Ask Kyle: No Time / No Money

I think a lot of us can empathize with this predicament: Reader Jenny F. wrote in asking me what are some of my tricks for quick/cheap home updates and also some of my favorite sources as she doesn't have the money or the patience for some of these DIY projects. First and foremost, take pride in where you live. Your space is a journey, and not a destination- so putting together a room in a weekend isn't going to reflect you in the long run.

Part of the fun of putting together a home is creating a collection; whether it be from places you have visited to different pieces of furniture you have picked up along the way. I always think putting together a collection is incredibly important and it infuses a personal element to enrich your space. Think about starting a collection of matchbooks from every restaurant, bar, club, and hotel that you go to – its FREE, and if you find a great frame or beautiful apothecary jars (or even some vintage mason jars) it makes for a colorful, classy, and conversational design element in your room. Matchbooks are becoming a dying form, so act now and your collection may one day be a valuable commodity.

Another inexpensive idea is to collect simple white dishware and display it in a modern way the way Kelly Wearstler has done here in the Viceroy Hotel. Any collection in a unified color palette can make a statement.

Secondly, think of objects in different ways and change your space up for the seasons. Just like you log on to the Love List for new and exciting design ideas that are constantly being added, you can translate that same idea into your own space. Invest in throw pillow covers to instantly create a change. Almost every major store these days sells pillow covers and inserts separately, and you only need invest in the pillow inserts once.

I'm really loving all of the pillow designs from Thomas Paul these days - he has a great whimsical aesthetic to his stuff.

Another idea for creating some transitional items in your space is a wall hanging. Fabric and wallpaper are so big these days because they create instant personality and style. Instead of investing the money in having someone professionally hang wallpaper or fabric and risk having a landlord or loved one tell you that they hate your now permanent wall decoration, think of hanging these items in simple frames: put three large frames along a blank wall to create a graphic triptych art piece - because they are framed and not permanently hung, you can change out the fabric or the wallpaper to fit your moods or the seasons. Since you'll only have to buy a single roll to get this effect you can splurge a little and still not break the bank.

This Cherry Blossom Triptych is an inexpensive way to give a wall visual appeal.

Now for the big question I am always asked – what are your sources? As a designer I am exposed to tons and tons of different resources- that in a nutshell is why I am hired to do what I do – because I have access. Urban Home has only a handful of stores in California, but I see them becoming one of the next big chains – with their incredible prices and amazing array of style they will be around for a while and they are already in the process of expansion.

I think these paintable wallpaper rolls from Graham and Brown are great, as you can customize the color to your own surroundings.

I also always recommend eBay and your local Craiglist as it is a one stop shop for everything. By bringing in older elements into your home, it creates a much more lived-in environment. Finally, explore your city's different "districts", from your local fabric area to commercial display areas – take a Saturday and you'd be amazed to see what you'd find.

-- Kyle

["Ask Kyle" appears the first Wednesday of every month. Kyle Schuneman is a professional designer who has worked in not only residential design but also on the sets of many of your favorite design shows. To learn more about Kyle and see pictures of his work, click here. If you have a question for Kyle, feel free to ask! Email Kyle@thelovelist.net, and you may see it answered on The Love List!]