Megh Rahman |
Released:
Apr 16, 2022 3:50:56 PM
| Updated:
Apr 18, 2022 4:40:11 PM
Have you ever thought that after a lanky, tiring day, as you waddle into your house, to your greatest surprise, you start to feel more tired?
This mess and dinginess can bring about a change in your psyche. A tidy, organized home is sure to change your mood in no time. Not only can it boost your mood, but it can also improve your sleep cycle, cause fewer germs, make you more productive, reduce the chance of allergies and asthma attacks, and more.
These were just the lucky breaks of a tidy home. Here comes the hardest part: how to own this? Well, you’re probably screaming that there are tons of hacks out there. But what if you have a champagne taste on a beer budget?
The trinkets displayed in the mall are expensive. However, you don’t have to give up the idea of decorating your home just because you’re on a budget.
Even if you reckon that cheap home accessories could undermine your ambiance, you are going in the wrong direction. Rather, it should show how efficiently and resourcefully you use the resources you possess.
Buckle up as we spoke to people interested in coming up with some sensible decorating ideas without breaking the bank.
Nasima Islam is a senior teacher at Milestone Preparatory KG School. In a chat with the author, she explained things that she never forgets when decorating her room.
“Who doesn’t love flowers? Flowers can certainly lift your spirits with their bright colors and enchanting scent. I’d rather drop a few bucks at the florist to get the elegant look I want than spend a ton on expensive ones.”
“While sharing decorating ideas with others,” the cheerful flower lover continued, “the first thing I ask them to do is put on a bright color like bright orange, yellow, or pink.” Since I prefer a minimalist look, I’m not particularly attracted to gaudy and huge things.”
The living room of Nasima Islam
For decorating the living room, all you need is a TV and a Pinterest-worthy sofa with cushions and a few green leaves here and there, Nasima says.
Nazma Rahman, a housewife from Shantinagar, Dhaka, claims relatives call her the DIY (Do It Yourself) queen.
“I believe that art has the power to transform, educate, inspire and motivate. I’m hanging some plates in my bedroom that I painted a while ago. All you need is some paint and plates,” says Nazma, who is in charge of the interior design.
Then comes the genius part, as Nazma adds: “Show your creativity and hang them in an assortment and see the instant change.” Search YouTube for asymmetrical mandala painting and you will find countless tutorials on how to do it.”
It’s chic decor that’s growing in popularity, and it’s better than a blank wall, she thinks.
“Let me tell you a bonus trick. If you want to add some drama to your room, just add a giant mirror and let it do the work. Well, to make it more Instagram-worthy, opt for the sunburst mirror. Not only is it quick and easy, but it is also an inexpensive way to decorate your living room, bedroom or even office space.”
“And if I don’t want to lose a single dollar, I completely change and replace the layout to eliminate the tedium of my apartment,” she chuckles.
Those who are not good at DIY projects, what should they do? Nazma makes it easy – all you need are vibrant colors and a canvas.
“Drip some colors and create any pattern you can think of. Here you reserve your room. Known today as abstract painting, this work of art has no prescribed method or pattern.”
Nazma also shared with the author her fondness for fairy lights, as in her words, “Fairy lights work like magic after dawn.”
Fatema Fazrin Oishi, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Bank, thinks otherwise while beautifully decorating her space.
“I believe in recycling. Furniture is expensive these days. I will change the covers and fabrics on my sofa or the curtains in two to three years to add some variety and color to my room.”
Oishi’s bedroom with fairy lights.
“I hung a wind chime where the air circulates. Its slight tingling creates a positive aura throughout my room. I prefer lighter colors for my bedrooms and lighter ones for the living room and dining area.”
Lighter colors like peach or lilac will brighten up your room and make you brighter and happier, while the lighter color will show how confident you are. Oishi has also hung some dream catchers here and there which make for a delightful sight.
Another housewife, Luchi Rahman, loves it when her home has a bit of Bengali flair. Walking around her home, the author couldn’t miss a few of them – a cane sofa, colorful shotoronji, clay displays, lots of greenery, and hurricanes.
They think it’s up to us to keep our culture alive.
“Nowadays, social media is influencing us to decorate our homes western style, but I love our heritage and culture,” she said.
To give your home a vintage look, place a colored hurricane lantern on a table. Buy some clay exhibits from the local fair and it will bring a Bengali raw vibe.
“You can hang plants or floral wreaths like I did to achieve proportion. Bonus trick – placing green plants on multiple tiers will frame your space to make it appear larger.”
“Hang some money plants here and there. These plants are an ornament for your home. Little tiny cacti lying around will look great. Blue daisy, monstera deliciosa, agheb, spiderplant, euphorbia, adenium, zebrina, pencil cactus, rain lily, oxalis, ice plant, English ivy are some must-have greenery for your space,” Ms. Luchi explained.
Luchi also planted some vegetables on her balcony. She has a mini vegetable garden in her hallway that gives her healthy veggies along with freshness.
The decoration of the room is entirely up to you. You don’t need an interior designer or expensive furnishings. Design the way you prefer. It’s fine if you’re on a tight budget, but you can certainly fake it until you get there.
The author is a third year student pursuing her BBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Dhaka University.
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