How to freshen up your abode without breaking the bank

There’s no such thing as a bad time for a little shake-up. Whether it’s your job, your routine, or just staring at the same four walls every day, boredom creeps in fast. Sometimes, all you need to snap out of it is a small change to the space around you. Overhauls often prove costly, but what if they didn’t have to? In this week’s edition of The EnterpriseAM Guide, we’re looking at ways to change up your surroundings without breaking the bank.

#1- Declutter. First things first, get rid of what you don’t need, like those clothes you keep saying you’ll wear next year but never do, or that old chair in the corner you’ve been meaning to move. Decluttering often brings a sense of mental clarity, helping you envision the space you want to actualize.

Ask an expert: Several organizations can assist with disposing of old items. Companies like Bekia and Recyclebekia specialize in electronic waste, whereas Resala and Mersal can help out with pre-loved clothes.

#2- Rearrange your furniture. Once the clutter is out of the way, you’ll have a clearer idea on what you want to achieve. The next step? Rearrange your existing decor and furniture. True change doesn’t always require spending, but rather a fresh perspective. For example, you might want to move your desk next to a window for more natural light, shift a lamp to the living room for a different ambiance, or even shift rugs around.

Pinterest is your new best friend. The word treasure trove is often thrown around flippantly, but with Pinterest, it applies. Create a mood board for different ideas — of which you’ll find plenty for every room.

GO GREEN-

Plants of any kind instantly add warmth to any space. You can shop for a variety of different plants to give your home a fresh touch.

#1- Mashtal: One great option is Mashtal, a brand that offers a wide selection of houseplants — categorized by type. They also provide all sorts of gardening tools, seeds, and other supplies you might need.

PRICES- Mashtal’s selections start from EGP 30 and go up to EGP 1.4k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can order through their website.

#2- Kaynuna: Kaynuna is another great high-quality option that offers different houseplants categorized by where you’ll be placing them at home and how much sunlight they’ll be getting.

PRICES- Kaynuna’s prices start at EGP 50 and cap off at EGP 4.6k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can order through their website.

#3 - Shatla: Whether you’re looking for small decorative pots or thinking bigger, Shatla has everything you might need with an expansive selection of plants that vary in size, species, and needs.

PRICES- Shatla’s catalogue starts at EGP 95 and can reach up to EGP 10k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can order through their website.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE-

There’s a link between the kind of lighting that surrounds you and how you feel, at least that’s what some studies say. Yellow lighting adds warmth and relaxation, whereas colder lighting can keep you alert and awake. Knowing what kind of lighting to use and even mixing between both can go a long way in determining how you feel.

#1- Enarat offers a slew of decorative pieces, but focuses primarily on lighting fixtures in all their shapes and sizes — from nightstand lamps to chandeliers, and even light mirrors.

PRICES- You’ll find lighting fixtures anywhere between EGP 42 to EGP 26k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can shop through their website.

#2- Kandil: Looking for one-of-a-kind fixtures? Look no further than Kandil. Aside from offering lighting fixtures of all sorts, Kandil also offers reasonably priced home decor.

PRICES- Kandil’s products start at EGP 55 and can reach up to EGP 112k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can shop through their website, or by visiting one of their branches in Greater Cairo.

PRO TIP- You might also consider going on a day trip through El Attaba market in Downtown Cairo, or AlGame Square in Heliopolis, where you’ll find a slew of budget-friendly home lighting stores.

DECORATE, DECORATE, AND DECORATE

Sometimes even small additions to your space can make a big difference. Something as simple as a dream catcher or an inconspicuous vase with fresh flowers may help rejuvenate your surroundings with minimal effort.

#1- HomePro: HomePro is a promising brand when it comes to home accessories and supplies. The brand’s offerings are high-quality, and the shopping experience proves convenient. HomePro offers an expansive selection of vases and other trinkets.

PRICES- HomePro’s products will only set you back anywhere from EGP 90 to EGP 2.1k

WHERE TO BUY- You can order through their website, or by visiting their branches in New Cairo’s The Yard or Nasr City’s City Stars Mall.

#2- Efreshli: This platform is your go-to virtual destination for anything and everything home-furnishing. From wall decorations to scented candles, art prints, and pots, you’re guaranteed to find something you like.

PRICES- Efreshli’s home accessories selection starts from EGP 220 all the way up to EGP 35k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can peruse Efreshli’s selection through their website, or visit their branches in Zamalek and Arkan Plaza.

PRO TIP- If you want to sit back and relax, Efreshli also offers furnishing services that handle entire home renovations from start to finish if you’re aiming for a bigger transformation.

PRO TIP- If you have a knack for antiques, you definitely won’t want to miss out on Souq Diana, which is held every Saturday in Downtown Cairo. There, you’ll find truly unique pieces at affordable prices. Another tip? Dig deep to find the treasure — and make sure you’re there early.

CUT A RUG

When it comes to setting the tone for your space, rugs and carpets are often the last elements that come to mind. Yet a simple carpet can completely redefine the mood of any space.

#1- Kilim: When it comes to carpets, rugs, and kilims, Kilim has it all — in a slew of colors, textures, and patterns. Whether it's boho or Persian you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Kilim. The platform also offers home accessories at budget-friendly prices.

PRICES- Kilim’s prices start off at EGP 650 and can reach up to EGP 27k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can shop through their website, or by visiting one of their branches in Sheikh Zayed and Maadi.

#2- Ariika: Though its selection isn’t as expansive as other platforms, what Ariika offers is versatile, sleek, and pairs well with a variety of different aesthetics. Ariika is hailed as one of the leading home accessories platforms in Egypt, and boasts both high-quality and great design.

PRICES- Ariika’s prices can range from EGP 350 all the way up to EGP 32k.

WHERE TO BUY- You can shop through their website, or by visiting one of their branches in Sheikh Zayed,Downtown Katameya, CFCM, or at the North Coast’s Amwaj or Diplo.