Caxton magazines staffLooking for ways to rejuvenate your home? Johannesburg interior decorator Joanne Roelofsz shares five clever ideas that won’t break the bank
1. CLAD ALL OVER
The owners of this TV room wanted a statement wall that would add warmth and texture. “As there was a damp problem there was no way we could use wallpaper,” explains Joanne. “Planks are readily available from timber yards and the installation was relatively simple. As the cladding needs no further maintenance, it was also a practical solution.”
2. MAKING A SPLASH
If your kitchen is lacking a focal point, consider making a feature of the splashback. Here Joanne used sandblasted glass which is both practical and attractive. “If you want to introduce colour or pattern, first apply a vinyl design to the back of the glass,” she advises. Installation is quick and easy.
3. SHADES OF GREY
Double-volume areas like stairwells can often look bare. Instead of a large expensive chandelier, Joanne cleverly hung a collection of five wire-framed cylindrical lampshades at different heights.
4. ON THE SURFACE
.jpg)
Although they’ve been around for a while, paint techniques are still an excellent way to update furniture like this mahogany bedroom suite. Instead of buying new furniture, Joanne suggested giving the existing bed and pedestals a washed paint effect. Joanne had the headboard deep buttoned to suit the new scheme and chose simple linen that won’t date quickly.
5. A FRAME UP
Metal-frame, built-in cupboards are the norm in most homes. However they can look rather dull and boring. To upgrade these Joanne fitted new spray-painted doors and disguised the metal frame with wooden columns which hide the hinges. Then she added a cross detail at the bottom with Supawood cladding. The addition of a cornice at the top now creates the impression of a stylish armoire.
