6 minute read
Interiors
A few years ago it seemed that wherever you looked there were lifestyle magazines, online articles and TV programmes telling you how to make your home fabulous, individual and unique. However, that was then superseded by advice on how to sell your home and maximise the price you can get for it by keeping your decor neutral and not too personalised. So we follow the trends – stag heads are now out, cacti are in, but nearly over......what’s next? How can you achieve a really great look in your home that will make you happy without breaking the bank?
1. Listen to your heart
You know what you like! It doesn’t matter whether your favourite colours and patterns are in fashion right now or not – if you have always liked them you will still be liking them in another ten years. Be brave, don’t be held back by what anyone else might think about your taste and just go with it. Incorporate your family history – photos, items that reflect your culture, items that reflect your age (if you grew up in the 70s, embrace the macrame and houseplants!). Go for the colours and patterns that make you happy – if you love your style and are comfortable in your home that’s the most important thing.
2. Try before you buy
Utilise the power of your phone by taking pictures of items you like, then using those pictures in your home to see if the items will fit and are the best option for your space. If you’re not sure of the size of a piece of furniture – a chair, for example – try using cardboard boxes to make a shape in the same dimensions and see how that fits in the space you have. You’ll soon find out whether or not you stub your toe on it every time you walk past!
3 Shop savvy
There are plenty of bargains out there to be had. Charity shops – particularly those that stock furniture – are a great place for finding both the basics and quirky, individual items, as are car boot sales. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure! And in the same vein, look for antique/vintage/ retro shops. The upcycling trend has been gathering strength for a while and you can find totally unique pieces of furniture that won’t break the bank. Be prepared to give items a little tlc and try to see beyond colour – dark brown wood can always be painted! Online auctions and social media selling sites are also a great source but be sure to check the dimensions of items before committing to buy them. Look for community-run initiatives which recycle paint and fabrics such as CCORRN in March.
4. Keep an open mind and take your time
On the theme of online auctions and selling sites, doing your research and waiting for the item you want to come on sale at a price you want to pay is an excellent way of saving vital pennies. Good things come to those who wait! So be prepared to have a gap here and there while you build the look you’re aiming for. And be prepared to consider alternatives – you may start with one idea, but do a bit of research and see what else you can uncover.
5. Make your own!
If you see something in a magazine or on a website that you really fall for but is ridiculously expensive, try to think of ways that you could make a copy. Even if you’re not creative yourself you may find that there is a friend, family member or local craftsperson who may relish the challenge of making you what you want at a fraction of the cost. Many craftspeople and independent traders will either negotiate on price or take payment in instalments if you ask. The chair in the picture is an original Parker Knoll chair which was re-upholstered in fabric designed by the client, who negotiated a substantial discount by allowing the designer to use pictures of it for advertising purposes. Don’t be afraid to haggle!
SHOPPING DIRECTORY:
Belico Lighting - Northfields Ind Estate, Mkt Deeping British Red Cross, Church Street, Market Deeping RSPCA Charity Shop, 9 The Precinct, Market Deeping Corner Farm Interiors, Kate’s Bridge Butters Plants - Spalding Rewind Interiors Cherry Holt Rd, Bourne Made By Becks - Hards Lane, Frognall
Deepings Antique Centre Ikea eBay UK TKMaxx
Shards - Julie Harding J & L Ball Interiors - North Street, Stamford Deja Vu - Deepings Antique Centre Tallington Car Boot – Every Sunday CCORN www.ccorrn.org.uk/
Now accepting entries for all forthcoming sales Monday - Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
goldingyoung.com
T: 01778 422686 E: bourne@goldingyoung.com The Bourne Auction Rooms BRM Buildings, Spalding Road, Bourne PE10 9LE Sold For £9,000 Sold For £9,000
Order now to guarantee fitting before Christmas!
Crowland Carpets, 3 The Deeping Centre, Market Deeping PE6 8FG t: 01778 341827 e: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk Visit: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk
The Deepings Carpet Centre Specialists in floor coverings
Showroom: Unit K, Bentley Business Park, Blenheim Way, Northfields Ind. Est., (opposite Inside outside store) Open Mon-Fri 9.00 - 4.30 Sat 9.00 - 1.00 Tel: 01778 346918 www.homechoose-carpets.co.uk We supply carpets and floor coverings from all the leading manufacturers and also have the largest fully stocked local showroom. We have been supplying and laying floor coverings in the Deepings and surrounding areas for over 30 years. We offer a personal and friendly service with the original pattern book facility. UP YOUR HOME T: 01733 264391
LIGHT UP YOUR HOME Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire 10 Saville Road,
Westwood, Peterborough PE3 7PR (Next door to The Party Place) T: 01733 264391
E: sales@tlsw.co.uk W: www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Open Tuesday to Saturday Free car park Opening Times Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 4pm
RICHARD BRUNDELL PROFESSIONAL DECORATING SERVICES
Interiors - Paperhanging Exteriors - Repairs Fully Insured friendly service Five star ratings
We are a team of up to 3, and can take on small and large projects, getting your job completed quicker.
07759 250424 I
01778 421878 I
rrbrundell@yahoo.co.uk
G R AY T O N E S
PRI N TER S
For aLL yoUr PrINTINg NEEdS
Wedding Stationery, Funeral Service Sheets, Birthday/Party Invitations, Thankyou Cards, Notelets, Art Prints, Photocopying Services.
