Before and after

The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 12 of 13, W25 *
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Who can resist a good before-and-after story? It's a mainstay of shelter magazines and the plot engine of countless home renovation shows. Here's a glimpse of Indigo's interior design rack, with a typical callout at centre stage:

It's an advertiser-friendly device, which is a big reason why we keep seeing it. Once our imaginations are set ablaze by expensive kitchen and bathroom makeovers, we'll be more inclined to open our wallets and spend – or so the retailers paying for visibility hope.

What they don't want you to know is the thrill of before-and-after is available to anyone at any budget – or no budget at all. When you zero in on a small part of your home and find a way to boost its appeal, you're liable to elevate your spirits at the same time.

It happens regularly when a corner of my apartment seems incomplete. A lone sculpture in my living room recently joined forces with some glass pieces, forming a more winsome trio:

A display in my bathroom came to life with a Gaetano Pesce mirror from Bonne Choice as a vivid punctuation mark:

A bored face at my window became slightly more tolerant with the help of a leafy crown:

There's no harm in fuelling your sensibility with the grandest before-and-afters, as long as you remember that the same pleasure awaits you on a much smaller scale.

So, look for a stagnant area of your space that's aching for change. That's your "before." You can snap a photo if you like. Now, consider what's missing. It's probably something you already own. Try one object, and if that doesn't work, try another. You're on your way to your "after." Make sure you savour every sensation along the way. This is your moment. Enjoy!

When you're done, you can pat yourself on the back for the walls you didn't tear down, the cabinets and fixtures you didn't replace, the credit card you set aside. And when your new arrangement grows too familiar, all you need is the energy to start again.

From the archives

Looking for another detour from the predictable paths of home-focused media? Instead of watching current shows or flipping through recent magazines, try picking up some fresh guidance in the form of vintage decorating books. You'll be surprised at how their long-lost encouragement can speak to the present.

My favourite source is Terence Conran's brick-patterned classic, first published in 1974:

Two years ago, I wrote about how this encyclopedic sourcebook affected me then and now. Have a look:

The House Book revisited

Earlier this month, I finally bought a book I first encountered decades ago. I was browsing the Bloor Street branch of BMV, and there it was, nestled in the interior design section: The House Book. The irresistible price of nine dollars convinced me to take it home. Once upon a

guy with an eyeGuy Koolhof

Now, go forth and create some before-and-afters!

Thank you for reading.