Bargain furniture

Mix and match different-style pieces to create an eclectic, stylish look.

Shopping list: Furniture £788.98, Paint £16.99, Flooring £60, Accessories £181.40, Windows £40 (for 5m). Total cost: £1,087.37

Clever cost cutters

• Using a bright primary paint colour on the walls is a low-cost way to add impact to your room.
• Mix and match white furniture from different collections. Unlike natural wood, white-painted pieces tend to have a standard finish, so furniture from different ranges works well together. This allows you to search for the best buys and hand-pick the style and look that you're after.
• Roll-up blinds for your windows gives a tailored look using the minimum amount of fabric. Line your blinds with white-coloured blackout material. This costs as little as £2.50 per m from John Lewis and will give a smart finish.
• A pendant light creates a striking focal point. Many DIY stores have extended their lighting ranges, so it's easy to find a designer look for less.
• Mix patterned china with a good value china set in a plain colour.

White dresser, £299, Freemans. Red Damask china, from £5, Marks & Spencer; red teapot, £10, John Lewis; melamine tumblers in red, £1.49 each, Woolworths; red mug, £1, John Lewis; white jar, £7.99, biscotti tin, £3.49, both TK Maxx; plant pot, £2.99, S?ta jar with lid, £2.99, both Ikea; round 26-inch pie dish, £3.99, chopping board, from £5, oven gloves, £3.99, all TK Maxx.