Proud homeowners will often spend a small fortune on high-end, contemporary decor for their homes.
But one mother has proven that you don’t need to break the bank to create a stunning, magazine-worthy space.
Mother-of-one, Carley Gialouris, bought, built and sold homes for seven years before moving into her current home in Kellyville, New South Wales, with her husband.
Mother-of-one, Carley Gialouris, bought, built and sold homes for seven years before moving into her current home in Kellyville, New South Wales, with her husband
Despite working in an accounts department for ten years, Carley always had a passion for interiors and since giving birth to her little girl, she has been working on styling their home (pictured above are bed side tables from Aldi, linen from Sheridan and gold mat from Kmart)
In the living room, she spent $29 on the Kmart coffee table, $12 on a white cushion from Kmart, $59 on a cowhide ottoman, $9 on flowers from Freedom, $149 (instead of $249) on a gold hammer side table from Myer and $1.50 on a marble slab from Kmart
Despite working in an accounts department for ten years, Carley always had a passion for interiors and since giving birth to her 17-month-old little girl, she has been working on styling their home.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Carley, who shares snaps of her beautiful rooms on Instagram, said it’s all about utilising discount stores unless it is a big ticket item.
‘The lounges are from furniture shops like Freedom Furniture and Bay Leather Republic but almost everything else comes from Kmart, Aldi, Mocka, Ikea and eBay,’ she said.
In the study nook, she spent $5 on a Kmart wall shelf, $8 on a cactus set from Kmart, $5 on tumblers from Kmart, $5 on a Typo candle, $9 on fake flowers from Early Settler, $9.75 on a buffalo print from Yorklee Prints and $19.99 on a frame from Ikea
After moving, Carley was able to incorporate items they owned like lounges and rugs into the space and transformed the rooms using decor from discount stores
For the above, Carley spent $1.50 on the marble look cork board mat from Kmart, $7 on the knot door stop from Kmart, $6 on the brass gold candle from Kmart, $2 on the ceramic tea light holder from Kmart and $8 on the velvet cushions from Kmart
After moving, Carley was able to incorporate items they owned like lounges and rugs into the space and transformed the rooms using decor from discount stores.
‘My favourite is our living room. Our big ticket items – the lounge and rug – were from our previous house however we have added $29 hall, coffee and side tables from Kmart, a $59 cowhide ottoman from Mocka, cushions and a cheap candle from Pottery Barn,’ she said.
Carley said when it comes to creating a contemporary space, one of her top tips is utilising items found elsewhere in the home.
‘Use what you have around the house to change the look of a space,’ she said.
‘For example place a candle and vase on a marble chopping board on the kitchen bench with some cuttings from the garden and you have yourself a little bit of prettiness.’
Carley said when it comes to creating a contemporary space, one of her top tips is utilising items found elsewhere in the home
She also regularly sells items she no longer needs/wants to raise money for new items and often searches for discount codes online
She also regularly sells items she no longer needs/wants to raise money for new items and often searches for discount codes online.
‘On Instagram for example, more times than not shops and fan accounts will have a discount code to enter on checkout,’ she said.
Carley also asks for vouchers and Eftpos cards for birthdays and Christmas presents and always waits for sales before buying anything.
‘Generally sales happen quarterly. We purchased lounges from Freedom when they had a buy one get one free sale,’ she said.
‘Generally sales happen quarterly. We purchased lounges from Freedom when they had a buy one get one free sale,’ she said
On the above, Carley spent $29 on the marble side table at Kmart, $7 on the rose gold tray from Kmart and $9 on the Pottery Barn candle
On the above, Carley spent $49 each on the Kmart blush chairs, $10 on the flowers and vase from Freedom, $10.50 on prints, $24.99 each on the frames at Ikea and $99 on the chest of drawers from Aldi (the handles were from Bunnings and cost $6 each)
What is Carley’s top styling tip?
Cushions are magical in living rooms, bedrooms and dinning rooms.
Add a cushion to the two chairs at the head of the dining table and a totally different vibe is created.
Carley (pictured) shares her stylish rooms on her Instagram page along
And her favourite 2018 trend?
‘Velvet is making a massive comeback and I’m loving it! The softness and texture is beautiful,’ she said.
Carley, who describes her home as ‘modern, minimalist and homey’, said anybody can style their home without spending an unrealistic amount of money.
‘Find the style you like and what you want to achieve, pick a colour theme and research those items, create a mood board and wait for sales… don’t rush,’ she said.
‘The only thing worth spending more money on are big items like couches. You want to be comfortable.
‘Wall hangings, accessories, cushions and throws can all be replaced more regularly at a small price.’
Carley shares her stylish rooms on her Instagram page along with handy tips on budget styling.