Banke Ajagunna is the Founder of Decor Nigeria; an interior design company that specializes in designing functional and aesthetically appealing spaces for corporate and individual clients.
When you hear young professional, the first thing that comes to mind is budget. We’ve all been there and some of you are still there.
That being said, with the minimum wage in our Motherland, design for a young professional may seem far-reaching and unattainable.
In this article, Banke shares a few ways to make your space more liveable without breaking the bank.
Wall profiles
Wall profiles (also known as wainscoting) are usually seen as expensive because you only get to see them at high-end stores or homes but they are really not as pricey as you’d think.
They can be very affordable when made locally. Wall profiles make for a fantastic alternative wall finish than good ol’ wallpapers.
Additionally, if you are an old soul and intrigued about design in the 18th century – signifying a period of opulence and extravagance- wall profiles could give you that beautiful renaissance feels that you’ve always dreamed about.
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Space
Make the most out of every space, they come freely but like free things, you might not appreciate it till it’s gone.
You may be tempted to stuff a lot of unnecessary decorative pieces in your home but don’t fall for it; ISSA TRAP!
Declutter as much as possible to give your room the much-needed airiness. Also, the spaces that bridge the gap between inside and outside can become the greatest allies in designing.
Restyling your balcony, back deck with natural furniture, plants if you like, will create an added extension to your home.
Wall shelves
You can easily put this together with a piece of wood and wall brackets for support. This design tip is very flexible and adaptable as it gives you the chance to choose your preferred style and also paint it to any color that suits your taste, anytime.
Wall shelves can be placed in the living area or the bedroom. Books, accent pieces can be kept on this shelf, making it look full but beautifully arranged.
Mirror
Mirrors have earned status as an effective interior design tool used to fulfill practical purposes and a multitude of creative motives.
Whether you want to add a polished touch to your interiors, make a statement with wall art or amplify light and space, a thoughtfully chosen, a well-positioned mirror is an answer.
A mirror in your space simply lets the light in, placing it next to a window or opposite a window increases the amount of light cast inside a room, thereby making the space if small, appear larger. It can be used in a shallow room, hallway, bedroom, etc.
Pro Tip: Place your mirror strategically so it reflects the best part of your room.
Repurpose Furniture
Grandma’s bookshelves and tables are great items to repurpose. A good coat of paint will completely change the look of a piece and allow you to fit it into any space.
A pair of old end tables can be painted and given a contrasting top to make an entertaining coffee table or dining room table.
Using pieces that have been used before and reimagine them in a modern way, and depending on the design style, it can also be refurbished to look antique. Sofas and armchairs can also be reupholstered in a new fabric to give a more modern look.
Infuse Some Greenery
A lot of interior styles now includes bringing the outside, inside. It has become a full-on movement in interior designing and has tons of benefits, from mood-boosting to cleaner air.
Bringing natural plants it isn’t the only way to decorate with plants, you can still do so with a plant print wallpaper. Luckily this method is quite in vogue and gives you all the same peaceful and happy feelings as live plants.
Artificial plants are a plausible alternative to live plants because they require little or no maintenance and can also give your home a greenhouse vibe.
Art Prints
Art prints are a cost-effective way to bring color and texture into your space while also making you look like a connoisseur of fine things.
Here, you need to be a bit selective because some art pieces shouldn’t be seen on your wall; they are just too busy and distasteful.
Think of art as the stylistic icing on the cake that is your home and is sure to select what you like. Always consider the ideal scale and proportions when installing your artwork.
For instance, small art prints can be placed in clusters or you can centralize a single large piece of art at eye level thereby making it the focal point of your room.
White Beddings Are A Must
Hard to maintain but it’s a trick that keeps on giving. You are probably wondering how a couple of plain white sheets will make a difference in your home.
White is the lightest color, it is very achromatic and is associated with light, goodness, purity, innocence, etc. They may seem basic and boring but a most noteworthy benefit is that using white bedspreads helps soften and counter the other colors in a room; bringing it all together.
If you are not sold yet, you can add colored throws and cushions to make it look cozier.
On the plus side, it looks quite hotel-like and inviting.
Final Notes: If you follow these tips, you might be tempted to call in sick at work just so you laze around in bed but that might not be a good idea.
However, you can rest assured that you will always return to a warm and cozy home after a long day at work. Nothing beats this feeling!
For more interior design tips and tricks, visit www.decor.ng. Photo credits: Pinterest
This article was written by Banke Ajagunna.
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