Get their look: Bling interiors accessories

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Chris Beaumont (@beaumont.design)

This bling interiors space is a riot of colour, pattern and shine. Chris Beaumont designs and sells a range of these fab side tables in his Etsy shop.

He’s one half of husband & wife duo, The Electric Penguin. Their home – which was the epitome of bland magnolia throughout when they moved in – has been transformed. It’s now funky and fun and full of their DIY and upcycling marvels.

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Splash multicolour rainbow circle rug
Splash multicolour rainbow circle rug
Kurt Geiger London leather Kensington bag
Kurt Geiger London leather Kensington bag
Neon rainbow light
Neon rainbow light
You’re So Golden (with chain) – gold disco planter
You’re So Golden (with chain) – gold disco planter
Pink Milagro heart cushion
Pink Milagro heart cushion
Stripe it to Me (black) vinyl
Stripe it to Me (black) vinyl
Pastel Zebra side table cabinet
Pastel Zebra side table cabinet
Splash multicolour rainbow circle rug
Splash multicolour rainbow circle rug
Kurt Geiger London leather Kensington bag
Kurt Geiger London leather Kensington bag
Neon rainbow light
Neon rainbow light
You’re So Golden (with chain) – gold disco planter
You’re So Golden (with chain) – gold disco planter
Pink Milagro heart cushion
Pink Milagro heart cushion
Stripe it to Me (black) vinyl
Stripe it to Me (black) vinyl
Pastel Zebra side table cabinet
Pastel Zebra side table cabinet

11 ways to add value to your home: budget-friendly edition

11 ways to add value to your home: budget-friendly edition

As a home-owner, you want your home to look its best. While many renovations can be costly, some can be done even if you’re pinching the pennies. Fortunately, many thrifty improvements can work to add value to your home. Here are some budget-friendly changes you can make:

Curb appeal

1. Improve curb appeal

First impressions last, and there’s no other area in your home providing this than your curb. Having professional exterior cleaning and designing services like Nova Exteriors and others is worth it. If there’s only one project you can work on, focus primarily on your exterior. When it looks attractive and presentable, your home’s value increases as it can attract more potential buyers to view.

If you’re planning on selling your home, many prospective purchasers won’t even make it beyond your curb or front lawn if it appears like it’s a neglected home on the inside.

Couple painting

2. Apply a fresh coat of paint

One of the most inexpensive projects you can carry out on your property to add value is to give it a fresh coat of paint – especially if your home has a dated colour scheme. Revamping tired walls with neutral shades is best. Should you decide to sell your home, you’ll attract more buyers if the paintwork is fresh and when the interior style resonates with a wider range of people.

Old garage door

3. Change your garage door

Replacing your garage door isn’t an exciting change to your home. However, it’s one of the most effective at increasing your home’s value. You can replace your current garage door with a more robust and better-looking one. Also, consider installing added features for it such as an alarm or sensor.

Kitchen drawer handles

4. Replace knobs on cabinets, drawers and doors

You may not be able to afford to change all your cabinets, drawers and doors right now however, there’s one way to make it look more up-to-date and modern: renew the hardware. Even the most basic units can look better when you fit new hardware. For its relatively cheap price tag, replacing all your outdated knobs & handles can add a wow factor.

Table & chairs on circular decking

5. Add a wooden deck or patio

As for your garden, a wooden deck or patio is something you can easily DIY. With an emphasis on outdoor living, your wooden deck increases your home’s value as it now makes your outside space more attractive. Plus, the ambiance of your garden will look and feel a lot better.

Cleaner with a vacuum cleaner

6. Deep clean your home

Deep cleaning your home is one of the cheapest but most effective ways to increase your home’s value. This means going above and beyond the regular day-to-day cleaning.

Generally, to ensure a job well done, you’ll need to call in the help of the experts. They can deep clean all the nooks and crannies to make your home look and feel new again. Those mattresses, carpets and sofas grubby with stains that you can’t get clean yourself? Professional cleaners can make those look brand new.

