Decorating on a budget Wallet

Decorating on a budget

Create stylish spaces on a shoestring. We’ve rounded up expert tips to stretch your decorating dollars

Tip

Take care when removing old paint as it could contain traces of lead. For more information, search ‘lead paint’ at health.govt.nz

Even on a tight budget it’s possible to create a look you love – the trick is to carefully plan your project, shop smart and bring a little ingenuity to the table. “Great interiors are often inspired by a limited budget, as having less to spend encourages you to hone your style and be more creative,” says Zoe Gilpin of The DIY Decorator (thediydecorator. net). Here’s how to get started.

Budgeting and planning Set a realistic budget for your project, based on the scope of work and how much you feel comfortable spending. Write a list of must-haves and must-dos, with a second wish list for items you’d like, but that aren’t crucial – this will help prioritise where you spend.

“As a general rule, spend the bulk of your budget on larger items such as hard finishes and furniture, which need to last,” says Zoe. A moodboard will help develop your vision and plan how pieces work together to achieve your desired look, adds Zoe. “To gauge costs, browse retail websites and get quotes from trades you may need, like an electrician, plasterer or tiler.”

Before starting any project you should also consider any health and safety risks and make sure you get professional advice where needed.

Wallet-friendly updates Rather than change an entire room, limit your scheme to one statement piece, such as a feature wall, an eye-catching rug or a focal pendant. Refreshing smaller elements can help deliver a new look. For example, switch dated doorknobs with contemporary chrome or matte black handles, or update window dressings with a roller blind paired with sheer curtains. Distract the eye with new accessories, such as a table lamp or two, or an array of plants in attractive pots.

DIY versus delegating Take advantage of reliable ‘how-to’ videos and look for products designed with DIYers in mind. Mark Trafford, director of Maintain to Profit (maintaintoprofit.co.nz), suggests living in your home for a while to evaluate what can be remodelled rather than replaced. “That’s the cheapest, most cost-effective option,” he says. Consider projects you can tackle yourself, like painting kitchen doors and cabinets rather than removing them, or replacing doors and handles for a quick update, adds Mark. Costs add up with a new kitchen and bathroom layout. “This is where money is spent – moving electrical wires, plumbing and gas,” he says.

To meet building regulations a licensed professional must

A pretty hue of wall paint – in this case Dulux Titahi Bay – and a flamboyant rug can transform a room

PRO TIP

Paint is your friend if you’re decorating on a budget. There are formulations available now to cover just about any surface, from walls and floors to kitchen cabinets and tiles

do all electrical, plumbing, gas and waterproofing jobs. “Tiling jobs need to be done correctly for warranties to apply,” says Mark. “As the main PCBU [person conducting a business or undertaking] you will be held responsible by WorkSafe for any accidents from work that is a health and safety risk to you or others.” However, you can save money by doing tasks such as the clean-up and rubbish removal yourself.

Get the look for less Luxe material lookalikes closely resemble the real thing but at a fraction of the cost. Consider laminate, or faux finishes that could pass for marble or stone, and opt for floating timber flooring over solid timber.

Do you need new furniture, or can you can extend the life of pieces with a coat of paint or varnish? Sanding and refinishing a timber table could give it a new look. Also check online for hacks to turn budget buys into bespoke pieces.

If your budget won’t cover the cost of floor-to-ceiling wallpaper, Zoe suggests achieving a similar effect with a painted feature wall and decals. Another option is to wallpaper just the bottom half of a wall, then paint the top half and add a timber dado rail between. ¿

Watch it!

Update your kitchen with a lick of paint: bunnings.co.nz/paint-laminatekitchen-cabinets