A newly renovated space is symbolic of the life ahead, to be lived and enjoyed, but there is a certain charm to a lived in feel as well. But often enough, living in the same setup can get a bit dreary and you like an update on your current living arrangements without the hassle of going through the entire renovation process all over again. You’ll be surprised at how a few tweaks, nips and tucks can provide a whole new space with no hassle at all.
For starters, a clean up will work wonders. Often enough, our design elements, style and décor get hidden underneath clutter, untidiness and a general mess. A good de-cluttering of your space will showcase and highlight your room as you had intended it to be. So go ahead and pick up those clothes, organise your bookshelves, clean up all tabletops, give your house a good overall dusting, light some aromatic candles and you will feel completely at peace with your home.
If you are tired with your walls and desire a change without the hassle of a paint job, wallpaper is your new best friend. Easily installed within a day or two, available at all price points and all design sensibilities, wall paper application can change the entire sensibility of your space with just one step. If you do not wish to wallpaper your entire space, do sections of your room instead. One wall as a main feature or even panels of wallpaper will do the trick. And you need not be limited. Wallpaper can be extended even onto your armoires and tables if required, giving them a whole new look.
Create a focal point in the room. This draws your eyes to that section and gives a new sense of perspective to the room. Focal points can be used creating anything from a large oversized mirror to a collection of them. Scan your local markets or stores for artwork or create some if you have the skills. Once again, artwork can be created with something as simple as framing a piece of fabric or wallpaper. Or if you have the time and budget, re-upholster a key piece of furniture with eye-catching prints and colours. Slipcovers are very easy to make and renew a piece without the hassle.
Aside from a focal point, rearranging your furniture is the quickest and easiest method by which you can achieve a whole new look. Sometimes you maybe restricted with large pieces that need to stay put, but rotate smaller pieces like chairs, tables, sideboards, small cabinets. Trying interchanging sections, like put the dining table where the seating normally would be. An additional step here would be to create symmetry whilst rearranging your furniture. Symmetry is a great way to introduce a luxurious look for less. This can be achieved through placement of furniture, artwork, lamps or accessories.
And let’s not forget the old adage—God is in the details. Sometimes, it is the minutest of changes that could lead to the quickest updates. Changing the brass knobs on your white doors, for example, with bright coloured ones updates your piece and gives it instant character. Similarly, all hardware can be tackled in this manner. Look for pieces that have something to say. You do not only have to look at hardware store, but browse through your local flea markets as well. Buy new cushions or change the covers of the existing ones. Buy new lampshades and rugs. And give your switches a good cleaning. Spotless, dirt-free switchboards, lights and fans have a remarkable way of making your home feel and look fresh and clean.
The time, budget and effort required is minimal, but with a little thinking the results will be remarkable. Keep moving things around and updating your space every few months and your home will always look good and new.
The writer is an interior designer, with offices in Delhi and Mumbai. E-mail her at info@fleurxavierdesign.com