12 easy STYLE UPDATES

Refresh your space with quick fixes and simple projects that won’t take any longer than a weekend

- LISA FAZZANI

1 ADD AN ACCENT FEATURE

Brighten up a living space by painting the inside of a window recess or around a door frame in a contrasting colour. Introducing a shot of bright accent colour like this is an easy way of highlighting a decorative feature, or can help create a focal point in a plain room that lacks architectural details.

2 MAKE YOUR OWN DESIGNER SHADES

Upcycle a rattan storage basket to make a designer-look lampshade. Remove any handles before spraying the basket matt black – try Spraymate Fast Drying Spray Paint – giving it two coats and allowing time to dry between each. Once dry, add your cable, light fitting and bulb, and hang. creativecables.co.za sells a range of fabric-covered cables and fittings.

3 TRY A HANGING HEADBOARD

Opt for an inexpensive headboard alternative in a spare room or guest bedroom. Simply fix a metal curtain pole above the bed and hang a pair of tie-top cushions to the pole. Suitable for a double bed or twin singles side by side, position the height so that the suspended cushions will give back support for when you’re sitting up in bed.

4 UPGRADE AN OLD WARDROBE

Give a tatty wardrobe a new look by replacing solid door panels with sheets of woven cane. Remove the old panels, then staple cane sheets to the backs of the doors. Keep the cane pulled taut while you staple, so it doesn’t sag.

5 CREATE A WINDOW SEAT