Challenge. Create a cosy reading area for under $100

Although I love minimalist design when it is pulled off correctly, I am not someone who can live without a bit of clutter in my life. Many other student friends often ask me to help them make their homes more cosy. When renting this can be problematic as you don't want to have to rent 3 trucks everytime you move. In a share house situation it is even trickier as you may be limited to one room to put your stamp on.

My challenge this week is to create something with crazy fabric and colour so I can get that busy cosy feel, in a small space without having to spend a fortune on materials. I have chosen to begin with a chair.

Step 1

Source a FREEBIE or super cheap item to overhaul

There are so many places to find a bargain.

Try your local Vinnies or another charity store. Although prices have certainly risen over the past few years, you can still find some amazing bargains.

Another source for my projects is FaceBook. Most local areas now have Buy, Swap and Sell sites, or FREE-CYCLING groups. Buy swap and sell sites are also a great place to sell your projects if you are looking to make a bit of cash!

I found this Parker Furniture Chair for the bargain price of $20 on a local But, Swap, Sell site. I did some research (yep... I googled it) and found that in good condition they sell for upwards of $150-$200. This one smelled of cat urine, thus the bargain. But I am going to reupholster it so the smell is not an issue.

Step 2

Choose some fabric

If your project is going to require upholstery, choose some fabric. I like to search the bargain bins for the end of rolls. For this project I picked some funky NewYork fabric from the bargain bin at Spotlight. It only cost me $6 a metre so I bought 3 metres, more than what I needed!!

Step 3

Choose your paint

You can buy sample pots of paint from your local hardware from as little a $6.00. The best thing is you will be able to complete a few projects with just one pot! I've been stocking up slowly and now have a plethora of colours to work with. I am going to use British Paints High Alert for this project as i think the bright yellow will complement the fabric and by the time I am done the chair will be unrecognisable!

Next time....... preparing your project.

#Paint #colour #shopping #trash #furniture