Tasked with decorating a showhouse that highlighted more than just a space with beautiful furniture, Debbie Tilbrook, a local interior designer, tells us how she did it on a budget.
Determining your budget is important, says Debbie, because you need to be honest about what you can or cannot afford. She furnished and decorated a three-bedroom house for Lalela Estate on a budget of R150 000.
“I started the design scheme in the living room – the heart of the home. The first piece of furniture I bought was a couch, this anchors the space. It was the most expensive piece of furniture in the house but I wanted to ensure that it not only worked aesthetically but was comfortable for relaxation in the tranquil surroundings.”
The importance of space planning
Space planning is to direct the functionality of a room. Critical things to think about include furniture placement and the flow of movement. Debbie adds, “When I first walked into the house, I identified what already existed, things we could not change and worked around that. Mapping out where everything fits can help you determine how the space will be utilised and how you can maximise it.”
Colour creates character
All the colours used throughout the house were inspired by the greens and the yellows in nature. Debbie explains, “When designing for a larger audience, I recommend using neutral tones which appeal to the majority of people. When working on your own personal space, you can be more creative and use colours that appeal to you.”
In the bedrooms, to bring in pops of personality she used colour while ensuring cohesion by using her shades of greens and yellows, reflected in the grasslands outside, flow through the different spaces. This helps individualise each room while still keeping the consistent golden thread of colour throughout the house.
How to use texture
Using texture to bring character into a space is important to Debbie. “As an example, I’ve used mustard cushions which have a patterned texture that creates visual depth and dimension. The light reflects differently off the different patterns and that adds visual interest and saves a neutral pallet.”
When you are working with a limited budget you may have one standout feature, that will be your hero in the space. Overcrowding a room with only expensive items runs the risk of you losing a standout element. Choosing how much texture and colour you use is a matter of feeling but there is also a fine line between all or nothing.
Multipurpose living
“We’re living in a day and age where we’re cooking and answering emails at the same time. The eat-in kitchen is a perfect example of a multipurpose space that’s used often by both young and old. It can serve as a homework area for kids and a place to host dinner for family and friends. The kitchen table was second-hand and refurbished. It was sandblasted and then painted a modern and industrial black colour. However, the colour is muted and doesn’t overpower the room. Sandblasting the table revealed the texture underneath its previous painting work. The chairs to match the table were also refurbished and painted black to match the table. I decided to reupholster the cushions with yellow fabric to make them stand out,” says Debbie.
Local is lekker
One of the secrets to her success was repurposing furniture bought at second-hand furniture shops. She also intentionally used local artisans who assisted her in manufacturing custom pieces and repurposing furniture in a bid to support local suppliers and demonstrated how old pieces can have a rush of new life, if placed in the right space with a cohesive vision.
- Decorating with plants is a great way to save money. They have several benefits including, purifying the air, bringing life into a space, and bringing out the nurturing side within you.
- Make your spaces appear bigger by placing mirrors opposite a window. They will reflect natural light and landscape.
- Choose one piece to be the feature in the room such as a sofa or coffee table as the hero, and allow the other pieces of furniture to complement it. It is better to use a few large items than numerous small pieces which may clutter the space.
- The best way to add colour and texture is through inexpensive accessories such as cushions, vases, rugs, wall art and planters.
- Repurposing furniture is a fabulous and inexpensive way to breathe new life into a previously loved piece of furniture. Reimagine it to suit your style and make it your own. You can purchase these at second hand shops, online marketplaces and at auctions. Be bold and brave, often these are the most talked-about pieces in your home once they have a new twist!
