Easy, fast and cost-effective decorating tips from my interview with Lean van der Merwe:
1. Replace old lampshades with new, contemporary shades in a feature colour. Colours need not only be introduced on cushions – a lampshade can make an even greater statement.
2. Applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and quickest ways to redecorate. Instead of repainting a whole room, paint one feature wall in a more vibrant and striking colour. A fun idea: Paint a rectangular shape, horizontally above a sofa and use this space as a “gallery” space for displaying personal photos.
3. Add some funk to a room with contrasting colours, black and white or white with one bright colour. Use these bold colours as a theme throughout the room. i.e. White wall with the display of a bright blue sofa and fluffy white scatter cushions.
4. Replace all your accessories. Walk through your home and place all your accessories on a table. Separate them into two allotments – one side with the accessories you absolutely adore, and the rest, knick knacks you aren’t too attached to. Now, take your favourite items and place them throughout the house, where they will create the most impact. Chances are, you wouldn’t need to position the less favourable accessories.
5. A great way of displaying family photos and smaller paintings, is to arrange them all together. Choose frames of varying sizes, shapes and styles and position on a large wall or a passage way. Firstly, lay them out on the floor to obtain a balanced composition, which will work optimally on the wall.
6. Replace old hanging lights with small chandeliers – crystal, wire or even wrought iron, works wonders.
7. Zhoosh-up your bedside tables. Position a tray on top of your bedside table and place the light on the tray. This on its own, already delivers a more rounded-off look. A pretty ornament or small vase with a display of fresh cut flowers, lends more colour and interest. Complete the ensemble with a beautiful coaster or small plate, for your evening glass of water, a small painting on the wall - and voila!
8. Purchase six unpainted, small pots. Paint in different shades of your favourite colour, plant some fresh herbs, and display on your kitchen windowsill.
9. Replace door handles in your kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. Inexpensive, stylish door handles are available at most smaller décor shops these days, and they look gorgeous once fitted.
10. A really great way to add some interest to a built-in bookcase, is to hang small paintings on the corners, where shelves meet with the down slats. The effect is amazing, and simultaneously allows extra space, to hang small pieces.
11. A fab alternative to a vase with flowers, is filling your vase with red apples. Rub them with cooking oil to add a beautiful, fresh shine to the fruit. Just make sure your guests don’t eat them, as they don’t taste as good as they look!
12. Redecorate your bookshelves. They don’t only need to hold books. You can create a special feature with beautiful accessories and book holders / decorative bookend.
13. Create a small feature space at your entrance. A painted feature wall with an entrance or wall table, large clock or painting against the wall, is beautifully completed with one or two special ornaments, placed on the table. An extremely warm and very welcoming look. If you are hosting a party, you can even display small party favours on the table, for your guests to take home, when they leave.
14. Update your window dressings. Even a small thing, such as replacing normal, white curtain tracks with either wrought iron or stainless rods, can make an enormous difference. Rods are generally inexpensive and they look so much better than the normal old boring, and often plastic track.
15. Retile your oven splash back with colourful mosaic or glass. The glass option is very inexpensive and you can then paint the background, in any colour imaginable.
