It doesn’t really cost much to change the appearance of a small space whether it is a bedroom or a lounge or study.  Just a few colourful cushions, rugs and lampshades and you are on the way to brighten up your space. Just work out a colour scheme that is fresh, modern and that you like.  For instance – cream, burnt orange, and grey make a good combination. Or black, white and yellow.  Keep it simple with fresh modern colours but make sure there is one that will add that ‘pop’ of colour.  Black, white and greys are very comforting, make the space look clean, bright and light but without a colour edge, it will not feel like a home.  Lets take this combination as an example (but you should choose colours that please you and that will compliment with your sofa, bed linen etc) –  Cream/white, grey, burn orange and taupe.  Purchase new 2 new textured cushions :  K-mart and Spotlight currently have some cushions for under $30 and some under $20.

Now you need a big throw.  Try bright orange or grey,  if the orange is too much.  Check out Bed Bath ‘N Table  for huge selection of cushions and throws as well as bed linen.

Mr Fox throws by Harlequin  at $90 will took terrific.

If you have a large undecorated wall, you can purchase a large clock from K-mart for under $30 and a couple of large painting canvases – and I mean really large – 1m x 1m or larger.  You can buy these from reject shops for under $30 each. Then hop over to Spotlight or a curtain/material shop of your choice and buy a staple gun and some colourful material.  I found some material  recently decorated with large butterflies and another of elephants – they were on special at $5 a metre.  Just as long as they are more than 1m width, you can purchase as much as you need to cover the canvases.  Measure the canvas and then ask the shop assistant to cut the best size.

Here is my selection of fabrics.  I chose bold bright colours.  The yellow and grey of the elephant fabric will enhance any wall.  You will need to stretch them squarely over the canvas – use masking tape to place them and then use staple gun to secure them in place.  voilà – instant large, cheap artwork!

I’ll post some after photos later.  But for now image this great clock up on the wall and a couple of art works, a nice bright comfy rug (the popular shag rugs are amazingly good value at present.) and you have already made a big improvement on how your space looks.

Here is the clock I mean and you can even use a mirror strategically placed to make the room look larger and brighter.

this mirror I picked up in a Garage sale, cheap cheap!

I will post some before and after photos soon.  Good luck.