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A change is as good as a holiday, and some simple, inexpensive tweaks to your interior decor can help you fall in love with your home all over again. We’re sharing a little inspiration from the experts.
Easy changes are a good first step. “Swap out your cushion covers and throw rugs for a fresh look,” suggests interior stylist Fiona Gould. “Natural tones and textures are perfect for a change in season.”
Whether you are aiming to make a style statement, add some colour or just create unity between spaces, look down. A floor rug can instantly transform the look and mood of your room, creating a defined space with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The key to nailing the look is getting the size right. Your rug should centre your living space and reach to at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs, connecting all pieces.
Nothing dates a room more than an old fireplace. Luckily, modernising your mantelpiece can be a simple weekend project. Bring old bricks back to life with a fresh coat of paint, or consider hearth-to-ceiling stone cladding for the ultimate alpine appeal.
There’s a very good reason indoor plants are so popular. Studies have shown they are mood-boosting, but they can also enhance your aesthetic. Pick a single, large specimen as a statement, or opt for a series of pots with a variety of leaf shapes and colours for visual interest.
"Adding a darker, more dramatic colour can create a beautiful ambience perfect for dinner parties,” says Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper. Or paint just one wall or a nook.
“Introducing wall mouldings into the dining space brings a sense of sophistication,” says Fiona. From Shaker-style box panelling to dado rails, the options suit many homes.
“A large chandelier over the dining table will add drama and grandeur,” says Fiona. A big modern pendant or a trio of small ones hung at different levels is another option.
Adorning walls with art and photographs can add character. Position them at eye level for maximum impact and avoid placing works in harsh sunlight, which might cause discolouration.
Add brightness with paint. “Painting your windows and trims a crisp white, such as Dulux Ōkārito, can freshen these up and add great light reflectance,” says Davina. “If you want to keep the colour the same as the walls, just choose a different sheen level.”
Simply putting curtains through the wash can make a big difference. But if you need a change, try adding a set of sheers for an element of luxury. Layer under your block-outs or use them to soften the look of a roller blind.
Investing in a full-height wardrobe will help a transformation – with closed doors to hide any untidy or unsightly items, there’s more room to focus on the pretty things.
A bedhead makes a wonderful focal point. Get creative with paint or wallpaper to create your own straight on to the wall. If you have low ceilings, avoid making your design too high.
Bedside lamps can have a huge design impact. New shades are an instant update. For colour, be inspired by art in the room, or by your favourite linen.
For perfectly placed wall art check out our guide on the best way to hang pictures on a wall.
Photo Credit: Cath Muscat, Anna Robinson, Dulux/Armelle Habib and Larnie Nicolson.
