There’s a new look starting to emerge in home decor stores; its a colourful, Gypsy-like style that reminds me a bit of the pshycodelic ’70s era.
Bright colours, bold prints and flea market style is like taking grandma’s furniture and giving it new perspective; imagine a Victorian chaise lounge reupholstered with a high-tech fabric, or an old Queen-Anne dresser being painted high gloss pink. This sort of decorating can help add a lot of character to a bland interior and also inject antique-shapes with a modern esthetic. Many of the home and fashion retailers have this look; Anthropologie, Pier1, Elte and Urban Outfitters are just a few culprits. Its mixing the best of antiques with the contemporary trends of tomorrow.
With yard sales and flea markets just around the corner, its a great time to scout for vintage decorative pieces that you can give new life to. Its not only a green and chic way to decorate, it also a great way to have a customized look in your home and save some money.
Here are a few fun projects that you can take on.
Paint an old dresser: Use high-gloss paint to add shine with a high-fashion paint colour like dark grey or bright yellow and attach new hardware for character.
Transform vintage drapery fabrics into pillows and a bedskirt for the bed. Need a sewer? Ask the local drycleaners, inquire at a fabric store or call your grandma.
Add a modern shade to an old lamp. Places like Walmart and Zellers have incredible lampshapdes for sale; I suggest embellishing them with a simple strip of ribbon or glueing bright silk flowers for the bohemian look.
Re-frame funky artwork with an up-to-date frame. An alternative would be to paint the existing frame with a splash of colour.
Things to look for at yard sales
Birdcages: Turn into a lamp, grow plants in them, attach to wall as storage.
Camel back sofas: The curvy shapes are trendy but remember to re-upholster in a funky fabric rather than anything traditional.
