Turn bad features into good design

Chances are that sooner or later there are going to be a few likes and dislikes when buying a new home. While some are easily fixed, others can be disguised or transformed into a feature to transform a bad feature into good design.

 

ABOVE: Pokey little windows half way up a wall are not easy to disguise.

Fake it
In this room they were transformed into a feature wall with fake panelling to blend in with the new furniture and decor. Polystyrene ceiling tiles are perfect for creating a mock panelled wall, and can be painted in colours to match your decor. Use a waterbased or acrylic paint on the polystyrene, as solvent-based paints will dissolve them!

ABOVE: Cubed concrete windows are difficult to dress with standard drapes or curtains.

 

 

Blind side
A panelled border and wood blinds provide the perfect solution to block out bright light and have more privacy. Decorative skirtings come in a wide range of designs and widths, and are easily cut to create a decorative frame. Use a mitre box and tenon or backsaw to cut angled corners for a perfect fit.

 

ABOVE: A built in bar is perfect for entertaining - if it matches your taste and style.

Kitsch it out
Reeds and grass are best left for outdoors! Glass and mirror reflect light to brighten and lighten up a dark space. Glass bricks are an easy way to build up small indoor projects without the mess of traditional brick and mortar.

ABOVE: Buying a new, ready built home sometimes means that you have to live with the previous owner's flooring choices, especially if you cannot afford to re-do. If the flooring in your new home doesn't exactly do much for the room - or your furniture - it's easy enough to add a stylish rug over carpet, concrete or laminate.

ABOVE: Disguising what you consider to be an ugly feature can sometimes make it even more visible. By adding a drape over the alcove it becomes the focal point of the room! If you need to play down a feature in a room, some subtle decor is all that is required. Draw the eye away from the problem and onto something else in the room - perhaps an antique cabinet, or well dressed table.