A Fast & Frugal Fix
Fallen in love with the pattern of kilo sale dress, but
it’s in the wrong size? Use the fabric to make a simple
cushion or table runner. If you’re feeling a bit more
ambitious, cover an old corkboard with material to make
a pinboard, or if you’ve been hoarding reams of fabric,
attempt your own curtains.
Soft furnishings are your friend! Quirky blankets, throws
and cushions are the simplest way to make a room
seem vintage and a great way to learn new sewing,
knitting and crocheting skills. They’ll be entirely original,
and you’ll have something fun to do in front of the telly
after work or college.
Addicted to that vintage filter on instagram? Turn your
favourite selfies into polaroid magnets using
Stickygram.com. Bonus points if you can source an
original, sherbet colour Smeg fridge to stick them on.
Upcycle suitcases for storage or stack to create as a
side table. There are plenty of these at Judy’s fairs, so
keep your eyes peeled. Whilst a really old case might
require some love and attention to restore it to former
glory, a quick google search will give you plenty of help.
If DIY is not your thing, check out oliverbonas.com for
his delightful wooden cases in a variety of sizes (see
image).
Make a display out of your best vintage buys by
investing in a cheap mannequin. It’s a great way of
storing jewellery or favourite clothing without having
to hide them away, and can make a great focal point
for a room. If your budget is super tight, you can even
make your own by creating a plaster cast of yourself
with paper mache (you might need a friend to help with
this, it can get messy!)
Old delivery pallettes or crates make quick shabby
chic bookcases when stacked appropriately. Line a
few sturdy ones up in a bay window to make a lovely
window seat, complete with foam padding as a cushion.
If you fancy cornering off some space in a room
to make an office area, why not try an old fashioned
Victorian screen? Decoupage tissue paper patterns on
to make it more unique and inject some colour into your
surroundings.
Distressing furniture can be as simple as some
sandpaper and subtle paint. Make sure you ask
permission first though!
Don’t worry about making everything too co-ordinated.
In kitchens especially, a vintage look can be achieved
easily with mismatched crockery. Keep an eye out at
Judy’s fairs for tea trays, tea pots and cup and saucer
combos.
Stay true to yourself – whilst ‘everything vintage’ might
earn you some hipster points, if you know you’re going
to feel scared to touch anything in your own house
because it’s so pretty and perfect, you are allowed to
cheat a little and use vintage as an inspiration rather
than a rule to live by.
Send your top homeware tips
or makeover pictures to us at
[email protected]
Bunting will brighten any room, especially if it’s
homemade to fit your chosen colour scheme. Experiment
with shapes, sizes and finishes to see what works best
for you.
How many times have you found
yourself scrolling through Pinterest or
your favourite blog, sighing with envy
at the pretty French bedrooms, 50s
kitchens and homely living rooms that
positively emanate expensive vintage
glamour? It can seem impossible to
replicate the things you see online in
your own home without some serious
savings and upheaval, and even less if
you’re renting and can’t afford to make
any permanent changes. But sigh no
more! We’ve put our heads together to
come up with our top tips to inject a little
vintage vigour into the place you call
home, suitable for any budget. Enjoy!
By Jenessa Williams
26
Fairy lights are super cheap and give a room a comforting
glow. Cover paper expresso cups in fabric and poke a
hole in the bottom to sit your lights in. Tres chic!
Lots of white space will break up