Ask a designer: creating a bold, black and white home by adding textiles and cushions.
“What are some ways that I can improve my home without spending a lot of money?". When interior designer Mia Gustafsson created this bold family apartment, sticking to a tight budget was her top priority. From furnishing with simple basics to accessorising with light, she shares some of the money-saving ideas that brought this home to life.
Black and white staples as the starting point
With this home, Mia decided to go all in and embrace black and white in every room across the home, from the furniture to the floors and even the walls. And while trends may come and go, this bold, classic colour combination will hold its own for seasons and seasons to come.
A frugally-furnished apartment that feels warm and full of life. Interior designer Mia Gustafsson explains how you can create the same effect in your home.
The power of textiles in living room
To soften up the straight lines and square shapes of the furniture, and add in some texture, Mia worked in layers of different textiles with the lowest possible price tags. In the living room for instance, there’s a playful mix and match of cushions on the sofa, and a collage of recycled-cotton TIPHEDE rugs covering the floor.
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No one quite like you, no home quite like yours
One of the most beautiful and original things you can add to your home is your own personal story – which you can show for next to nothing. Throughout the home, particularly on storage solutions, like cabinets, Mia displayed different collections of things that the people living here care about. Family photos, flea-market finds, travel souvenirs and hand-me-down treasures: they really give this home a loved and lived-in feeling.
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Last, but not least: lighting
The same law applies for both selfies and home furnishing... good lighting is everything! Mia really believes it’s one of the most underrated and wallet-friendly ways to give your home an instant makeover. The trick is to combine several light sources for different purposes in each room: like a pendant lamp that illuminates the whole room, or a floor lamp that makes reading more comfortable because you can direct the light onto your book.
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