I really like the expression “chic within reach” because most of us don’t have a big decor budget, yet we do have huge expectations. We all want our homes to be stylish and chic. We want it to look like we spent a lot; but actually want to get ‘The Look’ quite affordably. Here are a few “do’s and don’ts” to help you put chic within your reach – without going overboard on spending.

DON’T buy mass produced cheap art. There are alternatives! Frame your kids’ art (or yours). Frame your photos. Support your local art scene by purchasing from an up and coming, young artist. Also, many art schools have end of the year ‘art sales’ featuring the students’ work at great prices. Maybe the piece you buy will be from the next “Warhol”.

DO go big. Small trinkets can look cheaper. Bigger says plenty and luxury. Buy big fluffy cushions, large floor vases, big candles, statement sculpture and so on.

DON’T hang heavy curtain. Heavy draperies cost a lot but don’t always say chic. Go light and breezy; use lightweight fabrics with generous proportions.

DO little things that make a big difference. Buy new lampshades. Hang new shower curtain. Use plush towels. Go high end on these things – don’t skimp. Quality details scream chic.

DON’T throw away every old item. Revamping and re-purposing are great ways to add style on a budget. I saw a big glass jar with a string of Christmas lights inside being used as a lamp. It was lovely (and chic). Before you toss, reconsider. Will paint fix it? How about new upholstery? How can you use something in a new way?

DON’T overlook paint. Paint the backs of your bookcases a different colour. Paint your ceilings something other than white (lavender is the latest). Paint your walls two colours – add a chair rail. These are simple changes that can say stylish.

DO splurge sometimes. When you fall in love with something beautiful, buy it. Train your eye to know what will add real character and chic to your home – and when you see it – own it. A whole room can be based around a spectacular headboard or piece of art or rug or armoire. Invest wisely and you will enjoy it for a lifetime.

Finally, DO come see the Salon line now at Stoney Creek Furniture. You DON’T want to miss this fabulous style and value! The industry is buzzing about this gorgeous line of furniture that is incredibly chic, at a “within reach” price point.

Lori Negrinotti, Merchandise Manager at Stoney Creek Furniture, had this to say about the Salon collection: “I personally am drawn to the overall design and collection because it offers simplistic elegance. This collection will never lose its beauty on the wave of a trend and is versatile enough to take on different looks depending on how it is dressed. I declare it a classic and it’s just hitting our showroom!”

The Salon line is debuting at Stoney Creek Furniture right now. Come in and be wowed. The quality, uniqueness and timelessness of this line will leave you awed. It defines Chic within Reach!

Tags: decor, Furniture, trends