Decorator Design Style

Question:
Should I re-cover my old sofa or buy a new one? It’s still in OK condition but the fabric is really dated and I’m not so sure of the style…

Answer

It is very important in making this decision to actually access a few points about the lounge. You should first ask yourself.

Is the shape and style of the lounge dated and old fashioned? Often old sofas had great big arms that took up a huge amount of space. It may have been your first purchase when you thought that weird shape was so trendy, or perhaps it was something that a family member gave you and you never really thought about it before.

Is the sofa comfortable and is it the right size for where you are going to position it now?

Remember you still have costs involved to reupholster, of fabric and labour. Labour will be approximately $800 depending on the style etc. Then you need to add the cost of your fabric and the pick up and delivery. Fabric cost could be anything from $45 per metre to $200 per metre and on average you will require about 18metres per lounge.

So whilst you think you may be saving money in recovering an old lounge it is only recommended if it still stylish and relates to your current needs. You may be making a better long term decision to purchase a new sofa that will be of a timeless design.

You want to really love something when it is delivered.

If you have your own question, please click here to: Ask Leigh

Australians have finally come of age with the new knowledge and confidence to mix styles together when selecting furniture. Eastern furniture is a perfect choice in giving your modern home or apartment that interesting eclectic look. This look really is wonderful in that it will never really date and you will find that over the years it will continue to fit into nearly any house you may move to. The perfect balance of Ying and Yang.

The pieces that fit so well into our current contemporary lifestyle tend to be pieces such as the TV cabinet or the “Wedding Cabinet” as it is traditionally known. This is the perfect example of using something traditional to house a modern day appliance. I know we now have fabulous Plasma and LCD TVs but for those of us that hate the look of a big black screen in the living or bedroom ( eg me) this is a perfect solution. You have choices to conceal the unit and also choices for those that still love to show off their new screen and to display your TV and hold your DVDs and CDS.

The fabulous colours of the black or Chinese red lacquer look amazing or for a warm look the elm is beautiful. They will often have large metal fittings in brass. Whilst antiques can be beautiful they are not always as functional as this. These newly made cabinets combine antique design with a more sensible price tag and usefulness.

Of course you can also add a few other pieces such as a coffee table or hang really large paintings of an Emperor and Empress on the wall.

Keep mixing, glass coffee tables can also float into the room adding yet another element and another dimension to this look.

Instantly the room is transformed, giving the impression that the home owner has traveled the world collecting interesting pieces over the years. Mix this with a stylish modern sofa and a few other large contemporary artworks and viola …you are far from boring, you will probably be considered an interesting stylish decorator!

When you start decorating you will have a million ideas I’m sure in your head, the key is working them together well. Setting up a mood board may assist you tremendously as it brings real clarity to visuals. The mood board will really define how the area is going to be.
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