We all like to get a new look into our homes and when the warm weather strikes the bug to re-decorate seems to bite.  The secret to creating a great room that you can makeover often is to get the ‘bones’ right for the room.  In these before pictures you can see the layout of the room is sparse, not utilizing the space properly and a great deal of thought hasn’t gone into the finishing touches of the room.  On the other hand the good quality couches in black leather means the room can take on many different looks.
The success of this makeover is

1. To create a certain look, in this case we are adding an Asian influence and
2. Not breaking the budget in accessories

The large couches were moved to create a more open feel and get rid of the corridor look from the hallway. It was important to stick to a simple colour scheme, with green and orange being the only new colours introduced so it means each addition makes its presence and not getting lost in the new-look.  We added an assortment of cushions with a mixture of texture, pattern and colour but sticking to the one colour, orange and the rest was a repeat of the black and white already in the room.  By sticking to the simple palette but using different patterns  such as stripes, flowers and squares means you are adding ‘texture’ and layers without creating an overload visually.
The artwork was a simple bold orange taken from the cushions and then the white wall art tile hung over the front.  The beauty of this is you can paint the canvas any colour you want, at any time and the wall tile can be moved around to other parts of the house if you want.
The wall tile theme was repeated as the table decoration.  A green runner was placed underneath to introduce a new colour into the room but also to highlight the pattern of the tile.  The tile acts as a decoration but also becomes one large table coaster.  The green colour is also repeated in the banana leaf dishes, which can be used as remote control holders and nuts dishes (at separate times of course!). To complete the setting we added a large Jute rug - the size of the rug links the couches visually and the neutral texture of the rug means it doesn’t take over the room.
The dining table in the same room just need a few touches to bring it up to the same level as the lounge.  Using the same runner as on the coffee table as a central colour and either side natural bamboo runners gives a link of colour and on the practical side these can be used as placemats on a daily basis.  A smaller square wall tile in the centre to be used as a decoration but also as a trivet for hot bowls and using small green side bowls when dining gives you the continuation of the theme and still with practicality in mind.
The final little extras such as candles, side lights and an Ancient Asian rice box (rescued from another room) used as magazine holder completes to the look of the room.

For the two rooms we spent just over $400.  We paid full price for some items but the majority were bought while on sale.  Think of your $400 as an ‘investment’.  Even if you only want the look for 12 months and want to update next spring, at $7.70per week for a makeover is money well spent. Think of what you waste weekly on take away coffees, weekly magazines or even a DVD rental, and you have to agree enjoying your surroundings on a daily basis far outweighs a fleeting cup of coffee.