WHEN it comes to elevating your home, you don’t need to splash the cash to make a difference
We spoke to interiors expert Suellyn Reat to find out what you can nab from your favourite stores for under £20 to make your home look posh and expensive.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous the interiors expert said you can’t really go wrong with a ceramic vase.
“They are a cheap way to add warmth and texture to a room. Make sure you buy one with multiple uses that can sit in different rooms.”
“If you have a plant you want a vase to hold, don't go for a clear vase. Overtime the water in plant posts changes colour, a colour plant pot will hide brown, musty water.”
Suellyn says: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
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“A decorative bowl like this one from Matalanis a perfect addition to the social rooms in your house. It can work as a fruit bowl in your kitchen and or a centrepiece on your coffee table. It’s plain colour won't distract from whatever it holds.”
Suellyn says compact and unique lighting is the way to go.
She says: “Lighting is essential for creating a mood in any home. Particularly in the evening we tend to go for less intense lighting like lamps and candles.”
“When choosing a table lamp look for unique shapes and designs as they can bend the way light moves in your house.”
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“Go for compact lighting especially in places like under a wall unit. No plastic hanging down and it makes for light prep work."
When it comes to mirrors, bigger is always better.
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Suellyn says: “Mirrors are a great way to give the illusion of more space in a smaller room. In smaller and darker rooms go for bigger mirrors so they can bounce the light around and open the room up.”
Make sure your home smells the same way that it feels.
“Diffusers are a great way to upgrade your home and give it a luxurious feel. When someone else walks into your home you want to invoke their other senses.”
“Scent is a great way to grab someone's attention and make them feel comfortable. Designing your home goes further than just aesthetics.”
Layer up with blankets, throws and rugs.
The interior designer says: “Blankets and throws are a great way to add textures and layers to your home. If you have a sofa or a bed that is two dull and plain, a blanket can give you just the right level of contrasting colour.”
"You can really play around with colours and fabric with rugs and blankets. And you have the added bonus of adding warmth in the colder months."
Add a unique ornament to a coffee table like a stack of books or sculpture.
“When choosing artwork, always go for bespoke rare pieces. Think of artwork, sculptures and books as a talking point. If you’ve made something yourself or bought it a unique place you will have a lot more to tell people about it.”
Suellyn first found her flare for design whilst upcycling furniture she then decided to turn passion into a business creating Ducklane interior design.
She believes a cohesive room should be warm and inviting but the key to any design is being selective.
She shared her top tips for redesigning your home on a budget.
Suellyn says buy items with multiple uses so that they last longer in your home.
“Your individual style will change over time so buy an item that is interchangeable or has multiple uses.”
The design expert says her manifesto is ‘function over form’.
“When you're working with a smaller budget and only choose items which are functional, it will always be a much better use of your money.”
“If you can upcycle items you already have in your home. Sometimes moving, painting or covering something can completely change the way it looks. Start with smaller objects like handles and play around with colours.”
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Suellyn says set yourself apart from others by shopping in the right places.
“When choosing any item, go for bespoke, rare goods. Places like TK Maxx and Home Sense are great for this. The items are not expensive but you are far less likely to find them in someone else's home.”
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