Do you ever wish you could send a distress signal to help save your hard-earned cash while designing your home? Jane Lockhart shows you when to jump ship and swim towards high-end design on a dime, and shares life saving advice that will help stretch your design budget.
JUMP SHIP AND SAVE MONEY…
Draperies
Jane Says: “Drapery panels really finish off the look of a room, but the fabric can be extremely expensive if you choose a natural silk.” Instead switch to a synthetic fibre made to look like silk and add a heavier lining to the back of the panel to give it body. The lining and faux-silk combined will be much less costly than the silk fabric alone! For an even more custom look, add a contrast band along the sides of the panels.”
Room Designed by Jane Lockhart Interior Design www.janelockhart.com; Photo by, Brandon Barré, courtesy of Kylemore Communities, www.kylemorecommunities.com
Accessories
Jane Says: “A room lacking a warm feel is often missing some final touches! Rather than breaking the bank on a few really expensive accessories, shop around and find some great knock-offs that will do the job just as well as the real sculpture or bowl you covet! Start by filling your space with a mix of candles, art, maps and vases. You can then add personal pieces and family photos to give your space personality.”
Room Designed by Jane Lockhart Interior Design www.janelockhart.com; Photo by, Brandon Barré, courtesy of Kylemore Communities, www.kylemorecommunities.com
BUDGET LIFE SAVERS…
Stretch your furniture budget
“Buy one great piece of furniture! It may seem obvious, but purchasing a great sofa for your main sitting room will save you a lot of hassle and headaches in the long run. Make sure your sofa is well-made, comfortable and covered in a quality fabric so it can take daily wear and tear. This Nova sofa and chaise has down-wrapped pillows making it comfortable for lounging!”
Sectional, Jane by Jane Lockhart “Nova” sofa by Statum Designs, www.statumdesigns.com
Buy leather for high-use pieces
Jane Says: “Buy leather instead of fabric! Leather is a great splurge for a piece of furniture that will be placed in a high-traffic area such as a family room, dining room or kitchen! Consider covering ottomans or dining chairs in leather because they will be far easier to clean and MUCH more durable in the long run. Or if your budget can handle it, add a leather arm chair to your main family room. This chair will not only become the favourite seat in the room, it will also endure all the trials and tribulations of everyday family life!”
Chair and Ottoman, Jane by Jane Lockhart, www.janelockhart.com
Text by Jane Lockhart, Produced by Canadian Home Trends Magazine
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