Little touches can make or break an outfit – and the same applies to decor. For major style on a modest budget, it’s the small details that count, as Gabrielle Fagan discovers

IN the same way some people can make an item of clothing look special just by adding a single accessory, others can transform a room in a trice with a little re-arrangement and the addition of a few eyecatching items.

It’s an enviable skill, and that flair can make a house a home which is filled with character and personality. But even if you’re not a stylist or a decor diva, it’s perfectly possible with a bit of effort and a modest budget, to work your own magic on your rooms.

“Anyone doing up a home on a tight budget should remember one little designer secret – the power of budget basics,” says Julie Savill, author of 101 Finishing Touches (BBC Books, £4.99).

“Almost anything you can think of, from tableware to bed linen, can be found in plain and simple ranges and for a fraction of the price of their fancier, patterned counterparts.

The trick to turning these basics into stylish furnishings is the little twists you add yourself, such as a braid, buttons or fringing.”

As we all invest more in our homes, we’re paying attention to the details, and delighting in demonstrating our taste in touches that might formerly have been overlooked, such as door handles, cupboard knobs or curtain ties.

“Customisation is another key to style success.

It’s the ability to take a plain cushion or curtain and give it a twist that sets it firmly in the designer bracket – but without a hefty price tag attached,” says Savill. “A plain cupboard can be revamped with a coat of paint and new knobs, while a small collection of random pieces of china can be sprayed the same colour and – hey presto – they’re a focal point on a shelf.”

Some people do have the happy knack of being able to sling a few apparently unrelated things on a shelf, somehow making an eyecatching arrangement, but if – like most of us – you need a little help, follow the experts’ guide to desirable details...

Button it

OUR craze for craft has brought buttons right back into fashion and they look brilliant adorning everything from cushions to bedheads.

“It’s simplicity itself to add a little customisation and lift everyday shop-bought items into an altogether more stylish league,” says Savill.

“The easiest place to start is with a bag of buttons, which you can pick up for next to nothing at jumble and car boot sales. A single large button in the centre of a square cushion, or a neat line of them along the middle of a rectangular one, will give an expensive-looking hand-crafted finish.”

Desirable details: Hobbycraft has a jolly and colourful array of buttons. At £4, their jumbo button jar brights, is a snip. Vintage lovers are well catered for at The Button Queen, which has antique as well as modern buttons. The Headboard Workshop can add buttons to headboards on request; headboards from £199.

There’s no shortage of inspiration at VV Rouleaux, which has a variety of ribbons, tie backs, tassels and trimmings in a rainbow of colours, and a selection of textures and finishes.

Glass distinction

MIRRORS reflect light and are an excellent way to give an illusion of more space, alter the proportions of a room, or emphasise specific features. “If you love something, it’s fine to buy in bulk. A range of eye-catching Venetian style glassware, with its different sizes and mix of frames and mirrors, makes a terrific display, and a collection of hand mirrors can also look stunning,” says Savill.

“Don’t overlook the garden – a mirror fixed to a wall or fence will make a plot seem larger, or create the feeling of an intriguing, unexplored space.”

Desirable details: Dunelm’s mirrors are suitable for every location, including a Venetian-style dressing table mirror, £39.99; and the Loire Collection arch mirror, £34.99, which can be used either indoors and outdoors.

Can you handle it?

DOOR and cupboard handles once disregarded as functional essentials, are now mulled over and truly regarded as jewellery for the home. Just as a beautiful bracelet or bag can make all the difference to an outfit, handles also are an indication of style and taste.

“Handles are deservedly receiving a real focus, and there’s an amazing choice these days offered by specialist shops and DIY stores,” says Savill.

“A group of handles in dazzling colours could make an interesting stand-alone wall display, or arrange a selection in a line in a hall, or on the back of a door, as an eye-catching place to hang coats or bags.”

Desirable details: Ceramic Heart Wall Hooks, £5 each, from Here And Far, specialists in Fairtrade, recycled homeware, are pretty and practical.

Ikea has brilliant details, low on price but high on style, and its new PS 2014 Knob, assorted colours, £8 for a pack of four, is a good example, or a funky Krokig multi-coloured coat stand, £22.

There’s always something distinctive in Not On The High Street’s range and their vintage Pushka cupboard knobs are a steal at £4.95, with antique style lettering and the iconic phrase “Home Sweet Home”. Grace & Glory’s stylish collection will have you wondering why you’ve never paid attention to knobs and handles before. Glass cabinet knobs made from recycled glass in a square or flower design, £5.50 each.

Upholstery update

AS we all embrace colour and want to bring unique style to our rooms, there’s a return to trimmings for soft furnishings, from sofas to curtains.

“If you’re looking to add a touch of glamour, try adding a braid to the skirting of your sofa or armchair, or apply modern rosettes to the corners of your furniture,” says Emily Peacock of Samuel & Sons, specialists in trimmings.

“For a colour pop, why not opt for a hot pink or emerald green cord, which will highlight the edges of your furniture and offer colour to your living room in an understated way.”

Desirable details: Good designs and lyrical names feature in Samuel & Sons range, such as Harbour serpentine braid, £39 a metre, and harbour crown knot frog, £32, all of which give va-va-voom to upholstery.

There’s no shortage of glamour in the collection at The Unique Seat Company, specialist upholsterers who offer a wide variety of braids, trims and fringes.

Just for fun

Decorative objects that make you smile and gladden your heart when you see them are always worth treating yourself to. Not only do they add personality to your home, they could also boost your wellbeing.

Desirable details: Look out for ordinary objects given a different twist. Door stops needn’t be dull and a Wizard Of Oz wicked witch door stop, showing her legs and ruby red slippers, £29.99, from The Gift Oasis, is treat for fans of Dorothy and Toto. A wellies umbrella stand or vase, £95, in white ceramic, Out There Interiors, could add a humorous touch for a hall or conservatory; while what looks like a gilded picture frame is actually a Renaissance CD rack, £149, Store.

Capture a holiday atmosphere in an instant with beach hut string lights, £34.50, from The Glow Company, or make a tea break special with a key handle mug, from £18, Great British Designs.

Finally, remember flying ducks?

So yesterday, but they’ve been revamped and live on. A pure white bird wall Decoration, £14, BoConcept, could help your spirits soar.