Cheap & Cheery Living Room

Add energy to a neutral white space with bold red and blue accessories.

Former H&H staffer Michael Penney, transformed this budget studio apartment into a bright, Scandinavian-inspired and multifunctional space. A sisal and cotton rug anchors the living area, filled with inexpensive furniture such as an Ikea sofa and two Parsons-style side tables pushed together to form a coffee table. In the corner, a plywood panel wallpapered with a colourful floral pattern acts as a large art piece. (A cheap and easy way to add style to a rental without angering the landlord.) Fern leaves mounted in Ikea picture frames create an affordable art wall above the couch, while in the window, a long piece of bamboo from Chinatown replaces a pricier curtain rod.

See more of Michael Penney's budget-friendly projects on House & Home's Online TV show.

Get more budget-decorating ideas in our gallery.

  • Photographer: Kim Jeffery
  • Products: Sofa, picture frames, Ikea.
  • Designer: Michael Penney
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