From time to time it is advised to change your home’s appeal and redecorate. This may be because it has not been done for a while and it is starting to look dated. It may be due to the fact that your needs and tastes have changed or simply because you want to keep up with the latest trends. Whatever the reason it can quickly become an expensive task. The following seven tips will assist you in transforming your home without breaking the bank:
- Focus on proper lighting
The right light can make a huge difference to your home. If you have a space which is used for working from home or studying you may wish to ad higher wattage light bulbs. Equally, a space which is used for relaxing, such as a sitting room, can have lower wattage bulbs. This will make them more relaxing or even romantic.
- Eco-friendly homes are more enticing
Plants can make a valuable addition to any room. Plants enrich the oxygen content of the room and their presence can make you feel more energized. The room will feel more natural and the plants can even be used to create a focal point. Green foliage will usually last much longer than a pretty flower display. To opt for a more modernistic design try having a single green grass or flower in a vase; it will have an amazing effect.
- Revamping the floor
It can be expensive and very inconvenient to completely change a floor. If this is not possible then you should consider sanding or staining a real wood floor. If you have lino or carpet which is looking dated it can be quickly lifted and relatively easily and cheaply replaced with tiles. If these options are not possible a good rug will draw the eye and remove the attention from the floor.
- Maintain order with adequate storage
It doesn’t seem to matter how large or how small your home is, storage is always a problem. The usual solution is to either build up or out. The easiest way to decide this will be based on the available space you have and how you currently use that space. Purchasing or adding to bookcases will make them taller and utilize space which is otherwise wasted. Alternatively there is always space under the bed or possibly the stairs. Choose the items that you do not need regularly and pack them away in storage boxes.
- Fake architecture
A room can be transformed by simply using some paint and masking tape. Mask straight lines onto the wall and paint them to create striped walls which will make the room look bigger. A simple box shape can be made on the wall with wood or paint to frame a picture or even a piece of furniture. By spending a few additional pennies it is possible to purchase mouldings which can be fitted to your walls to create an illusion of depth.
- Go green – fixing instead of replacing
It often seems easier to throw something broken away and replace it with a new item. However, it can be far cheaper and create a better statement if you repair or restore the item. A faded chair or table can be restored with some spray paint and fabric for the seats or a few tiles for the table top. Leather furniture can be restored by rubbing with olive oil and almonds can be rubbed across scratches in wood to remove them.
- Use the internet for guidance and tips
The internet is without doubt, the best place to find advice, tips and ideas on how to transform your home cheaply and effectively. There are many auction sites which will allow you to cheaply purchase items for your home. These can be restored or refurbished to create a completely different look to your home. There are also plenty of forums to seek advice in and thousands of pictures of what other people have done; these can be either copied or used for inspiration to complete your own projects.
Bottom line is you don’t need a lot of money to change your home’s allure. Use smart accessories and get inspired from the web; this is everything you need to bring your home back to life.
By Jason Phillips and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk!
Country & Victorian Times 