Pictured above, Hunter Douglas Applause honeycomb shades are an especially affordable and smart choice for kitchens: the MicroShield antimicrobial fabric protection helps keeps mold and bacteria out.

Pictured above, Hunter Douglas Applause honeycomb shades are an especially affordable and smart choice for kitchens: the MicroShield antimicrobial fabric protection helps keeps mold and bacteria out.

The idea of redesigning your living space can be an intimidating one, especially when the thought of how much the décor you desire will cost you. We never want to settle, so stretching our dollars to create the home of our dreams is commonplace. However, there are helpful tips for designing on a budget, says Sally Morse, creative director at Hunter Douglas, a leading window fashions company. Take a look at these:

Don’t be a match-maker: “Décor that’s too matchy will date your space,” says Morse. Instead of spending extra dollars for a matching set, mix new and old pieces to save and add flair to your style. Choose a favourite colour or match your fun accents instead of aligning major pieces. Or, reupholster existing furniture to refresh your space without spending on new items.

Buy recycled: Today, companies big and small have incorporated recycling and an awareness of the environment into their business models – and Hunter Douglas is no exception, Morse points out. Modern Precious Metals aluminum blinds, for example (now with two new finish options) are made from 95 percent recycled material and are guaranteed to last a lifetime without fading, bowing or warping, making your investment all the more worthwhile and a savvy buy. Additional items that caught the eye of Morse recently were kitchen counters created of paper (PaperStone) and graceful chairs composed of old mattress springs (Susan Woods of Aswoon).

Different patterns and fabrics from your favourite affordable shops make your décor modern and offer more than one way to express your personal style at home. Shown above, Modern Precious Metals blinds from Hunter Douglas let beautiful, filtered sunlight cascade the room.

Different patterns and fabrics from your favourite affordable shops make your décor modern and offer more than one way to express your personal style at home. Shown above, Modern Precious Metals blinds from Hunter Douglas let beautiful, filtered sunlight cascade the room.

Make it last: The new Venue fabric (in Applause honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas) comes with MicroShield antimicrobial fabric protection, which resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria, helping to preserve your window treatments. The Vintage fabric option also supports the new recycling trend, and is made of 40 percent recycled fabric with 10 colours from which to choose. With so many shade varieties and options for light control, don’t skimp at the window. “Lighting truly changes the overall look and feel of a room so it’s an important aspect of decorating that shouldn’t be forgotten,” says Morse.

DIY: The best tip for do-it-yourself projects is to think ahead and make sure you have additional materials on hand. “Make sure whatever directions you’re following are clear, and use sites like Pinterest for inspiration and fun ideas.”

With tips like these, creating a home that shows your style without breaking the bank decreases the intimidation factor and invites excitement into the decorating process.

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

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Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.

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