Small home improvement efforts can refresh the look of your home just as effectively

 HAFIZ RASID

YOU would not think twice about buying a blouse or pair of pants to jazz up your wardrobe, so why not give your home a mini makeover to transform its vibe?

Start the ball rolling by making small changes over a period of time. Mr Don Wong, a designer at Lush Interior Design, says that homeowners should not feel shy or intimidated to approach an interior design firm for projects that may seem small.

“Share what you have in mind with interior designers. They can come up with cost-effective suggestions to meet your renovation goals,” he says.

If your finances allow it, consider changing your decor every three to five years.

But Mr Wong says it is best to spend prudently.

“There is no point in financing something you cannot afford,” he says. “When you feel that it is time for a new look and you have the budget for it, go for a renovation.”

ENGAGE AN EXPERT

A smaller budget need not mean a smaller impact. According to Mr Wong, an experienced interior designer should be able to highlight key elements in your home that need attention, such as the lighting and wall colour, to maximise its visual appeal.

“Interior designers know how to use materials, furnishings and fixtures to create a coordinated look. They are also trained in managing costings and timelines to ensure that your home is finished to your liking without hiccups down the road,” he says.

CREATING IMPACTFUL CHANGES

Mr Wong recommends making changes to your wall colour, lighting, as well as furniture and home accessories to refresh the look of your home quickly and impactfully.

Repainting the walls of your room with a new colour scheme is a good way to give it a new lease of life.

For lighting, work with what you have. Interior designers can recommend design options to complement or augment your current lighting. Replace existing lighting fixtures only if you have a bigger budget.

Furniture and home accessories would also provide great design accents. Mr Wong recommends adding items such as a beanbag, ottoman, stool or armchairs in bold hues.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Before you commit to a design package, ask your interior designer:

1. Do you have a speciality?
Are you after a home that is all industrial chic? Some firms may not specialise in that style. Mr Wong advises checking the design firm’s portfolio to ensure that its design aesthetic matches your vision.

2. How much will it cost?
Different decor styles come at various prices. It is best to discuss the budget in advance with your design consultant.

3. Will the decor suit my lifestyle?
Aesthetics are important, but so are practical matters. For instance, homeowners with young kids will want to think about buying child-friendly furniture such as those with no sharp corners.

For homeowners living with the elderly, nonslip floor surfaces and support handles in the bathroom would make good safety measures.

4. How long will the makeover take to complete?
Revamping your home may not take as long as renovating it, but it is best to have an estimate of the time required for it. Procedures such as wall-painting and retrofitting would take much longer compared to the moving of furniture.

5.What are the after-sales services provided?
Check with design consultants if they offer after-sales warranties for their products and services. Some replacement costs could be charged even within the warranty period.