Make your home look like new on a budget

The anticipation of guests led Noora and Saif to look at their home and decide it was time to redecorate. They have not changed their home décor for some years now, and want to do something special for a special occasion. Research shows that bedroom furniture shopping continues to dominate the home décor market in the UAE, with a close to 28% share, followed by kitchen furniture. Psychological experiments show that homes that decorate for a festival are rated as more sociable and warm towards guests.

This doesn’t mean that every occasion is an excuse to splurge on unnecessary items. Here is how to decorate while maintaining a budget.

1. Invest, don’t splurge:

It’s tempting to buy festival-themed décor on sales and promotions. However, when shopping for décor for an occasion, it is possible to buy what you are likely to continue using even after the festival.
Pick one item for which you will have long-term use – if you want to replace your old mattress, or get new curtains or sofa for the living room, take advantage of the offers during a festival sale.

2. Mix the old with the new:

Wanting a new look for the home does not mean doing away with all the other items. Identify the items you want to continue having in your home because of their high quality, or sentimental value, and include them in your new theme.
If you change the look and feel while retaining some of the older pieces, work with prints, or combination colors.

3. Rotate what you have:

Your home doesn’t have to wear all its accessories at the same time. Store away some items that you can bring out later – an older set of curtains and cushion covers, wall décor, or sculptures and vases can be reused.
Rotation works in different rooms too. Mixing and matching these can make a room look fresh and new. Change lamp shades, not lamps.

4. Mark the occasion:

Whether you are marking #Ramadan, #Eid, or a celebration in the family, work with one central item. For instance, a carpet or calligraphic art can be a centerpiece, while you use tea lights, lamps, or napkins as accents.
Shop from a store that you always wanted to shop from during a markdown or a sale so you have something you want at a price that you are comfortable with.

5. Add some green:

Plants are great for changing the look of any space, while bringing a little bit of nature into the room. Seasonal flowering plants are great additions to keep your space looking fresh and different.
Check out the UAE’s municipal plant nurseries to get saplings, plants, or trees that are suitable for the climate.
The holy month is an occasion for togetherness and sharing. Here is how to maintain your budget during Ramadan.

Have your say…

What are your top décor tips? Join the moneysmart community to share your secrets!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication does not constitute financial, legal, tax, medical, or other specialized advice, an offer, or a solicitation for an offer. The content provided is not intended to be a substitute for the counsel of a qualified professional who is aware of your specific circumstances, facts and individual needs. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with your own independent, qualified, and licensed professional advisor. You are solely responsible for all decisions, actions, and results based on your use of the information provided. We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this communication.