SAVANNAH, GA –Hundreds are flocking to this weekend’s Home and Garden Show for the newest ways to spruce up their home this spring.
But if a new hot tub or wood floor isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of things you can do to transform your house from drab to ‘fab’ on the cheap.
Brian Santos is “The Wizard” of home makeovers, and he says a new look is as easy as a can of paint.
“Get a can of paint for 30 dollars and an afternoon. Paint is probably one of the most affordable and practical things in decorating.”
But if you want the wow factor, Brian says skip the lack luster neutrals and go bold instead.
“Our real train of thought for color right now, is exuberance. We are coming out of a war, when we have economic disaster, we are looking for things to lift the spirit and open your heart.”
Blues, yellows, even different shades of orange… bold colors on their own, but use them together for an extra pop.
“A real hot new thing that we like to call right now is graphics. Graphics are really tone on tone- black on white beige on gray. We are doing it to complement simple lines; from a couch, to table or art work.”
He says it’s a great way to add interest in a room for not a lot of money.
But it doesn’t stop at paint. Those looking to stretch the life of their furniture are giving it a little TLC and restoration.
Jimmy Ginn of Earl Ginn’s Custom Furniture says he stays busy refurbishing antique items.
“People are starting to realize that what they have is better than what they can buy. They are updating to keep it in the family and to be more cost effective with the money they do have.”
Travis Williams is in the upholstery business. If he isn’t recovering clients’ chairs or sofas, he is selling them the fabric to update their furniture at home.
“It’s a lot better to reupholster stuff than go out to buy new because what you have might fit the space just right.”
Thanks to a popular new decorating website called “Pinterest,” those looking to re-vamp their home are getting edgy ideas for “do it yourself” projects.
Experts at the show say the re-styling trend is picking up for many reasons. First, people just don’t have as much money as they used to, and second, DIY is fun, and it feels good to take something old and make it new again.
Santos agrees.
“It started being an economic thing and now what happening is people are getting the satisfaction. so we are seeing this mix of old versus new, young versus old, we are seeing how it’s all fusing together.”
Over all, leaving more money in your pocket to do more projects around the house.
The Home Show continues Sunday at the International Trade and Convention Center.
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