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Tips for Decorating on a Budget
Friends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.
My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture store version I adore. And it means I’ll often wake up to messages from friends with photos of dilapidated, discarded furniture on the street that say, “This made me think of you.”
As a result, my home is filled with inexpensive pieces that have been gathered in unconventional ways or made by yours truly. In fact, the other day while I was tidying up, I realised that every item – with the exception of my mattress – cost less than $500.
I’ve been very deliberate in my selections, and it’s taken me years to build an arsenal of couches, tables, rugs and art that I’m happy with. At times it was difficult not to rush to a department store and settle for a set of just-okay dining chairs to avoid another night of standing around the dinner table eating dinner.
I realise not everybody has as much patience to devote to decorating and furnishing their home. And I’m not proposing you spend your weekends scrounging around in rubbish heaps for unique home accents. (Please, that would mean fewer treasures for me.)
But there are a few tricks and shortcuts I’ve learned along the way that make it easy to save a buck or $200. And not a single one requires a tetanus shot.
Don’t be afraid of prints: If you want to make an otherwise bland room come to life, just add prints. The bright green floral couch in my living room (which I affectionately refer to as “nana chic“) serves as the anchor for the space, and the wallpaper in my dressing room turns a drab wall into a happy garden. Plus, the pattern is so bold that I needed to cover only one wall, thus saving money. Just be sure to go easy on other patterns so as not to overwhelm the eye.
Think big: If you have a large, blank wall to fill, don’t immediately think gallery wall, which is a strategically arranged collection of art pieces that can cost a fortune to frame. Instead opt for a large anchor piece, such as a giant map or a handmade installation. For my living room, I searched “DIY backdrop” for inspiration and found instructions on how to make a huge tassel hanging.
Know what to buy vs DIY: Whenever I see an item described as “industrial” or as made with “reclaimed” materials, my DIY senses tingle. Additionally, the plumbing section at your local hardware store is brimming with potential storage solutions. I built the clothing racks in my dressing room using copper piping and concrete, and I’ve made a simple, versatile blanket ladder using dowel and copper fittings. And if you find an affordable set of drawers but hate the knobs, you’re just a few twists away from a sleek piece if you update the hardware.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
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Poll: Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?
To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?
Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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72.3% Yes
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27.3% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below
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Happy Friday everyone, here's a riddle to round out your week ⛰️
I build up castles. I tear down mountains.
I make some men blind,
I help others to see.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Poll: Have you kept trinkets from your life?
Many of us are sentimental about our childhoods and lives, and some even collect things to remember moments or people.
Share what you've held on to over the years and whether you still have it today. Feel free to share photos too, we'd love to see.
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/66b55d1c0cdbb8.40903288.jpeg?170410)
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89% Yes
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11% No