Stylish homes aren’t concerned with copycat designer décor as presented in home decorating bibles. Such homes exude style because the decorative pieces resonate with and provide delight to those that live in the space. Pieces are selected and positioned carefully to derive maximum satisfaction and enjoyment according to beauty, historical connection and special memories by its inhabitants. Shared appreciation and admiration of such interior panache by family and friends is considered secondary and a bonus. Successful homes are also decorated in styles that befit the residents and not their visitors – a common trap for many ‘crowd pleasing’ decorators out there.

In terms of buying or renting real estate; the mantra has always been ‘location, location, location!’
Home décor isn’t all that different, with a slightly amended mantra of ‘personalise, personalise, personalise!’

A space filled with personal effects of inherent meaning resonates and provides depth and layers to all that reside in it; whether that ‘residency’ is wiled away over many years as an occupant, or a short-lived yet privileged invitation experienced by visiting friends or relatives.
 
As an occupant (owner or tenant), try to convert whatever space you have before you into a homely environment through various decorative ‘offerings’ that will hopefully inspire you on a daily basis. Something as simple as the ideal placement of a coloured glass vase to be admired each morning or afternoon as sunrays illuminate it is relatively simple; yet provides spectacular reward. Incorporating specific and meaningful decorative items into your daily domestic surroundings can be uplifting and soothing; as well as providing your guests with a little insight as to what interests you, or even possible clues to your ancestry.

In this Great Financial Crisis (GFC), the Sing dollar doesn’t stretch very far at all; so how can you ensure you add impact and distinctive touches to your abode with a meagre amount such as twenty dollars?

Optimal décor mileage

Inexpensive yet effective styling ideas for the home include:

Utilising existing frames (either leave ‘as is’ or create new looks with stains or paints), and in those frames highlight and display whatever you currently have in your home that is special to you, yet you don’t actually display as you have it/them ‘safe-guarded’.

Shells and pebbles serve as beautiful (and free!) decorative items. They can create stunning visual contrast when placed on top of, or near other decorative items, such as books or on contrasting furniture.

Expensive artwork is out of the question on a tight budget. So consider framing or positioning a child’s artwork on premium wall space throughout the home. Not only is it personal; the ‘artist’ will beam whenever they see their work on your walls! If you or your parents had the foresight and nous to safely store your childhood artwork; you can hang yours alongside for a truly ancestral art collection.

Frames aren’t just for paintings, prints or photos. Consider the various yet more unusual collections you and your family have amounted over the years (for example, admittance tickets, postcards, bottle tops, love letters, thank you notes, granny’s jewels, grandad’s medals). It’s a good idea to group separate or seemingly disparate collections through common themes such as colour, material, subject and size.

Display (and use) so-called ‘special occasion’ finery and enjoy the daily visual of such special objects being on display (as opposed to being safely boxed away). These special objects can remind you to celebrate the joy of living in your home each day rather than waiting for special occasions (or special visitors), because every day enjoyed with your loved ones and your precious belongings is something to treasure and behold.