Spending most of our time at home has made us assess what is missing or what needs to be done, according to design expert Katherine Anne Correa.
The interior designer with a master’s degree in Architecture, however, believes that redesigning living spaces to make them work for their residents does not have to burn a hole in the pocket.
First thing to do is declutter
Before embarking on any home redesigning project, identify first which items can be disposed of or can be upcyled and reused.
“When you rearrange and fix your space, it feels rejuvenating. Somehow we feel like we enhanced some parts of our lives. This is actually therapeutic,” shares Correa.
Then repaint (or put on wallpapers)
A repainted wall or wall accent refreshes the look of the space. But for less intensive work and less expensive option, Correa suggests wallpapers.
“There is a lot of wallpapers that is less expensive,” she notes. “You can buy sticker options that are affordable and are easy to install. I actually did a whole plan using this type.”
Update furniture
Refurnishing does not equate to purchasing new furniture, Correa points out. Old wooden chairs may be repainted or reupholstered with bright colors to refresh their look, while night tables may be constructed out of a pile of old hardbound books.
“Use an upcycled bottle and add dried flowers as an accessory or wrap some fairy lights around it—this will serve as your bedside lamp,” she suggests.
For those who think they need new furniture pieces, Correa recommends visiting flea markets or thrift shops first. “The items are second-hand but are a lot cheaper,” she notes. “There are a lot of good buys if you know what you are looking for.”
Finish the project with accents
While there are plenty of home accents available in the market, the most cost-effective option, Correa asserts, is doing-it-yourself.
“DIY projects always make for reasonable and affordable home décor. Accentuate with personalized crocheted or handwoven bedspreads and throw pillows. You can also buy traditional weaves such as inabel or inaul.”
For those who prefer something a bit more crafty, Correa suggests exploring découpage or the art of decorating an object by blending recycled colored paper cut-outs, special paint effects, and art elements. “You can use old books, paint it over with a polyurethane finish and hang it on your shelves.”
Not a fan of too many knickknacks? Go for a large mirror instead. It’s an aesthetic and functional piece that also creates an illusion of a bigger space. “This is a trend now and a lot of different styles of mirrors have been coming out in the market,” observes the chairperson of the Interior Design Program at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.