Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

This is the season when many homes will be redecorated. Some homeowners, however, though they would like to redesign their space, are not too sure about whether they will be able to afford it.

But the folks at Singer will tell you that redecorating doesn't necessarily mean changing out every item of furniture and appliance in the house. That's always an option, mind you, but you can also go for accent chairs, lamps, televisions, etc., to change the look and feel of the home.

Singer is saying, yes, you can decorate on a budget and we're endorsing it. Check for example, the dining room and living room furniture on this page. They are among the varying options that Singer offers to meet that redecorating need.

One more thing you need to remember as you contemplate redecorating. Make sure to shop for value. Clients give Singer the thumbs up for value nevertheless as a responsible shopper you must make sure that you are comfortable with your purchase.

"Test them," advises Health, Home and Garden CEO, Fay Wint. The interior decorator advises shoppers to "sit on every item of furniture and ensure they feel firm".

You should also look at the joints to see that they are properly joined and holding together well.

According to Wint, upholstered furnishings should also be padded properly, especially the arms.

"The arms, especially, will go first with use. They should be properly padded. You should not feel wood when you put your hands on the arms."

In terms of fabric, you are advised by this expert to go for thicker, sturdier weaves which are well knitted, for example, tapestries as opposed to cotton. Cotton which will wear more quickly.

Upholstery should also be wel in use. The stripes should run from top to bottom and florals should match. "You cannot have a big print on one side and a smaller print," Fay Wint explains.

"Fabric should also be straight and not twisted. The material used for upholstery should be firmly fitted to the chair."

Colours

If you have children, choose browns or a combination of several darker colours which will not show dirt too easily for upholstery. A combination of colours hides dirt better than plain dark fabric.

Dining in style

Before purchasing your dining table, test every chair to see that it is firm and comfortable. Upholstery should also be firmly fitted.

Piping - the trim going around the corners of each padded seat on your dining chairs - makes a difference in how it looks.

O.K. So you have tested them, and like everyone else you give the thumbs up for value. Having made your purchase you will need to know about furniture care. Read on.

Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to care for your furnishings. Use the products they indicate.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dust your furniture.

Use a clean, very slightly damp cloth to remove finger marks.

If your wood furniture has a lacquered easy care finish, daily dusting and the occasional wipe over with a clean, damp cloth followed by a dry duster will keep it looking good.

If your wood furniture has a waxed finish, use good quality natural beeswax and polish along the grain every three months.

If your wood furniture has an oiled finish you will need to 'feed' it with linseed oil every three to four months.

When vacuuming your fabric or suede dining chairs use the soft furnishings attachment and low power.

Check the stability of tables and chairs regularly. You may, from time to time, need to tighten bolts and other fixings.

Information provided by Fay Wint of Health, Home and Garden in Kingston on behalf of Singer, which along with Azmart, will facilitate a bedroom make-over for someone who is needy, yet caring. Follow Outlook for that make-over.