In today’s challenging housing market, many people are opting for economical home improvements in place of selling their properties, say the experts at RONA, one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers with some 425 corporate and affiliated stores under different banners.
“There are simple ways you can give your home a more upscale look without breaking the bank,” said Lydia Thammavong, head design, styles & trends at RONA, offering eight hacks to spruce up your decor.
1. Replace doorknobs and drawer pulls
They may be small, but they have a huge impact on enriching a space. If it’s a modern farmhouse decor you’re after, iron black flat-round knobs are a popular look. For a modern minimalist style, opt for square, lever or cylindrical knobs. Uniquely shaped knobs such as hexagons add visual interest, while crystal knobs infuse luxe, and antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze hardware deliver a rustic or traditional vibe.
2. Paint your dream decor
Don’t want to invest in new door and cabinetry hardware but still want the look you love? Consider revitalizing existing knobs and pulls with paint. Furniture, planters, and even cushions and fabrics can also be painted to deliver a fresh look. SICO Paints, for example, has launched a spray paint line called Perma-Flex, which helps bring new life to fabrics, accessories and outdoor furniture.
3. Imagine new uses for peel-and-stick tiles
Who says tiles are just for walls? Consider applying peel-and-stick tiles to furniture surfaces for a quick and stylish makeover. Or, transform a plain staircase by applying tiles with intricate patterns or vibrant colours to the stair risers. Popular tile looks include vintage patterns, black gloss or marbled mini-tiles, and copper hexagons.
4. Accent with peel-and stick wallpaper
There are endless ways to use peel-and-stick wallpaper to deliver the rich look of a reno without the expense. Choose a bold pattern, vibrant colour or textured design to create an accent wall. Use vinyl wallpaper as a backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom. Even furniture can be revitalized by covering drawers and sides of cabinets, and bookshelves can ooze added interest by lining the backs with patterns and colours.
5. Get rid of clutter
One of the quickest fixes to freshen up a space is to declutter. After purging what you feel you no longer need, consider investing in decorative shelving units to store books and household essentials, using baskets or bins to keep smaller items organized.
6. Throw in pillows
Throw pillows are an affordable and versatile way to update a room, infusing colour, pattern and texture. To inject personality, introduce accent pillows in bold or vibrant hues. Combine different scales of patterns to add interest, partnering large stripes with small florals or geometrics with organic motifs.
7. Transform rooms with rugs
Area rugs can elevate the look of a space without changing furnishings. From plush wool, soft cotton, and durable synthetics, to geometric designs, floral motifs and oriental patterns, rugs serve as a visual anchor to ground furniture arrangements and tie together a room’s decor elements.
8. Set the mood with mirrors
Incorporating mirrors is an inexpensive hack that will brighten your space and make rooms appear larger. Place mirrors opposite windows or light sources to create a more open, airy feel. Select mirrors with decorative frames, or group smaller round or square mirrors together to create a stunning accent wall.
For more affordable reno ideas, visit rona.ca