Low-cost decor
Budget tips from Jacinthe Leroux, designer and host of Faites-nous la cour, broadcast on Canal Vie.
- Buying smart.
Combining inexpensive finds with a few more expensive elements (a custom piece of furniture, for example) creates a chic décor without spending too much. - Look for bargains.
In supermarkets, clearance stores, classified ads, etc., you can find discounted brand-name products from previous seasons, end-of-series items, unsold items and display models. In this house, for example, the kitchen countertop is a board that was previously used to refine cheese, and the bedding, taken from an elegant collection, was acquired at half price. - Make the most of paint.
Painting a wall a dark shade adds style and depth. Color can also be used to harmonize disparate pieces of furniture. - Focus on entry-level products.
For some materials, such as white ceramic subway tiles, there’s no real difference in quality between brands. So choose the most affordable option. - Elbow grease.
Doing the work yourself saves you a lot of money. Start by equipping yourself with the basic tools. If need be, you can learn a few rudiments by asking someone you know for advice. The same goes for sewing: you don’t need to be an experienced seamstress to make cushion covers or straight curtains. - Get inspired.
Virtual bulletin boards like Pinterest are full of cool budget ideas.