Looking for ways to transform your home on a budget? Cushions can be an inexpensive way to bring a new look to a room. The key is spending well and working within a few simple guidelines.

Your choice of cushion can make or break the appearance and feel of your home. There are so many styles, you could be forgiven for thinking there aren't any rules, but that's
not the case. There are a number of principles that apply, whether your preferred style is minimal or traditional. A key consideration is emphasis - every space needs a focus.

Cushions are relatively inexpensive and are able to be changed out frequently, unlike more expensive items such as lounge suites, curtains and carpet. They can range in price from $10 to more than $250.

You may find exquisite cushions in designer stores but if your budget doesn't stretch that
far all is not lost because you can either make them yourself or hunt around. Investing too much is also a bad idea because if a new style catches your eye, it won't be long before you will want to update.

Changing cushions can be a good way to give your home a seasonal feel. Winter is a nice time to enjoy rich reds and oranges. For summer, introduce cooler taupes and greens.

From a design perspective, cushions are the icing on the cake. When you add cushions to
a sofa it is like turning a light on.

The trick to making cushions work is to think about the room as a whole. Cushions should compliment and enhance your style. They can be the key to bringing other colours and items in the room together. If you have green drapes and a blue vase, then choose cushions that have green and blue in them to bring harmony and be easy on the eye.

Getting the right balance

The use of subtle texture can be good, but be careful - if you have a range of textures in your cushions, make sure that they work together. If you are going for a natural, earthy look, avoid bright colours or metallic cushions. Instead, go with natural linens and knitted fabrics.

It is also important to achieve the right balance. A sofa requires up to five cushions, but not all of them should stand out. The rule is to place three cushions at one end and two at the other. Within the five, two to three should be plain, helping to highlight the feature cushion.

Don't be afraid to use stripes and patterns together but be sure they are complementary. For a minimalist-style room you might prefer to have just a couple of cushions on a sofa and one large cushion on each chair. Use a mix of sizes to bring balance. In a set of three you might use two 45cm x 45cm square cushions and one smaller rectangle cushion.

When using just two, you could have a large 60cm x 45cm rectangle and a smaller rectangle. Always place the smaller cushion at the front and don't sit the cushions on their corners like diamonds - this look is so yesterday!

Floor and window-seat cushions are a great way to provide extra seating and add a more relaxed feel to the room. For the floor cushions, use fabrics that are robust and dark otherwise they will start to look shabby pretty quickly.

On a more practical note, cushions with a zip so you can remove the cover are a good idea for easy cleaning. However, if you are making the cushions yourself and don't have the sewing skills to insert zips, buttons might be an easier option.

Cushion have a tendency to go flat after they have been sat on, but you can ensure they stay plump by using real down feathers for the filler. These are quite pricey though and will increase the overall cost of the cushion.

And cushions don't need to be limited to indoor spaces. With a great range of outdoor fabrics and fillers available, you can add flair and comfort to your garden, barbecue area
or balcony by introducing cushions that can
withstand the elements.

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