PRIMP IT
Make necessities a priority when decorating your space
March 23, 2010
Jennifer Wilson-Speedy
YOURHOME.CA EDITOR
A blank slate is a powerful thing when it comes to decorating. It's a chance to perfectly personalize a space, but it also means deciding – and sourcing – every single item.
Interior designer Nyla Free (www.thenylablog.com) says having a vision of the finished product is key to a polished, final look.
She suggests hiring a designer for an hour or two, or purchasing an online package to help get you started.
That way, even if you can't afford to furnish the whole room immediately, "at least you have a plan, you know the direction, and you can purchase according to your time and budget."
When starting from scratch, Free suggests making the necessities a priority – for example, the sofa, dining table and chairs, and bed.
"Build on the larger key pieces as your budget allows," she says. "You can live without area rugs, side tables, accessories, etc. until you can afford the right pieces. Buy as much quality as you can afford rather than quantity of pieces."
And, for that final bit of polish, Free says every room should have a touch of history. "An antique, a mid-century modern item, a flea market find, cherished family possessions, anything that adds character and relief from a `store bought'-looking room."
thestar.com