Tiling tools

7. Remodel a bathroom

If you have multiple bathrooms at home but you can only afford to update one, choose the one in dire need of a makeover with the help of expert plumbers.

Remodelling your bathroom can increase your home’s value simply because it improves its functionality and aesthetics. No one likes to do their business in a bathroom that looks mouldy and full of grime.

Hand and lit lightblub

8. Update the lighting

Perhaps, your home is equipped with ancient light fittings that look like they’re coming to the end of their life. Perhaps they’re hard to clean or no longer in style and are detracting from the overall ambiance in your home.

Replace this old lighting. Many homeware stores have a wide variety of options from which to choose, depending on your style and budget.

Smart thermostat

9. Invest in energy-efficient fixtures

One of the most important features of homes today is for them to be energy-efficient. If you can’t afford to install solar panels for now, then at least make other smaller changes in your home to make it more efficient.

Insulating your home properly is an important step in making it more energy-efficient. Good insulation keeps your property warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thus cutting down on the need for central heating in the cold months and air conditioning in the warm months.

Also, consider switching electrical fixtures & fittings to more energy-efficient examples. For example, use low-energy, LED bulbs and install a smart thermostat. A smart meter allows you to monitor which of your appliances are energy guzzlers.

Garden spade in the ground

10. Plant a tree

If you aren’t planning to sell your home soon or in the next few years, why not plant a tree? If your garden is flat, an inexpensive way to transform its outlook is to add a tree. It can provide year-round, seasonal interest; blossom in the summer, colourful autumn foliage and bare branches offer a stark winter silhouette. Also, hanging a string of festoon lights in your tree will make your outdoor area feel a lot cosier at night.

Wardrobe storage

11. Add more storage space

One of the common problems with smaller homes is the lack of storage space. Providing sufficient room to stow away rarely needed items is one of the best ways to add value to your home as it improves its functionality.

Go through each room of your house and look for areas where added storage space is needed. Be imaginative. You can start with any wasted vertical space you may have, so you can add shelves or cupboards.

Couple looking at colour charts

Conclusion

Every home-owner aspires to make their house look its best and add value to it, but not everyone has spare cash to spend on major improvements. Many of the tips above are suitable for those on a shoestring budget!

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The top décor trends from the last decade

The top décor trends from the last decade

From minimalism to eclectic styles, the past decade has seen a lot of changes when it comes to interior design. Some trends may have only lasted a season, whereas others have become ingrained in what is now deemed classic interior design, remaining some of the top current trends right now.

With tons of inspiration at our fingertips, thanks to everything from home and interior magazines to the likes of Pinterest and Instagram, we’re all constantly aware of rising trends and popular choices. Yet as each individual piece and style filters through into everyday homes, they take on their own individual twist, making all homes, even those that share trends, unique in their own way. Though trends are open to interpretation, specific styles spring to mind when it comes to those that have stood the test of time. Here are the top décor trends from across the past decade which have become the iconic styling trademarks of the 2010s.

Scandinavian influences in interior décor

  1. Scandinavian minimalism

This trend has remained popular ever since the early 2010s. Scandinavian minimalism is particularly favoured due to environmentalism becoming an increasingly hot topic over the years. Another factor that promoted this trend was the rise of contemporary designs, which takes us back to basics without fuss or over embellishment. Aside from the use of wood, little décor and neutral colour scheme, this movement is also identifiable by its focus on cosiness. The Danish word hygge has become a leitmotif. It defines the feeling of being curled up in a cosy blanket, sipping hot tea in an armchair in front of a real fire while reading a book or chatting with friends. It’s no surprise that this trend has become so popular!

