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In today's economic environment people are trying to get more value out of the pieces they have in their homes. The challenge is how to keep your look current and fresh while not spending a fortune. We have found talking with a lot of our customers that they still want to have their homes looking great, but want to be able to make their dollars go further.
This is particularly true for those wanting to sell their houses in this market, where it is important to have your home presented beautifully to enhance its saleability over others, yet home owners are not able to commit to large outlays in redecorating completely.
For some it may be a case of needing to replace some items out of necessity and then being able to revitalise your living spaces at the same time.
Or for others it may just be a chance to reward ourselves for being so diligent and good at saving and keeping within budget that we just need to please our senses with a few new touches!

Sometimes it can just come down to a bit of inspiration or thinking creatively to come up with a decorating solution, using existing pieces in conjunction with some new ones, or displaying things differently. So, with that in mind we have compiled a few ideas of quick and inexpensive ways to spruce things up in your living and dining areas at home!

1) New Cushions

On the bed or the sofa, the addition of a few new cushions can instantly update your style. A change of colour makes a big impact, and the addition of textures is a hot trend right now. Spend wisely on a gorgeous feature cushion, and work in practical basics in plain colours for either contrasting or complementary tones depending on your look. Or try using inexpensive printed cushions to add pattern to a plain scheme.
You don't need to replace all your cushions if some are still plump and tidy, especially if they are in workable plain colours. Think of using those ones at the back, and then add a new fresh one to sit in front.
However, if you are looking for a more dramatic room change then trying a completely different colour scheme with cushions can achieve wonders for a room's visual appeal without having to buy a complete new duvet set, or update your sofas.

2) Candles 

Not only do the colours of candles help cement your scheme to be a cohesive look, but they often have the added bonus of being beautifully scented. Use varying heights to create a mass display that you can base on an existing tray, a footed cake plate or a hurricane lantern. Cheaper taper candles in a coordinating colour help reinforce the scheme when used in the same room. Simple can be very effective - three repeated candle holders across a mantle, or dining table can look great.
For a rustic winter look take a shallow cane basket, line with a tea towel or serviette, add autumnal toned candles in assorted sizes, a few pinecones and winter leaves and you have a great  display piece for the dining table, hearth side, or buffet. Just light on a cold winter's night for a warm, cosy glow.
For something more elegant try a mirrored plate (or even an old mirror) as a base, the surface reflects both the candles and the light into the room.  Take candles in three or four heights and in two or three colours and randomly position around a beautiful wine glass or candleholder that you've used as a centrepiece for height.
The next time you are entertaining use candles in your dining setting, and for something different think of using votive candles inside wine glasses with a napkin ring, sand, marbles, or flowers around them, and place at each setting or as a group through the middle of the table.

3) Dressing the Dining Table

 The dining table can often be a focal point for an open plan living room/kitchen area. Dressing this large furniture surface with something other than the fruit bowl can reflect your style and personality as well as finishing off the room simply and easily.
 Start with using a table runner, topper, or even a couple of placemats, which brings in colour (pull this from curtains, upholstery or other details), or go for one of the more textural varieties in woven hyacinth or rattan for a natural feel.  Add some height (light fixture dependent - if you have a hanging lamp or chandelier then keep it low)  and add interest with a floral arrangement, a vase without flowers if it is a sculptural style, a hurricane lantern, or candleholders. Or for something a bit different how about trying a birdcage with a bud vase inside, or an oversized martini glass filled with baubles, even a group of items such as candles and balls, and create some drama!
Remember to balance height with the length of the table, you can do this by adding a smaller object on either side of the centre piece, spaced so that it creates a visual triangular shape - this varies depending on the scale of your main item. You can keep it quite simple or add more to it if you prefer.

4) Throws

A new throw is not only a great way to bring in colour and to revitalise a tired sofa, but also has the practical element and snuggle factor during winter.
If you have a sofa where the fabric has faded on one arm or across a patch on the back, or if you duvet cover has a few pulls courtesy of the cat, then a carefully placed throw can not only disguise these issues but become a feature in its own right.
When looking at which throw to choose think again of the colour scheme you want to create, and of the style that works in the room. Are you wanting something bright and simple for a contemporary look, something with more elaborate stitching and details in soft tones for a romantic feminine style, or a faux fur throw for a relaxed lived in style and comfort?

These few simple things can really alter your room's appearance, without breaking the bank. Try one or all of them for a major change! And remember if you get stuck for any ideas or inspiration, or have seen something you like in the pictures, then pop in and see us at Artisans, it's what we are here for, and our team will gladly help you with your style needs.

Take care, Miriam