For the past five years I have drooled over a certain down-filled custom couch from Pottery Barn. I sit on it each time I am in the store, and following my wedding I went in and picked out the fabric, color and cushion style. Two weeks before actually shelling out the money for it I discovered I was pregnant. Needless to say, the money that was supposed to go for the couch went to furnishing my daughter’s nursery instead. Years later, I still don’t have my dream couch, but I still dream about it.
So what is the attraction? It is the versatility of the piece. It is classic, comfortable and functional. All criteria experts you should look for when investing in any piece of furniture. I have been told by a number of interior designers to look for items that have more than one purpose. For example, if you don’t like the look of your TV, consider getting an armoire or entertainment center that can hold the TV and act as a storage area.
If money is tight shopping for secondhand items and putting them to use in creative ways can be a cheap way to put a spin on an ordinary room. For instance, when I was in college I didn’t have enough money for a traditional coffee table; instead I used an antique trunk I found at a consignment store. Other great alternatives to a standard coffee table include, a cobbler’s bench, or you could simply add a piece of glass to an interesting base. The same idea can be applied to the bathroom where you could buy an old dresser and use it as a vanity with the sink installed in the top of it.
If you are looking for ways to update your existing furniture you could consider painting or refinishing certain pieces. For example, revitalizing an old sofa or chair is easy with fabric slipcovers. They give you the flexibility of mixing and matching colors from time to time, perhaps when the seasons change. Also, a chenille throw over the back of the sofa can make a big difference. Another tip I have found useful: using items such as do-it-yourself paint crackle kits on furniture–it is an affordable way to freshen up an older piece.
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