When you add a colourful display to a plain white wall it lifts your spirits. But take a pass on the prints and posters you see everywhere. Here, Style at Home shows you four original ways to fill your blank walls with personality – without breaking the bank.

Wallflowers
What could be more beautiful than dining beneath a shower of flowers? Use a sewing needle to thread flower heads (we used carnations) and greenery onto jewelry cord. For lasting glamour, opt for fabric flowers. Hang garlands using clear thumbtacks.






Love letters
Pick a word and experiment with different typefaces and colours on your computer. Use repositionable spray adhesive to affix each printed letter to a piece of MDF backed with two one- by one-inch wood strips. Hang using picture-hanging hardware. Use this technique to display enlarged photos of flowers, pets, people or architectural details.

Artist in residence
Fabulous works may already be in your art collection. If there's a pint-size Picasso in your family, frame his or her latest works. Have them enlarged at your local copy store and hang them in multiples to make a bold statement. Paintings by Anne Dorward.






Paper play
Add a little drama with a strip of wallpaper. Hang paper using wooden dowels or paste a strip directly onto the wall. For high-impact results, choose wallpaper with a large print in bright colours. If you have the space, hang three strips of coordinating papers.