Ask the designer

Interior designer Deirdre Coleman of Escale Design, Co Clare answers your questions Email: [e-mail]

Q I HAVE just bought my first home and have very little left over to decorate. how can I achieve a designer look without the price tag?

A. Start by taking another look at items you already own to see what you can reinvent, re-upholster or refinish instead of buying new. You can turn plain cushions into an eye-catching accent by stencilling simple designs on them. Custom framing, upholstery and painting are among the biggest budget busters, so do it yourself and stick to standard off-the-shelf items where possible. Think like a designer by snagging a bargain on slightly imperfect or display models, as well as checking out thrift stores, auctions and salvage yards. Consider using household items, or even found objects as unexpected accessories — such as a stack of vintage books or seashells.

Q. I have a stack of old family photos in a box and would love to display them a little differently in my home — any ideas?

A. Family photos are fantastic for decorating, but you don’t have to stick to boring frames. Some alternative display ideas include hanging them from a wire framework or cord with clothes pegs like laundry. Create a chic collage by hanging a selection of same-sized black and white photos in identical frames in a grid on a grey wall. While a picture rail or shelf will keep your family snaps in line and make your composition more gallery-like. For something a little more fun, try covering a lampshade with some of your favourite photos.

Q. How do I give a grotty old bedside table a new lease of life?

A. Simply repainting will give it a whole new look. First sand it down thoroughly using fine sandpaper. If it’s unpainted, check to see if there are any knots in the wood – and apply a coat of knotting solution if so. Next clean the surface using a little white spirit and a lint-free cloth and apply a coat of primer and leave to dry. Finally apply two coats of water-based acrylic paint — which dries quicker and has less of an odour than solvent-based ones — and update the knobs if necessary.

Q. I’m replacing my pine headboard and would love to go for something a bit more stylish. Any suggestions?

A. Rather than replacing an outdated headboard, consider upcycling it with a slipcover made from a piece of material, or even an old flat bedsheet that matches your bedroom décor. Alternatively, try getting rid of your headboard and replacing it with a grid of small light-weight mirrors to add a bit of glam to your bedroom. Reclaimed doors, wooden shipping pallets or picket fence can all double up as a dramatic headboard. Or add a splash of colour to a muted bedroom by hanging your favourite painting at the head of the bed instead, taking care to hang it high enough so the pillows don’t rest against the canvas.