The components where, if altered, give the impression of a greater change of space are the floor, the walls and the ceiling as well as the materials used for the openings of spaces (windows). As secondary complementary elements of a space are the movable components – that is decorative or functional, small or large objects which complement the artistic picture, while serving daily functions and needs. It is advisable to be prudent in order for all your chromatic choices in previous decorative ages to match the movable components of the space if you are unable to replace them afterwards. The aim is to meet the needs of all levels relating to function, expansion, aesthetic coherence of the applications and artistic minimization of the annular space volumes if required.

In regards to furniture and decorative objects, especially for the apartments, the rule for achieving both a functional and an aesthetically correct result is not to accumulate useless objects in the spaces. These are the objects that do not offer anything else than merely occupying space. The perfect combination for a right result is to choose a useful object for a specific purpose, with the greatest artistic adaptability to the environment - by combining a strong design personality which brightens the space. Of course this does not mean that an object which is rarely or never used has no artistic or functional value. Still, we choose such objects when our space is unlimited or when this space and its objects do not have to serve many people. So if there is the possibility of choice, a few objects must be chosen for the uses required. In the case that we wish to intervene in a space but we do not have the possibility of unlimited spending, we make sure to focus on the changes of elements with large surfaces or those which are occasionally dysfunctional. When we solve these problems, we proceed with the individual decorative or chromatic study. Many times when the budget is limited or marginal, we can find better solutions and results in the creation of a space. This is precisely because the study is carried out based on the combination of financial capabilities and achieving the best result. A space is successful when it manages to have its own personality by providing smooth access to its uses and when its objects are chosen and designed so that the form follows the function.

Following this logic, a potentially small apartment looks bigger, a professional space is more functional and an idea is transformed into an art gallery with excellent aesthetics. Aesthetics though is a purely subjective concept, initially the creator’s and finally the receiver’s who approves or rejects it. A theoretical, immaterial, unique and spontaneous concept which is cultivated and blossoms with time, like talent.

Regardless of your financial capabilities, try to choose Greek stores and not multinational supermarket chains. The supermarkets may have better prices but quality comes out as a winner over time. Prefer local or central shops in order to boost Greek economy. Ask for a better price or an easier way of payment and it is certain that the businessman will not turn you down.

If your budget is low:

• Paint your walls according to the style you wish to give. You will find many affordable colors with great results in the market.
• Paint the ceiling in white or pale tones to give a sense of cleanliness, especially when it comes to apartments. Bright and dark colors in the ceilings are used in special occasions and only when the ideal height and lighting exist.
• You can also apply special wall stickers. These are found in individual decorative patterns or a roll, they cover the entire wall and they have the effect of a wall tapestry.
• If you have a wooden floor you can rub it yourselves if you are equipped with the necessary tools and apply a color varnish for a more advanced effect or a varnish in wooden tones for a more conventional one. If your floor is mosaic, you can paint it with cement color by following the instructions of the packaging. The result is exceptional because there are so many shades but it needs attention and care as it wears out quite easily. If you do not desire a permanent effect, small rugs in various designs and shapes, preferably one-colored ones, make the floors more interesting – so as to avoid confusion – unless required by the pre-planning. If the floor is very old and weak, you can clean it well and apply a tough transparent varnish, by trapping the natural aging inside of it while offering personality to the space without any design alterations.
• For the windows you can use affordable fabrics which are easily found in the centre of Athens. It is not the fabric quality that matters but the way it will be placed – hung. Make sure to wash the fabrics before sewing so that they will not shrink afterwards. If you wish to give the sense of a great height in the space, hang the curtains from the ceiling to the floor without them touching the latter. If you cannot afford new fabrics, you can sew various small decorative elements on the already existing curtains like: little rugs in various shades, beads, buttons, ribbons or whatever you prefer, as long as it is washable. You can also dye them with special permanent fabric colors in the machine or in hand, depending on the fabric quality.
• It is advisable to be prudent in order for all your chromatic choices in previous decorative ages to match the movable components of the space if you are unable to replace them afterwards. Nevertheless, you can change their appearance. By changing your furniture color if their materials allow you to or by replacing the wall tapestry fabrics.
• By covering your sofas and armchairs with various throws would save you the cost of the total replacement of fabrics.
• As for the small decorative objects of the space, discover grandma’s forgotten souvenirs and clean, polish and place them at selected points. Regardless of the style of a space, an old object is almost always suitable as long as it is placed appropriately.
• Find old classic frames and place children’s drawings or pictures with vibrant colors. They create contrast and give a new and fresh breath in your space.

If your budget is average:

• A wall tapestry would give an impressive result on your walls in combination with a painted surface so as not to make the tapestry pattern dull.
• You could also place an entire photo theme (poster) which is applied like a wall tapestry. It can cover a quite large wall and it has an exceptionally aesthetic effect.
• Paint the ceiling where you can surround with plasters of similar design or remove them completely for more plain results.
• On the floors you can easily apply wood imitations (laminate) without damaging the real floor, if you are not the owner of the space. You can use carpets of different quality for a warmer result, but also several synthetic floors for quicker solutions.
• For the windows, there is a countless variety of fabrics for sale at different prices. Apart from those, blinds, roman shades, shutters and their combinations with curtains give a nice feeling.
• In regards to furniture and decorative objects, especially for the apartments, the rule for achieving both a functional and an aesthetically correct result is not to accumulate useless objects in the spaces. These are the objects that do not offer anything else than merely occupying space. The perfect combination for a right result is to choose a useful object for a specific purpose, with the greatest visual adaptability to the surrounding environment. So if there is the possibility of choice, a few objects must be chosen for the uses required. Many times when the budget is limited, there are better solutions and results in the creation of a space. This is precisely because the study is carried out based on the combination of financial capabilities and achieving the best result.
• If you fear the color application to the walls, choose colorful objects in a colorless or pastel environment. The result will be equally good and you will be able to change them easily if you get bored.
• You will find furniture and objects for sale at very affordable prices to meet your needs.

If your budget is high:

• A wall becomes very impressive when coated with fabric or leather, which may also appear in some of the wall tapestries or the curtains. Of course, always in combination with painted surfaces so as not to burden the space.
• On the ceilings or walls, special constructions of gypsum board (false ceiling) can be made and hidden lighting or other lighting sources can be placed.
• On the floors there are many choices when applying wood, marble, granite, ceramic tiles, industrial floor or apparent cement.
• In the case of a high budget and particularly in this case, unacceptable mistakes are made. The rule for choosing a useful object for a specific purpose, with the greatest visual adaptability to the surrounding environment applies for this case as well. Of course this does not mean that an object which is rarely or never used has no artistic or functional value. Still, we choose such objects when our space is unlimited or when this space and its objects do not have to serve many people.

Thus when a high budget is available, you may have extraordinary results, by choosing your objects from famous designer houses or by using the help of experts.