studios in Kyoto, Japan, so you can be assured of the quality of your piece.
Choose from the various print designs, the size as well as the frame colour to ensure your new addition fits in with your current interior design.
Photo: FortyTwo
Brighten up your room (pun intended) with a new floor light. For the minimalist lovers out there who want clean, light and airy living spaces, this floor light, which boasts a wooden stand and a white shade, is a great choice. In typical Muji style, it is simple but stylish.
Photo: Muji
Sure, it doesn’t ‘do’ anything. It’s not useful either. But darn it, it’s fun, pretty to look at and will brighten up your coffee table or shelf. Plus, in the Chinese culture, the Chinese word for pineapple is close to the sound of “good luck coming your way” so the pineapple has become a popular symbol of wealth, fortune, and prosperity.
Also, it’s less than $20. Score.
Photo: Courts
Yes, we did say accessories, not furniture. But this bookcase is so fuss-free and easy that all you need to do is rest it against your wall. Don’t underestimate it though — made of mahogany wood, it’s pretty sturdy and solid. Line some books on the shelves or use them to showcase your funky homeware.
You can mix other pieces from the same collection, such as a leaning desk and a leaning wine bar, making it truly personalised to your needs.
Photo: Crate & Barrel
Okay so you love greenery and plants but always seem to kill them off (when is too much water exactly?). No green thumb? No matter. Go for a faux flower to brighten up your living quarters without the guilt.
Plants and nature add a dose of calm, not to mention a touch of luxury to your home, so even if you don’t want something real (although we always prefer real, because of the benefits these plants bring) then invest in something lifelike instead.
Photo: Crate & Barrel
Mirrors open up the room, adding depth and perception. They can even give the illusion of a larger space than what you have. Not to mention they make sure you don’t head out the house without looking your best, natch.
This quirky number not only provides all of the above, it has added hooks for you to store your personals. It’s a win all round.
Photo: HipVan
A new rug will make a huge difference to your living space, whether it is your bedroom or communal area. The style and colour of your rug can instantly transform it, whether you are going for a boho look, a modern and sleek look or something cheeky.
Pick a design and shade that suits some of your key heavier pieces, and then watch your room come to life. Also, they feel fab under your bare feet too.
Photo: HipVan
It’s a small touch, but it will make a heck of a difference. Rather than keeping your mismatched and old silver cutlery, switch up for a whole new set — like this sleek copper five-piece set that’s oh-so-sophisticated.
Go one step further and get some funky new plates and bowls too, then sit back and relish dinner time. Meal time will never be boring again.
Photo: Crate & Barrel
Can you believe the price? We can’t either. This 10 bulb hanging light fixture will add a modern touch to any room and can be mounted directly onto your ceiling or onto a false ceiling first.
It’ll definitely make a statement in any room. The light lengths can also be adjusted to suit any ceiling height. Absolute steal!
Photo: HipVan
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