Find fabrics from markets. Don’t compromise on the amount of fabric you use when you are having curtains made. It is better to buy the correct amount of cheaper fabric (usually 2 ½ times the curtain track or rod width) rather than cutting back on an expensive fabric. Full curtains always look much more luxurious than a little sliver of fabric fighting to fill a window.

I like J.P. Sol at the Wassanaar Market on Tuesdays. They have a good stock of basic cottons, linens and silks as well being able to make curtains and blinds with the fabrics from their stall.

Keep your windows clean, inside and out. Dazzling, clean windows creates a sparkle when the sun shines and brings the outside into your home. Everything just looks fresher and less tired when the windows are clean.

Candles can transform a space in the evening. When it comes to ambient lighting, you can’t beat the aura of a natural flame. Candles create a lovely, forgiving light. For an elegant approach on your dining table, use simple tea lights in small glass tea light holders but use lots of them – think of stars in the night sky. Another look is to use tea lights in multi coloured candle holders, they will look like glimmering jewels. ‘Lifestyle’ on Noordeinde 46 in The Hague has a lovely selection of tea light holders at the moment.

Try something different instead of artwork on your walls. Instead of artwork, take a fabric you love and make a wall panel out of it. You won’t need too much fabric to do this. Otherwise, wrap the fabric on to a large artist’s canvas and tack it on to the back. You could also put a stunning wallpaper or fabric in a large picture frame.

This picture illustrates how a boldly patterned wallpaper has been used to create a wall feature.

 Buy furniture at second hand shops. Try places like Kringloop Den Haag www.kringloopdenhaag.nl. There are a few of these shops dotted around The Hague. You have to keep your eyes open to find the right pieces but when you do, you can revitalise a piece of furniture by repainting or reupholstering it. Try to use your imagination and picture what a piece of furniture would look like with new fabric, a coat of paint or new handles. You can also pick up decorative pieces too like vases or an eclectic mix of crockery.

A series of some helpful ideas on how to revamp your home without breaking the bank.

Paint your dated pine furniture. It will give it a whole new lease of life. The same applies to mirror or picture frames. Some pine furniture can look quite dated but often the shape and style are still in mode. By painting it white, off white, black, dark grey or even silver, you can bring that piece of furniture up to date. Ask any decorating shop for advice on what to do and use. Don’t however paint hard wood antique furniture. It’s best to hang on to those. Even if they are not in fashion now, they will be again at some point in the future. My favourite place to get paints and equipment is Frits van Laar Verfhandel, Bankastraat 83, Den Haag. They have a wonderful selection of good quality paints and are more than happy to give advice on what products you need for your painting jobs.

Create a whole new colour scheme by changing your accessories. Cushions, throws, lampshades, vases and other accessories are easier and cheaper to change than a sofa or armchair. Add neutral accessories such as black, white, or greys but also, ivory, creams and browns. You could also create a harmonious scheme where you combine colours that sit next to each other on a colour wheel or complimentary colours which sit opposite each other on a colour wheel. Each colour scheme can create a completely different look and atmosphere to your room.

Flowers are cheaper in Holland, take advantage of it. Nothing lifts an area quite like a vase of fresh flowers. Keep it simple: a vase containing a bunch of tulips looks wonderful or try just one solitary brightly coloured flower in a simple vase. One of my favourite places to get flowers in The Hague is Au Petit Pont on the corner of Mauritskade and Schoolstraat . It’s a market like corner shop where it’s just about the flowers. There is always a good selection all year round and they are very happy to make any kind of bouquet for you.

Don’t be an Ikea snob. They have some excellent designs, just use it in moderation and use your imagination. Use Ikea furniture for the basics but add your own unique accessories to it. It’s a bit like wearing an H&M white tee shirt and carrying a great designer handbag. No one thinks twice about where the tee shirt comes from. You can add beautiful/interesting handles and knobs to Ikea cupboard doors. The LACK shelving competes with any contemporary design and you can play around with their BESTA and PAX units to suit yourexact needs.

This Ikea mirror creates an eye catching focul point to this room.

Learn to decorate. If you do the work yourself all you have to pay for is a few paintbrushes a ladder and a few pots of paint. Make sure you prepare all surfaces and once you get going, you will be amazed how quickly the job gets done. Perhaps start with a small project first and build on your experience. Again, go to Frits van Laar Verfhandel, Bankastraat 83 for products and advice.

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