You needn’t break the bank sprucing up your pad, and if shows like Blue Peter and Art Attack taught us anything growing up, all you need is a creative mind and a bit of patience and anything is possible.
Instead of spending a fortune each time you get the home make-over urge (we’re blaming you, Grand Designs), get thrifty. Here are some top tips on how to do up your home on the cheap.
Pop of colour
Don’t underestimate what a lick of paint can do. It’s cheap, easy to change, and immediately lifts a space. Be confident enough to choose colours that make you feel happy and, if you’re looking to be uber-trendy for 2021, the pantone colours of the year are Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (a warming yellow that’s guaranteed to add some cheer to your day). Both shades were chosen for their “warmth and dependability”.
Get creative
Rather than chuck out your unwanted furniture and household goods why not get creative and re-purpose your furniture? If you’re looking to get your craft on, ACE Hardware is a one-stop shop for all of your home and design needs. From tools to DIY products, plants and more, there are hundreds of appliances and fixtures available to help spruce up your pad at an affordable price. If you’re repainting old wooden furniture, make sure you use a fine sandpaper first to remove any varnish before priming it and applying two even coasts. Try and take the upcycling project outside (warning: it will get messy) and make sure to cover your nose and mouth. Going for that shabby chic look? Once the paint has fully dried, use sandpaper to distress some areas and then apply a coat of stain, wiping it off before it dries.
Various locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, www.aceuae.com.
Don’t ditch it – stitch it…
Or reupholster it, but you get what we mean. Brand-new sofas are among the biggest expense when it comes to replacing furniture that’s seen better days. But if it’s just your cushions feeling a bit flat or the covers looking a bit tatty, and you’re otherwise entirely devoted to your L-shaped lounging mate, it’s well worth getting a quote for reupholstering before you chuck it out and start again. Check out companies such as Upholstery Doctor, which can give you a quote quickly based on photos. It brings fabric books to you so you can choose, and prices include collection and delivery of your pieces. Now get ready for those compliments to come flooding in as that armchair destined for the skip becomes the centrepiece of your sitting room.
www.upholsterydoctor.ae.
Channel your inner bargain hunter
As the old age saying goes: patience is a virtue. And when it comes to massive sales, the UAE goes big. And we mean big. The Dubai Shopping Festival has sadly been and gone but the next big sales to watch out for are the Eid Al-Adha sales and Dubai Summer Surprises, which will see mega discounts of up to 90 percent. Try and do a pre-sale recce to scout out all of your favourite pieces so you’re first in the line once the prices drop.
Call in the reinforcements
Style ME Interiors Dubai
This handy Facebook group focuses on anything and everything to do with interiors, luxury furnishings and accessories. The group is made up of interior designers, carpenters, decorators, furniture makers, artists and design enthusiasts who are more than happy to offer advice and answer any home-related questions you may have.
www.facebook.com/groups/1913760172246294.
The Original Genuine Pre-loved Luxury Furniture & Home Décor
As the name suggests, this Facebook group is a place to buy and sell pre-loved and high-end furniture and home décor. You’ll find no Ikea here and brands include Marina Home, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, plus you’ll find striking pieces of art, antiques, solid wood pieces and more being sold at reasonable prices.
www.facebook.com/groups/1779653992271365.
5 expert tips
Gabby Garvey, founder of Style ME Interiors Dubai, shares some expert tips
• Assess if just the paint work will be sufficient to lift the mood in the room. Sometimes adding a feature wall or even a wallpaper changes overall feel in interiors.
• Invest in game changing accessories. Artificial or real plants, abstract prints or paintings, vases and coffee table books add the finishing touches.
• It’s always important to have comfortable basics. If it’s a bedroom, your highest investment should be your bed and the mattress, if it’s your living room your seating arrangement must be bought to accommodate your family needs and must be suitable to work anywhere should you move. If you opt for very large modular sofa, it may be tricky to buy other seating to complement it. It’s better to opt for a three-seater sofa and complement with arm chairs and pouffe seating from different shops. Having a set from the same range doesn’t give that interesting carefully-designed finish.
• There are plenty of pocket-friendly renovation options for bathrooms and kitchens, look into non-permanent solution like quality vinyl wrapping.
• Having large neutral area rugs can pull the room together and add a cosy homely feel. At Style ME Interiors Dubai we make bespoke custom jute and sisal rugs to layer or use as a base for any room.
