Dirham-friendly decor

Programmes such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition depress me. My home, which, prior to the show, I would have lovingly described as ‘minimalist', becomes the object of severe criticism.

In the wake of this inspection, a frustrating conclusion follows — only Ty Pennington and a million dirhams could ever transform my dreary abode into a luxurious pad.

But according to UAE-based interior design experts, I am wrong.

Julie Johnsen, an interior designer at City Palace in Dubai, believes that with careful planning and a bit of imagination, it is possible to create a stylish home without spending too much.

“Before you change anything, go through magazines and cut out pictures of similar-sized rooms you like,'' she says.

“Invent a personality for the space you want to decorate and think of adjectives you would like used to describe the room when it's done.''

Irina Rudsrud, a freelance UAE-based interior designer, says home furnishing stores can be used as a source of inspiration.

“Study in-store displays,'' she says. “Choose a display that matches your style concept. Then make notes on the type of furniture and accessories the store has used.''

Money matters

Rudsrud believes that once you have selected a theme, your next step should be to set a realistic budget. “Use in-store prices to guide you on the cost of items,'' she says.

According to Johnsen, it is a good idea to invest in key features.

“Approximately 70 per cent of the budget should go on fittings, as these can increase the property's value,'' she says.

“Bathrooms and kitchens are always crucial selling points. Changing the cabinet doors or door handles in these rooms can make a big difference.

"To add an element of interest, swap the conventional floor and wall tiles in these for more unusual ones. There is a great selection of affordable ceramic tiles available at Dragon Mart.''

A potential decorating minefield is the choice of colour. For those who want to play it safe, neutral colours are the best.

But if you want to introduce colour into your home, it is important to follow some basic rules. “If you are painting one area of the room in a pastel shade, you must paint the others in pastel shades too,'' Johnsen says.

“It is important to use complementary shades,'' says Dragana Cemalovic, an interior designer at RedFox Interior Design. “If you are unsure of which shades match, use a colour palette for reference.''

One-wall trend

Those on a stringent budget should avoid the latest colour trends, as they will soon get outdated, Rudsrud says.

“If you want to incorporate a trendy element into your room, select one wall and then paint or paper it in a contemporary colour,'' she says. “That way, you can update it each year.''

When it comes to choosing furniture, Rudsrud says it is better for the core furniture, including beds and sofas, to be as plain as possible.

“This gives the space a neutral backdrop,'' she says. “The soft furnishings — namely cushions and rugs — can be the focal point. Because these smaller items can be changed on a regular basis, they can be used to reflect contemporary trends.''

With the resurgence of retro designs, old furniture that has been revamped is becoming a popular choice, Johnsen says.

“The furniture of the 1960s was of good quality,'' she explains. “Using old furniture that has been re-upholstered adds an interesting edge to a room's overall decor.''

To create a homely, personal atmosphere, well-chosen finishing touches are essential. “Rugs make a room feel cosy,'' Johnsen says. “If you can increase your budget, Persian rugs are a stylish option.''

Accessories and artwork purchased while on foreign trips are a great way to individualise a home.

“The most stylish contemporary homes are a blend of old and new elements,'' Rudsrud says. “A personal touch gives a home character and a personality.''

Given my love for travel, perhaps my humble abode is not beyond saving.