We all like to show off a bit every now and again and it’s just a really nice feeling to invite your friends and/or family around to have a nice meal and maybe even a glass of wine or two!
With technology and design pushing its way forward at a faster rate than ever, it’s actually now quiet affordable to be able to have a really elegant, swanky looking “Heart of the home” on a realistic budget…
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to achieve the look you're looking for. In fact with just an open mind and a few hundred Euros, it is possible to transform your home into the deluxe twin you always wished it was.
You can’t go wrong with paint…or wallpaper
A fresh coat of paint, or a new wallpaper can convert a disused, cold attic into a warm family space, or an old dark living room into a bright space beaming with light. It’s nothing short of amazing the things you can achieve with a few hundred quid in paint or rolls, and when you are done, the neighbours won’t stop coming over.
Cushions and sofas look better with throws and pillows
Regardless of how old or uncomfortable your furniture is, the use of a few brightly colored and strategically placed comfort pillows can completely alter the dynamic and make your sofa look like the most attractive chill space in Ireland. Add a couple of well-designed throws to this strategy, and what you have is a successful attempt at conning the sensory abilities of the neighbours. All for less than €100.
It’s all in the windows…
Like paint, lighting is everything in terms of manipulating people’s senses to see a particular picture that may or may not actually be there. Generally you can’t go wrong with enhanced use of natural lighting, and the windows themselves can be an added source of décor. For an evening dinner, you can go for a heavy ornamental look with the curtains, and for an afternoon hangout you can choose a light, airy set that permits light and ventilation through easily. It really is all about the lighting.
And speaking of lighting…
Your light fittings and colours are themselves an inexpensive but extremely impactful way of enhancing your décor. You could decide to ditch the conventional yellows and whites and try something bold like red light in some parts of the house. Installing dimmer switches is also another way to play around with the intensity of your lighting, which allows you to play with shadows and colours.
Don’t skimp on the decorations and accessories
Counter top crystals. Table-top figurines. Shelf gnomes. The little things really do count for a lot in the end. At their most basic level, these cheap but beautiful (if not functional) trinkets allow you to give the room character. Your guests will always have something to look at and engage, which creates the temporary illusion of being inside an impressive residence.
