Recession chic is all about being creative

Times may be hard but you can still make your home über-stylish on a budget; five interior designers describe how

FOR MANY people the days of handing over a small fortune for the latest German engineered operating-theatre-style kitchen (complete with island big enough for open heart surgery) or cutting-edge diningroom suite are over.

As the realities of the economic downturn bite, recession chic has taken hold but it doesn’t mean quite the same as it did in previous recessions.

This time around we’ve had too much exposure to boom-time interiors to go back to crocheting throws and swan doilies from old scraps of wool. We’re now looking for sneaky, clever tricks to make our homes look über-stylish without having to file for bankruptcy.

Interior designer Jenny Bogan says a smaller budget means people have to rely more on their creativity.

“What I see emerging is more individual design rather than prescriptive looks presented by interior suppliers,” says Bogan. “Clients are taking more time to explore more simple and unusual possibilities instead of splashing for the sake of it. Design does not need to be dull or boring by any means. It is moving back to a less-is-more approach and is less flash.”

So how do we do recession chic? We asked five interior designers for tips.

ANNE MARIE MACKEN

‘IT’S time to think outside the box. Many of us don’t have the luxury of moving home but need extra space. Storage is always at a premium, so why not think about having dual-purpose rooms? I recently created a library for a client by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving on a previously unused wall in his WC.

“Advice on space planning from a designer on adapting your space to your changing needs can save money in the long run.

“It’s good to think green. Look in antique and second-hand shops for well-made chairs, tables and storage units, which can often be purchased at a bargain price but don’t forget to ask for a discount.

“There’s a revival of 1960s and 1970s furniture. I’m particularly fond of Danish and Scandinavian designs made by quality craftsmen – pieces with simple clean lines, that are made from solid materials, will fit into any décor.

“Be prepared to overlook scratches and chips as most of these items can be restored to their former glory at a reasonable cost.

“And mix it up. As long as you balance colour and scale, mismatched items, like diningroom chairs, dishes and accessories can actually enhance a room’s décor. Simply moving around your seating, tables and accessories can give an instant face-lift to a room.

“If moving into your first home, don’t feel pressurised into decorating your entire place at once.

“Decorate those rooms that you use the most either to entertain or relax, ie, your livingroom, bedroom/bathroom.”

JENNY BOGAN

‘IF YOUR budget doesn’t stretch to tiles on all walls in your bathroom, use a simple neutral tile around the bath and shower area. Then bring some unexpected drama to a traditionally plain cold room by adding a fun colourful wallpaper to the other walls. Choose vinyl wallpapers where possible. Tektura has a fantastic range of washable wallpapers for the commercial market which have a high standard of durability.

“Behind the basin you need a waterproof splashback. Measure the width of the basin and height from the basin to the shelf or mirror for some toughened glass. The glass should have two small holes in the upper corners in order to hang it on the wall. Finish with some clear silicone to seal the lower edge on top of the basin.

“Stick to plain neutral cloths and simple shapes on big spends, such as couches and curtains.These will be your long term investment pieces. You can add colourful or printed trend accessories to change the look of your room every couple of years at a relatively low cost.”

GREGORY CURRAN

‘AVOID MAGNOLIA like the plague and don’t believe anyone who says it’s making a comeback. Also avoid pure white, it works well in the Mediterranean climate but not so well in ours. Off white and warm white are a more forgiving choice.

“When buying a staple piece, like a sofa, try not to follow a trend. Choose a design classic that will last you for 20 or 30 years.

“Visit auction houses like Buckleys in Sandycove. You have to go regularly to pick up the gems but you need a lot of money to find a good sofa. Try not to be put off by the fabric, it can be recovered. If you’re looking for someone to recover a sofa, I’d recommend Bridget Cook (087 7734046).

“You can find old paintings and prints at auctions like Buckleys, and often the frames are quite good. It’s cheap to buy National Geographic and cut out a photograph using a Stanley knife. It can look quite outrageous in a big gilt frame.

“It’s surprising what you can find on websites like Jumbletown.ie and Dublinwaste.ie where people give away stuff for free. But you have to visit them regularly to find the good stuff.

“If you’re buying furniture in a store, ask for a discount. Don’t be shy, most will give it to you. And after all, all they can say is ‘no’.”

LIZ LACUMBER

‘IF YOU want to replace your old, tired kitchen, wooden presses look great when carefully painted using small rollers and fine brushes. A simple change of counter top, tiles and door handles complete the look. If removing tiles is a concern, carefully paint them. Tile paints come in limited colours but any colour can be mixed in a satinwood finish and this is equally effective.

“For a classier paint job, a good tip is to make sure to paint vents and radiators in the same colour as the wall. Pre-finished MDF wardrobe doors can look mainstream and cheap. While getting replacement mirrored doors can be very effective, a less expensive option is to treat the doors with Primer 123 (no sanding needed) and paint in a washable flat acrylic paint. Choose a colour that tones with your scheme or paint in the exact same colour as your walls to make your bedroom look bigger.”

MILO FITZGERALD

‘MOST OF us have too much junk, our lives – and minds – are cluttered, so get rid of it. Join forces with a friend and help de-clutter each other’s spaces. The result will be amazing.

“Paint is cheap. It can be applied to almost any surface, gives new life to an old table, cupboard or cabinet and lifts even the dullest of rooms. It can expand or shrink a space, creating an atmosphere that can lift us or calm us down.

“Remove all items, pictures and hooks from walls, take mirrors down, and move furniture from its normal place. When finished, stand back and do NOT put things back where they were, instead take your time, try things in a different spot – see how suddenly something dull, a picture or object, comes to life. For all the help you could ever need with paint go to MRCB in Cornmarket, Dublin 8.

“Curtains don’t have to be expensive. Think sheer fabric with a coloured lining or backing cloth. To find something out of the ordinary at amazing prices, visit Murphy Sheehy, Castle Market, Dublin 2 (01-677 0316).

“Here you will find colours to inspire you and, if you can’t sew, phone Angie Lee (01-490 2307).”

Staple gun staples

TO DITCH the outdated valance sheet, why not buy some fabric to match your bedroom colour scheme and staple it to the base of the bed? Bed bases are light and usually come in two parts so for best results remove mattress, staple fabric along the horizontal edge at the top of the base and then turn the base over to secure the fabric, using a staple gun underneath the bed. This way no staples will be visible and a professional finish is ensured.

WHY NOT freshen up chairs by removing old seat pads and staple new fabric on to change your colour scheme or create a new look.

UPHOLSTERED HEADBOARDS can be expensive but look fantastic. To create your own buy chipboard from a DIY store (for a king size bed have it cut to 5ft 6ins by 4ft). Buy fabric and upholstery foam cut to the same size from an upholstery company. Place foam onto board and wrap fabric over the top. Secure at back of headboard with staple gun. Tip: Most fabrics are 54ins wide. To keep costs down and avoid having to sew seams, choose a plain or multi-directional fabric that can be draped sideways.

CREATE AN arty notice board by covering a piece of chipboard in a funky fabric using your staple gun.

WANT A fairy-lit patio for the perfect summer’s evening party but can’t ever display the lights properly? For a reference guide, lay the fairy lights along the ground of the desired location. Staple small hooks to your garden fence intermittently, hanging the lights up as you go. Leave the hooks in situ for fast patio decorating next time around.

– Tips by Liz LaCumber