Glass Age

Beachy Scene

Picture Perfect

Quick Reviver

Light ’n’ Airy

Straight 'n' Narrow

Put away the credit card – here are some great low-cost ways to give your home personality.

GLASS AGE
Glass adds a special magic all its own – and because it has a feeling of weightlessness and looks almost invisible, it’s a perfect match for delicate ornaments that deserve to be the centre of attention.

BEACHY SCENE
You don’t need the ocean lapping outside your door to capture a sun-bleached seaside feeling. With a few strategic furnishings, you can set the mood yourself wherever you live and whatever the season – as Jodie Holmes did here with pieces from Seaside Creative and a perfect contemporary painting by Jules Fox. www.seasidecreative.com.au

PICTURE PERFECT
If you have a poetic nature – and an obligingly old-world windowsill – it won’t take much effort to create a wistful little scene like this. Drape some pretty vintage linen, a pillowslip or teacloth perhaps, then line up a few painted pots. Pop a small scented candle in each one for even more ambience.

QUICK REVIVER
Paint behind shelves in a colour to suit your furnishings then display a collection of interesting pieces to make a dramatic feature in a room that
needs a fast and economical pick-me-up.

SUPPORT ACTS
The humble shelf comes into its own when displaying favourite pieces.

LIGHT ’N’ AIRY
Every kitchen needs a shelf or two, but there’s no reason to stick with the everyday. For a modern twist that’s a certain showstopper, store your drinkware on a glass shelf well above head height, then install a light to shine through and give the area a brilliant sparkle.

STRAIGHT ’N’ NARROW
A narrow shelf unit is a decorative – and practical – asset in any room, but
really shines in the kitchen where it can hold an assortment of bright items. Look out for a retired bathroom cabinet that can be simply refurbished, attached to the wall with beading and painted to match the wall.