Monochrome chevron patterned floor

  1. Chevron patterns

A focus on geometric patterns, artwork and designs has been extremely prevalent throughout the last decade. The continued demand has enabled the classic chevron pattern to solidify its spot in the top trends for the decade, with no signs of the trend letting up any time soon. Once reserved only for monochrome looks, designers and retailers alike have taken the trend and elevated it to new heights through the use of colour palettes and varying textures. With so much variety available, it’s never been easier to match a chevron pattern to any room. Whether that’s through scatter cushions, a rug, or window treatments, it’s sure to make a statement and add a playful spin to the home.

Luxury floral patterned bedding in shades of blue

  1. Quality bedding

The progress of science has made people increasingly aware of what makes a difference to our health and well-being. Numerous studies have proven the importance of getting eight hours of quality sleep every night and though investing in a quality mattress, pillows and sheets can be costly, it’s well worth the return of a luxury could-be-hotel night’s sleep. The way we use bedding has also changed throughout the last decade, with both comfort and design a priority. Many designers and well-known celebrities alike have taken their craft to bedding sets, with everyone from Karl Lagerfeld and Holly Willoughby proving popular.

Natural macramé wall hanging with macramé cushions on the bed beneath

  1. Global influences

In a world where globalisation seems to be the hottest topic, it is perhaps no surprise that many home-owners have incorporate international pieces into their home decoration. Interiors inspired from around the globe have proved particularly popular throughout the last decade, with décor choices including everything from Gaudi’s lizard from Barcelona featuring on walls to unique landscape paintings originating from Thailand or even the use of macramé in living an bedroom spaces. With social media acting as more of a global platform than ever before, it’s never been easier to take inspiration from traditional and modern design choices alike from all over the world.

Upcycled elements in a bedroom

  1. Upcycling

The infinite source of inspiration that Pinterest and Instagram offers has been the go-to place for creative minds. As the globe looks to be kinder to the environment, the consideration of recycling and re-using home interiors has never been more prevalent. The upcycling era cemented itself as a powerhouse trend throughout the last decade and it’s almost certainly set to last. Using vintage pieces or affordable furniture found in thrift shops is just one of the new ways that interior design is taking shape. Those crafty enough are bringing pieces back to life with a lick of paint and some inspiration, which is a trend we can definitely get behind.

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Get their look: Halloween-themed, black-painted greenhouse

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Julie Aldridge (@aldridgejulie)

Summer may be gone for this year, but we’re still spending lots of time out in the garden… even if only to gather up the leaves that are falling from our giant sycamore tree.

As the temperature begins to cool, we’d love an outdoor place like this black-painted greenhouse where we can spend more of the year in the garden. Once potting tasks are done for the year, there’s space in Julie’s greenhouse for table and chairs to enjoy a cuppa or outdoor meal.

The lanterns and festoon lights add atmospheric lighting and the colourful squashes & gourds are a nod to the upcoming celebration. Come December, the pumpkins could give way to holly, mistletoe and a winter wreath or two.

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Contemporary light concrete high trough planter, black
Contemporary light concrete high trough planter, black
Black bistro chair
Black bistro chair
Black bamboo and glass lantern
Black bamboo and glass lantern
Natural hessian fabric, sold by the metre
Natural hessian fabric, sold by the metre
10-squirrel cage bulb ingenious festoon light bundle
10-squirrel cage bulb ingenious festoon light bundle
Protek Royal Exterior wood finish, black
Protek Royal Exterior wood finish, black
Bamboo battery lantern
Bamboo battery lantern
Contemporary light concrete high trough planter, black
Contemporary light concrete high trough planter, black
Black bistro chair
Black bistro chair
Black bamboo and glass lantern
Black bamboo and glass lantern
Natural hessian fabric, sold by the metre
Natural hessian fabric, sold by the metre
10-squirrel cage bulb ingenious festoon light bundle
10-squirrel cage bulb ingenious festoon light bundle
Protek Royal Exterior wood finish, black
Protek Royal Exterior wood finish, black
Bamboo battery lantern
Bamboo battery lantern