Once you pick the most outstanding furniture pieces, the rest should be easy.
Book cases, console tables and shelves can be made by local artisans.
Naseem is a firm believer of creating jobs this way, adding that this is a good way of also cutting costs.
Having a chic-looking home can be difficult, especially if you have a tight decorating budget. But there are ways—even on a budget— that you can get the luxurious look you dream of.
Interior designers believe that you do not have to spend a fortune on every piece for your home to look exquisite.
Naseem Omar of Nasimi Interiors, a furniture and furnishings shop in Nairobi, says invest in very luxurious beds or sofas that will stand out, then tone down on everything else in the rooms.
“These should not be bought in a rush because of the amount of time we spend on the couch and bed are long. Size, practicality, longevity, style and comfort are all things you should pay attention to before buying,” she says.
Once you pick the most outstanding furniture pieces, the rest should be easy.
“The rest you can play around with but you have to ensure that they complement the room,” says Naseem.
Book cases, console tables and shelves can be made by local artisans and Naseem is a firm believer of creating jobs this way, adding that this is a good way of also cutting costs.
“You have to be all hands on deck with this, make sure you give the carpenters the exact design you want by looking through Pinterest, for example, so that you get exactly what you want at an affordable price,” she says.
She adds that simple accessories can change the feel of the house.
Sarah Hinga of The Design Gallery, a Nairobi shop that stocks very elegant furniture agrees with this, saying that not everything in the house has to be expensive for the home to look elegant.
“Accessories like lampshades, throw pillows and wallpaper can change the look of any room when it is done right. All of these do not have to be expensive,” she says. Sarah says that lighting adds drama and romance for less money than what people think and the right coloured lamps can give the room an expensive look.
“Simplicity is key. Also important to note is that the accessories depend on the size of the room, so make sure everything is not cluttered,” says Sarah.
Even if you are on budget, Naseem adds that never buy cheap or poor quality items, especially those that could make your home look tacky.
“Rather than picking those small cheap pieces to fill the house, go for one expensive big piece that gives your home that wow factor,” she says.
An example of an affordable way to tweak your space is by rearranging furniture and introducing décor from other rooms in the house.
‘‘For instance, add a simple affordable chair in bedroom,” she says.
Carpets do not have to be expensive or bright, says Naseem. Pick a simple carpet that matches the couch and curtains.
“As you can see, we have simple carpets on the floor which cost about Sh15,000. Such a carpet does not take away from the elegance of the sofa,” she says.
Rather than jamming shelves full of knick-knacks, the Nasimi Interiors founder says that you could opt for a minimalist look.
“Several books arranged well, this could be upright or on top of each other along with tall vases fill the space without overcrowding it,” she says.
