As we move into a new year, many of us feel motivated by the sense of a fresh start and decide it’s time to have a home makeover. Although a renovation project can seem exciting, the idea of totally updating a space can be daunting and often costly. However, whether it’s giving kitchen cabinets a fresh lick of paint or brightening up the bedroom with a new pair of curtains, there’s plenty of simple things you can do that are sure to fit your budget.
Interiors experts, Terrys Fabrics, reveals ten easy ways you can update your home for the new year without breaking the bank.
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Introduce new lighting
Lighting is integral to bringing a room to life and can change the whole aesthetic feel and mood. Some of the easier ways to do this are as simple as introducing more floor and table lamps in corners and on surfaces to layer the lighting, making it feel cosy and welcoming.
When it comes to updating ceiling fixtures, it doesn’t always have to be as complicated as you think. Most of the time, the electrical system is already in place meaning it is just a case of replacing out-dated fittings with more modern styles you love.
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Curtains and blinds
Windows are an important feature of any room and are begging to be dressed! Designs can vary from statement drapes to minimalist blinds or even French shutters for a more rustic look. Purchasing curtain fabric online is a great way to cut down cost or if you’re not wanting to design something with a bespoke designer.
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Update your door handles
Old-fashioned cabinetry can date a kitchen though is often one of the most expensive things to replace. Changing your cupboard handles and pulls is a really simple way to update the look of a kitchen and a technique that is up and coming. Numerous styles of handles on the market range from thin door pulls, cup pulls and glass knobs whilst materials can range from brushed chrome, copper, brass and marble.
Dowsing and Reynolds, specialises in design-led cupboard and drawer handles, knobs and pulls. Amongst the plethora of colours, materials and shapes on offer, it has a range of leather door pulls, an unusual way to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen space.
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Upcycle
Upcycling is a popular trend in the interiors world at the moment and can be a great way to breathe new life into old items. With many designers now opting for a rustic or ‘shabby chic’ look, you’ll not only be saving money, but you’ll also be bang on trend. Popular tactics to fix up furniture include sanding and repainting wooden items, reupholstering existing sofas and making cushions from old curtains.
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Feature walls
Gone are the days when re-wallpapering a room involved a decorator and an extensive amount of pricey wallpaper. A feature wall is an effective way to renovate a room without too much commitment or expense. WallsNeedLove has a vast selection of removable wallpaper in quirky and geometric patterns, perfect to revamp the look of a mundane room instantly.
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Bring the outside in
No matter the space, decorating with plants will add vibrance and texture to any room. Not only were houseplants up 100% in 2019, injecting greenery into your décor is also good for your health as extensive research from NASA revealed plants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxins. If you’re wanting minimal maintenance, faux foliage is a great alternative to real plants and isn’t too pricey either!
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Shop around
Selecting new décor can be hard when you have a limited budget, but online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay and Gumtree can be great places to source alternative and low-cost products. When buying accessories, make sure to compare branded products to similar styles in charity shops and flea markets to ensure you are getting the best price.
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Hide clutter
Moving ornaments, keep sakes and other belongings that are on show can update a room instantly. When you have a blank canvas to work with, you’ll have more space to introduce new furniture and accessories. Utilise obvious storage areas but also be creative with tactics like floating shelves, vacuum bags and under bed drawers. This will also give you opportunity to assess whether you really need to keep hold of something and ask yourself ‘do I ever use this?’.
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Spring cleaning
Although it seems obvious, make sure to start any renovation work with a thorough clean. Once a room is cleaned, you’ll be able to see clearly what needs doing and what areas need the most attention. This can be particularly affective in bathrooms and kitchens as they can get dirty and mouldy quite quickly. New grouting or a fresh coat of paint will freshen up a room instantly and if partnered with new lighting or accessories, can provide a whole new look.
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Doors
The front of the house is the first and last thing guests will see though something people rarely consider updating. Of course, you can’t really renew some windows and not others and a full revamp may be expensive, however a fresh coat of paint in a more contemporary colour will add instant visual appeal.
Whether you’re brave enough to take on a DIY door replacement or call a professional, a new front door is bound to give a great first impression. Wickes has a vast range of doors and windows, with numerous styles and sizes to choose from.
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