When decorating a home, there’s a time for doing things ‘properly,’ and a time for affordable quick fixes. As an interiors stylist, I often have to find makeshift solutions right in the middle of a photoshoot, and it has informed the way I approach my own DIY projects – with a make-do attitude instead of always thinking in terms of perfect and forever.
Here are two of my recent quick fixes plus a satisfying way to refresh old furniture, that requires minimal tools and DIY skills...
Effortless art
I’ve recently grown tired of two large prints that hang in my hallway, and until I find the perfect replacement (knowing me, this could take years) I have decided to fashion a fabulous placeholder. I rummaged around my collection of vintage scarves – many of which I’ve had for decades – and after steaming it, hung up one of my favourites.
A large silk scarf looks extra chic when framed, but I went even simpler and used two vintage curtain rings with clips, and within minutes I had some new ‘art’ hanging in a loose, flowing manner. The result is more gallery owner than art student, I promise.
Pretty textiles that make for instant artwork
My old-fashioned furniture hack
Go into any charity shop and you’ll find row upon row of solid wood furniture. The quality and condition can be quite brilliant and the shapes lovely – what usually lands these pieces in a charity shop is the dark, lacquered finish that feels heavy and old-fashioned.
Yet it is fairly simple to strip the varnish until the lighter wood beneath is revealed. There are plenty of online tutorials, but the gist of it is this: slather on a paint and varnish stripper, wait a bit, scrape it off, wipe away the excess and let it dry. Lightly sand before finishing with a sealant.
It takes a fair amount of time and elbow grease, but few tools and little real skill to achieve a natural finish.
No sew, no problem
In the past few years I’ve sewn from scratch many of the curtains now hanging in my bungalow. But I’ve also made some with no sewing required – using everything from tablecloths to pretty bed sheets and hammam towels to dress windows, cover washing machines, and even as shower curtains.
It’s simply a matter of adding curtain rings with a clip to the top of your fabric, and if the material is the same on both sides and long enough to allow it, I like to flip over a section at the top creating a pelmet of sorts. Make sure to coordinate your curtain rod with your rings for a refined finish – search Etsy for lovely vintage brass poles or try matt black for a more contemporary look.
• See more from Emily on Instagram (@lifeunstyled) or on her website, emilyhensonstudio.com.
