Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alun is a man. And his flat is "too manly", says his new female flatmate, who harbours makeover urges in a Calamity Jane style (where Doris Day's cowgirl shack gets a girlie gingham spruce-up). The main concern? Bare walls. Big bare walls. Small budget. Tips?
Shelve it
To fill a bare corner, I had wonky box shelves built – different sizes and depths. Painted to match the wall, the effect is sculptural and, MDF-made by a builder, cheap too. Or try cubit-shop.com
Off-piste tiling
Away from the kitchen/bathroom, tiled walls are striking. Mismatched means more affordable, so pick odd tiles (one colour but different thicknesses) or mix patterns in the same palette. Try eBay.
Feature walls can look passé
The "books" wallpaper from deborah bowness.com, however... wow (£173 per generous drop). Or make a patchwork of favourite samples, but limit the palette.
Use what you have
Odd plates (above, portmeirion.co.uk, from £9.75), record sleeves or cherished postcards and photos: for the latter, place in frames of the same type/colour for cohesion and build a grown-up collage.
Paint your own decoration
Pippajamesoninteriors.co.uk suggests painting a loose, random pattern in favourite colours on a giant canvas.
Purse-friendly portraits
Think you can't afford a large likeness? Try paperface.co.uk – from £299 for a quirky, collaged commission or surfaceview.co.uk for Old Masters.
Flower power
Vandaprints.com sells gorgeous repro antique botanical prints from £15-£100. Create your own wallpaper by pasting up a selection.
Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.blogspot.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments